Explore a rewarding career advancing community care with clinical care.
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Work Integrated Learning
The Respiratory Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for success in the profession of respiratory therapy. With access to state-of-the-art equipment, simulation techniques and clinical placements, you gain the hands-on skills necessary for employment.
Learn to practice competently, safely and effectively in diverse practice settings. By the end of the program, you demonstrate the ability to work as a team member in support of clients` respiratory care....(read more)
Explore a rewarding career advancing community care with clinical care.
The Respiratory Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for success in the profession of respiratory therapy. With access to state-of-the-art equipment, simulation techniques and clinical placements, you gain the hands-on skills necessary for employment.
Learn to practice competently, safely and effectively in diverse practice settings. By the end of the program, you demonstrate the ability to work as a team member in support of clients` respiratory care.
You participate in clinical lab simulations and apply theory to clinical practice. You also complete more than 1,200 hours in clinical placements, which may require relocation for a portion or for the full placement to another clinical setting across Ontario. These experiences take place in various settings: general wards, emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, and operating units. Graduates are eligible to take the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies credential exam, which is required to work in Canada and to use the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Graduates typically find employment:
Graduates may choose to pursue post-graduate studies in areas such as polysomnography, anesthesia assistant or cardiopulmonary perfusion.
This program is well-suited for students who:
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PSY1757
Course Name:
Psychosociology
Course Description:
Themes in Psychosocial Science are introduced through lectures, discussions and role-playing. Students acquire the communication skills used... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES1104
Course Name:
Practice Foundations and Legalities
Course Description:
Administrative skill sets are applied to the workplace setting. Topics include the basic elements of staffing, budgeting, use and developmen... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4810
Course Name:
Medical Gas Therapy - Theory
Course Description:
A basic introduction to gases, equipment and associated principles employed in respiratory therapy is provided. The material presented cover... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4812
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology I
Course Description:
The study of the human body and its functions is applied to the practice of respiratory therapy. Topics include the language of anatomy, the... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
RES4815
Course Name:
Medical Gas Therapy - Laboratory
Course Description:
Practical experience involving the use of medical gases and their delivery systems is emphasized. This includes flowmeters, regulators, cyli... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4817
Course Name:
Applied Respiratory Sciences
Course Description:
Basic scientific and math principles are applied to the practice of respiratory therapy. Principles of biology, chemistry and physics are ap... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4316
Course Name:
Pathophysiology I
Course Description:
An understanding of applied medical terminology and the pathological processes which occur in the body are the main themes of this course. T... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
RES4801
Course Name:
Basic Respiratory Protocols Theory
Course Description:
Concepts of infection prevention and control, patient assessment techniques, oxygen and humidity therapy, suction therapy, thermal regulatio... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4802
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology II
Course Description:
The anatomy and physiology of the following systems are explored: cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and urinary. The focus is placed on t... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
RES4803
Course Name:
Principles of Mechanical Ventilation Theory
Course Description:
The operating principles of a variety of ventilators are examined. Topics include control variables, phase variables, ventilation modes, ala... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4821
Course Name:
Basic Respiratory Protocols - Laboratory
Course Description:
The following basic patient care skills are applied in a simulated setting: patient assessment, oxygen therapy, humidity therapy, charting, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4825
Course Name:
Pharmacology
Course Description:
A practical basis for pharmacology in the practice of respiratory therapy protocols is presented. Emphasis is placed on agents used in cardi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4844
Course Name:
Pulmonary Diagnostics - Theory
Course Description:
The principles and techniques utilized in Pulmonary Function Diagnostics are introduced. Topics include the operation of various pulmonary f... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4872
Course Name:
Principles of Mechanical Ventilation Lab
Course Description:
The interactions and operating principles of various aspects of ventilators, such as triggering, cycling, ventilation modes and alarms are e... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4317
Course Name:
Pathophysiology II
Course Description:
Pathological processes with emphasis on cardiac disease and the interrelationship between pathophysiology and compensation mechanisms are ex... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES2365
Course Name:
Applied Mechanical Ventilation Laboratory I
Course Description:
Practical application of mechanical ventilation through the use of case studies covering a variety of pathophysiological conditions is the m... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4830
Course Name:
Advanced Respiratory Protocols - Theory
Course Description:
Background knowledge on a variety of cardiorespiratory diagnostics and therapeutics is the focus of this course. Advanced airway management ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4831
Course Name:
Advanced Respiratory Protocols - Laboratory
Course Description:
Advanced cardiorespiratory diagnostic and therapeutic skills are performed via use of therapist driven protocols in a simulated setting. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4845
Course Name:
Pulmonary Diagnostics - Laboratory
Course Description:
The principles and techniques discussed in Pulmonary Functions Diagnostics Theory are applied. Students operate various types of pulmonary f... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4854
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum I
Course Description:
Understanding the role of a respiratory therapist in the hospital setting develops an understanding of the interprofessional nature of the h... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
RES4855
Course Name:
Principles of Blood Analysis (Theory and Lab)
Course Description:
Understanding the technical aspects of blood analysis is important to the Respiratory Therapy student. Laboratory data is used to perform co... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4858
Course Name:
Applied Mechanical Ventilation - Theory
Course Description:
The physiological aspects of normal versus assisted ventilation are compared in order to determine the necessity for mechanical ventilation.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0606
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1938
Course Name:
