FAQ

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?
An RT assists in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory and cardiac disorders.

Who should apply for this program?
This program may be a good fit for individuals interested in a dynamic career in healthcare and who enjoy working with patients across a variety of clinical settings. Respiratory Therapists provide care across the continuum, from community and general care to emergency and critical care environments.

The profession involves working with patients of all ages and with a wide range of health conditions. Respiratory Therapists apply knowledge and skills in areas such as diagnostic testing, therapeutic interventions, patient assessment, and advanced life support.

Students who are interested in combining science, technology, hands-on clinical skills, and patient-centred care may find Respiratory Therapy a rewarding career path. The profession offers opportunities to develop and apply complex clinical and patient-management skills while working as an integral member of the healthcare team.

How many people are accepted into the program?
50 students are accepted into the program each year. The program has a Fall and Winter intake.

What clinical placements are included in the program?
Clinical placements take place during the third year of the Respiratory Therapy program and provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in hospital and community healthcare settings. Through a variety of clinical experiences, students develop competencies within the scope of Respiratory Therapy practice and progressively transition from direct supervision toward greater independence as their knowledge, skills, and confidence develop.

Students participate as members of the interprofessional healthcare team and gain experience across a diverse range of clinical environments. Placements may include general hospital units, emergency departments, adult and neonatal intensive care units, operating rooms, and other specialized areas. This breadth of experience allows students to explore different areas of Respiratory Therapy practice and gain insight into potential career pathways that align with their interests and strengths.

Clinical placements are arranged at healthcare facilities throughout Eastern Ontario. Students should be prepared to travel or relocate for a portion or, where applicable, all of their clinical placement experience.

Clinical practice reflects the scheduling requirements of the profession. Students may be scheduled for day, evening, or night shifts, including weekends and holidays. Shifts may vary in length and can include 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts across any day of the week. This scheduling provides students with experience in the range of clinical environments and work schedules encountered by practicing Respiratory Therapists.

Could you get a job in the field while you are in the program?
No, however, some students can obtain employment in the hospital setting in other capacities, such as electrocardiogram technicians or as part of an externship in Respiratory Therapy in institutions that offer that role.

What kinds of jobs are available when you graduate?

Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy program pursue diverse career opportunities across healthcare and related industries. Many begin their careers as Respiratory Therapists in hospital settings, while others may transition directly into specialized areas of practice.

Additional career opportunities may be available in community and private-sector settings, including home care and medical equipment or technology companies.

Graduates may also choose to further develop their expertise through post-diploma education in specialized areas such as Anesthesia Assistance and Polysomnography. These opportunities allow graduates to build on their Respiratory Therapy education and pursue areas of practice aligned with their professional interests and career goals.

Are there any exams after graduation required to work?
There is a national licensing exam from Health Professionals Testing Canada.

Do you require a license to work? Or must you be a member of an Association?
Yes. In Ontario, Respiratory Therapists must be registered with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) to practice the profession.

Graduates of an approved Respiratory Therapy program must meet the registration requirements established by the CRTO, which include successfully completing the applicable national examination requirements. Once all registration requirements have been met, graduates may apply for registration with the CRTO and begin practicing as a Respiratory Therapist in Ontario.

Could you work internationally?
Respiratory Therapy is a dynamic and evolving healthcare profession with an expanding presence internationally. While the profession is not yet established or formally recognized in every country, opportunities for international practice continue to develop.

Canadian Respiratory Therapy credentials are recognized in a growing number of international jurisdictions, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Singapore. The profession is also exploring and developing reciprocity and credential-recognition opportunities with countries such as Japan, Austria, France, and Mexico.

At the same time, efforts are underway to establish and expand Respiratory Therapy in additional countries, including Peru, India, England, Germany, and Brazil. These developments reflect the growing international recognition of the expertise and contributions of Respiratory Therapists within healthcare.

For those entering the profession, this is an exciting time to be a Respiratory Therapist, with emerging opportunities to contribute to the evolving role of respiratory care both in Canada and internationally.