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Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find a series of questions that people commonly ask about the program. The questions have been organized under several different headings that appear as you scroll down the page. When you find a question that you would like answered click on it and the question and the answer will appear at the top of your screen.
When you have read the answer click on to return here. If you follow a link in an answer to a page without the green left border click on you Back button to return to this page. If you have a question that is not answered on this page contact the program coordinator, Anita Gallant, by phone at (613) 727-4723 ext 5084 or by e-mail.
Applying to the Program
Costs and Financial Assistance
Field Placement
Jobs
Living in Ottawa
How do I apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program?
Information about completing your application appears on the college Admissions page.
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Who should apply for this program?
If you have an interest in working in the health care field in a variety of settings from acute care to community care this is the program for you. Graduates work with all types of patients and provide a wide range of patient care from diagnostics and general therapeutics to advanced life support. Graduates combine complex technical skills and patient management skills to provide these multifaceted levels of care.
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Is there any additional tests I have to take in order to qualify for admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program?
There are additional tests for admission to the program. They test general knowledge, aptitude, math and reading skills; as well as the ability to communicate in English. For further information regarding these tests contact the testing centre or visit the Admissions page .
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When will I know if I have been accepted into the Respiratory therapy Program?
Dates for offers of admission to be sent to applicants appear on the college Admissions page.
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I have some University and Community College courses, will I get credit for any of my previous course work?
If you have course work that you believe is relevant to the Respiratory Therapy Program you may qualify for exemptions from some courses. Please review the program curriculum and determine which courses you think you may qualify to be exempted from on the basis of your past education. When you have your list of potential exemptions contact the coordinator of the Respiratory Therapy Program and make an appointment to review your information You will need to supply course description information and an official transcript of your relevant past education. The courses you are presenting for consideration should have been taken within the past 5 years and have the minimal acceptable mark of C minus.
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How many people are accepted into the program each September?
The current enrollment is 40 per year.
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How much is tuition for the program?
Tuition costs are outlined on the fees page in the registrar's webpage.
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How much do text books cost?
Text book costs are outlined on the program curriculum pages under the title Fees and Expenses.
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How do I apply for financial assistance?
Information about student assistance is contained on the Financial Assistance page of the Algonquin site.
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What field placements are included in the program?
The field placement (Clinical Practicum) has 4 levels. Currently Level I is a one day experience in first year. Level 2 includes 2 days experience in second year. Levels III and IV are the primary clinical experience. Students rotate through areas of the hospital and community care settings to gain experience in the skills within our scope of practice. Students progress from direct supervision to independent practice as they proceed through clinical training. The focus is on using therapeutic and diagnostic protocols to incorporate the breadth of practice. Students are expected to act as an integral member of the health care team in a multitude of situations. Experiences include general duty work to work in highly specialized areas, such as neonatal care and intensive care. This affords the student the opportunity to experience potential work placements and plan a career path that meets their goals and suits their strengths. Students may complete their clinical experience in eastern Ontario hospitals and should be prepared to relocate if required. It should also be noted that clinical experience will include day, evening and night shifts. Shifts can vary from 8 hours, 10 hours and 12 hours and may be scheduled any of the 7 days a week.
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Can I get a job in the field while I am in the program?
Therapists must have a provincial credential, and in this province a certificate granted by our Regulated Body to work in the field. However, some students work in the hospital setting in other capacities, such as electrocardiogram technicians; to gain health related experience.
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What kinds of jobs are available when I graduate?
Graduates generally find employment as a general duty therapist in a hospital. However, some graduates are now directly hired into speciality areas, due to current staffing shortages. In addition, graduates sometimes work in private industry, such as with Home Care companies or in related medical sales. There are also many private diagnostic centres now that hire therapists. New opportunities are opening up and post graduate studies are being developed for specialites, such as Anaestheia Assistant.
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Are there jobs available to graduates of the program?
Over the past 5 years, graduates typically have had a 97 – 100% employment within the field.
There is currently a national shortage of Registered Respiratory Therapists. The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists, in a recent article noted that the shortage is not likely to be resolved in the near future. Graduates are currently sought after and there is 100% employment. As a result of the shortage, some hospitals and provinces are offering bursaries and or / signing bonuses. Students should investigate this possibility if they would be interested in such an agreement.
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What is the average salary earned by graduates of the program?
Salaries vary, but are typically in the range of $26.00 – $31.00 per hour for a general duty Therapist.
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Are there any exams after graduation required to work?
There are national credential exams from the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists. These exams are recognized in regulated provinces for your certificate to practice and in unregulated provinces as an employment requirement.
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Do I require a licence to work? Or must I be a member of an Association?
Several provinces, Ontario included, have a Regulatory College. To work in any of these provinces you must be a member of the College (have a licence/certificate) and hold an accepted credential. In non-regulated provinces, the majority of employers will require proof of an accepted credential. In addition, some employers require that you are a member in good standing of the Professional Association to qualify for the "therapist" pay scale; if you are not, you may get the "graduate" pay scale.
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Can I work internationally?
The profession is a relative "newcomer" in medicine and thus we are not recognized in all countries. It is however a developing field, and we are making progress in many ways. Canada's Canadian Borad for Respiratory Care credential is recognized in the USA and Saudi Arabia. The profession is working on reciprocity agreements with many countries, such as Japan, Austria, France and Mexico. In addition, the profession is working on establishing itself in new countries, such as China, Peru, India, England, Germany and Brazil. It is an exciting time to be a Respiratory Therapist because of the new horizons in the international world of medicine.
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Does Algonquin have a residence on campus?
Yes. Information about the residence may be viewed on the campus living centres page
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How do I find a place to live off-campus?
The housing referral service offers support to those applicants looking for off campus housing.
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Where can I find out more about the city?
Ottawa.com is a recently launched web site with extensive information about living in the National Capital Region.
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