Professional Communication for Respiratory Therapists
Course Description:
Respiratory therapists work in an environment that requires a high level of competency in both written and oral communication. Students inve... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4832
Course Name:
Neonatal and Paediatric Care
Course Description:
The principles and techniques employed in respiratory therapy when providing care for neonatal and pediatric patients are introduced. Topics... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4847
Course Name:
Applied Mechanical Ventilation - Laboratory II
Course Description:
Comprehensive patient management skills are developed in a simulated clinical setting through a series of case studies. Emphasis is placed o... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4848
Course Name:
Anesthesia
Course Description:
Part of the role of a respiratory therapist is working in the operating room. Topics covered include anesthesia equipment, pre-operative and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4849
Course Name:
Research, Ethics and Healthcare Issues
Course Description:
Issues related to society and healthcare are discussed. The roles and evaluation processes of healthcare throughout history are examined. Th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4851
Course Name:
Cardiopulmonary Management - Theory
Course Description:
Advanced skills associated with advanced life support protocols are introduced, such as 12 lead ECG interpretation, electrical therapy, phle... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4857
Course Name:
Cardiopulmonary Management Lab
Course Description:
Skills associated with cardiopulmonary stabilization are practised. Emphasis is placed on the following procedures: obtaining IV access, set... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4870
Course Name:
Patient Care Lab
Course Description:
Simulated clinical case studies and the implementation of therapist driven protocols are used in an intensive care, emergency or ward settin... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4871
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum II
Course Description:
Clinical experience consolidates the relationship of theory to clinical practice. Students gain experience via observation of diagnostic and... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
RES4853
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum III - Hospital Training
Course Description:
Clinical rotations allow students to gain practical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students progress from direct to indirect ... + Read More
Hours:
600.0
Code:
RES4875
Course Name:
Comprehensive Examination
Course Description:
Examinations prepare students to challenge the national credential exam for entry to practice. The exams are formatted to reflect the Canadi... + Read More
Hours:
19.0
Code:
RES4859
Course Name:
Patient Case Study
Course Description:
Clinical presentation and the management of cardiopulmonary diseases using a case study approach are emphasized. Students practise teaching ... + Read More
Hours:
10.0
Code:
RES4863
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum IV - Hospital Training
Course Description:
Clinical rotations allow students to gain practical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students progress from direct to indirect ... + Read More
Hours:
600.0
Successful completion of the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies credential exam allow graduates to work in Canada. This exam is conducted by the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC). Students apply to the CBRC in the third year of the program in order to write the exam upon graduation. Graduates and Registered Respiratory Therapists working in regulated provinces must be a member of their Regulatory College, the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO).
Graduates typically find employment as staff therapists in hospitals. They work wards, adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, emergency departments and cardiopulmonary diagnostic units. Graduates may also find employment in the private sector in community care, medical sales, physicians` or dental offices or research. Graduates may pursue post-graduate studies in such areas as polysomnography, anesthesia assistant or cardiopulmonary perfusion.
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
International Applicants:
International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.
Please click this link for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.
Accepted applicants must:
Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Record Check program requirements.
Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Respiratory Therapy program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
Clinical Placement Eligibility:
Students must complete all ParaMed Clinical/Field Pre-Placement Health requirements one (1) month prior to starting clinical placements. Details regarding the requirements including immunizations, may be found in the form mentioned above. It will be provided to you in Level 02 of the program.
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS), which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. Obtaining this documentation may be a lengthy process so submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.
An updated PRCSVS must be submitted at the beginning of each year of the program. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical until a clear PRCSVS is received by the clinical site(s).
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Students complete limited clinical experience in Year two, mainly as an observer.
The primary clinical experience, Year three, involves rotations in various clinical settings such as: wards, intensive care, pulmonary and cardiac diagnostics, pediatric/neonatal care, operating rooms and community care for a maximum of 31 weeks. This does not include break weeks.
Note: the length of clinical experience is under review. Third year clinical experience is completed during a 12-month period, beginning in either May or August, and finishing between March and June of the following calendar year.
Students should expect to do combinations of 8-10 and 12-hour shifts inclusive of days, evenings, nights and weekends. Student`s schedules are assigned in blocks; therefore, start and end times of the total clinical experience varies with block assignments. Students must comply with the code of ethics and standards of practice of both the provincial regulatory body and the national professional association, as well as the policies of the clinical sites.
All costs associated with clinical experience, such as travel, parking and relocation/accommodations are the responsibility of the student.
During the clinical placement, if there is significant professional/safety infractions, students will be removed from the clinical site and pending results of an investigation may receive an F grade for the clinical placement course. If this results in a break in clinical placement of one term or more, the student will have to enroll and pass a mandatory Continuing Education course to update skills. The cost of the Continuing Education course will be dependent on the total hours required.
This program is offered on a full-time basis only. Individual courses are available only to those registered full-time in the program.
Room B246s
A graduate of both the University of Ottawa (BSc. Kin, 1991) and Algonquin College (Respiratory Therapy, 1995), Sharon has been at Algonquin College since 2004. Her clinical experience prior to coming to the college included 10 years as a general duty Respiratory Therapist at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, where she worked in the Adult ICU, Neonatal ICU, the Emergency Department and the general wards. Courses taught here at the college include Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Blood Analysis and Mechanical Ventilation. Â