5.10 Program: Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are healthcare professionals who assess, monitor and treat individuals with respiratory and cardio-respiratory disorders (New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapists, n.d., para. 2).
Video: Julie – Respiratory Therapy
Video: “Julie – Respiratory Therapy” by Fanshawe College [1:53] Transcript Available.
About the Profession
Respiratory Therapists (RRTs)assess, monitor and treat patients with cardiorespiratory illnesses. The scope of practice of and RRT ranges from research, education to treatment. As a result the RRT is highly specialized and works in a variety of areas such as home care, hospitals, education, clinics, and the industry.
More information can be found at:
Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario – Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Integrated Role Profile in Ontario
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario – What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Program Fit
What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?
This program is very competitive; applicants will likely need some post-secondary experience to be competitive. The Pre-Health Science program is the recommended preparation for this program.
Literacy – Strong written and verbal communications skills are needed. High school courses in Business and Technological Communication would be good preparation.
Math & Science – Excellent math skills required to take measurements using specialized tools and calculate medication dosages and delivery rates. Strong interest and ability in Physics as well as a foundation in high school level biology and chemistry.
Technology – Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).
This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see Respiratory Therapy website for details.
What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?
- Able to make decisions quickly & confidently
- Ability to act quickly and assertively in crisis situations
- Ability to adapt to changing environment
- Moderate mechanical aptitude (you will be working with sophisticated equipment)
- Fine motor skills and manual dexterity
- Ability to work in professional & regulated environment
- Ability to analyze situations and create solutions based on theoretical knowledge
- Active listening
- Excellent verbal communicator; able to provide explanations and directions to patients
- Enjoy fostering positive relationships
- Ability to work in a team
- Enjoy working with and caring for people
- Desire to work with sick and vulnerable people of all ages
- Self-motivated, committed to lifelong learning
Typical working conditions for this kind of work:
- Typically work 12 hour shifts and may work weekends and holidays
- Can work on-call and may travel within a service area
- Spend the majority of their working hours on their feet
- Lifting (up to 10 kilograms) may be required; may routinely help to lift immobile patients
- May experience high levels of stress
- Exposure to blood & bodily fluids, infectious environments
Becoming a Respiratory Therapist
The Medical Radiation Technology program at Fanshawe College is a 100 week Ontario College Advanced Diploma program starting in September each year with theory and practical components. The program workload is considered to be heavy with:
- Eight courses in your first semester
- 1-2 hours of study required for each hour in class
- 18-22 hours of class (38-62 hour/week commitment)
This program follows a curriculum approved by the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO), the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CRST) and the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies (NARTRB), and is accredited nationally through Accreditation Canada. College faculty, together with instructors from the clinical affiliates, provide the scientific foundation and clinical experience required to prepare students for practice at the entry-level within Ontario, as well as nationally and internationally. Graduates will be eligible to write national certification exams and apply for a license with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario or other regions of Canada.
Graduates of the program must undertake a nationally recognized certification exam in order to make an application for credentialing with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO), or to other Regulators within Canada, depending upon where they desire to practice. Graduates who intend to practice in Ontario must apply for registration with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO).
The courses you would take at Fanshawe College can be found on the Respiratory Therapy page.
Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.
Further Information
Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) – Respiratory Therapy Exam
Fanshawe Pathfinder: Respiratory Therapist © Fanshawe College used with permission, All Rights Reserved
Admission requirements:
Respiratory Therapy Admission Requirements
PHS Graduates
Given additional consideration when applying to 3 year advanced diploma certificate program
Emily Rowe
BSc, RRT
| Current Employer |
Registered Respiratory Therapist at University Hospital, LHSC, as well as a part time Professor in the Respiratory Therapy Program at Fanshawe College. |
| Skills you use Professionally | The skills that we use professionally are abundant, but the ones that come to mind first include problem solving skills, critical thinking, communication, compassion, time management, resiliency, and of course good teamwork. Diving a bit deeper into the role itself, we require a specific skills set that includes thorough patient assessments, initiating appropriate oxygen therapy, administering medications, and being an expert in airway management and ventilation. |
| Favourite Memory |
My favourite part of being an RT is the comradery within the profession. We spend so much time with our coworkers (12 hour shifts) and are always working together as a team, which leads to a unique closeness. I have made lifelong friends in this career. We have travelled to conferences together, celebrated each other’s milestones both professionally & personally, and have had to problem solve and think quickly on our feet in life or death situations. We’ve laughed, cried, and carried on together. |
| Credentials/Past Professional Experiences |
Bachelor of Science, University of Ottawa Respiratory Therapy Advance Diploma Program, Fanshawe College |
| One thing you would tell your student self |
The one thing I would tell my student self is that everything is going to work out. The stress and pressure I put on myself sometimes wasn’t always the healthiest and I had to find ways to stay grounded. I still carry that mindset with me in my jobs. The RT community is filled with so much support and there is always someone willing to help. |
