Traits, skills and aptitudes
Respiratory therapists tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.
You need:
- effective communication skills
- organization, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- the ability to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- physical stamina to transport, lift, and position patients and equipment
- compassion and an interest in caring for others
- the ability to act quickly and decisively in a crisis
- the ability to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and regulate your emotions
- the ability to work on your own and within a team.
You will need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for long periods, which includes exposure to latex and other disinfection materials. You should be comfortable performing patient care procedures in very close proximity to your patients.
Some roles require extended work hours and shift work, including nights and weekends.
If you intend to work in Alberta after graduation and your first language is not English, you will need to meet the English language requirements of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CRTA).
You are encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for respiratory therapists and the National Competency Framework for the profession to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You’ll complete practicum rotations in adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, the emergency department, anesthesia, wards, home care, pulmonary function and blood gas labs.
Your shifts may occur at any time of day (including overnights), on weekdays or on weekends. During the program’s third-year practicum rotations, you’ll spend most of your time in the workplace but will be required to return to SAIT for a short period each semester, regardless of your practicum location.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, you might need to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
In addition to the standard requirements, you’ll need to complete the Neonatal Resuscitation Program offered by the Canadian Pediatric Society. Proof of completion must be submitted before your fifth semester. The certification must be valid for the entire practicum year.
If you are admitted to this program as part of the reserved seats for current residents of Saskatchewan, you will complete part of the program’s practicum hours outside of the standard sequencing.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
Our Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by Accreditation Canada. SAIT works closely with our advisory committee to ensure our curriculum continues to exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Graduates must successfully challenge the Health Professionals Testing Canada (HPTC) examination to earn the right to practice respiratory therapy in Canada. Most provinces in Canada have a provincial regulatory body, which you will need to join to work in that province.
All graduates may become members of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) by paying the membership fee required in an unregulated province.
Some regulators require applicants to take a specific English language assessment to register. For example, the College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta requires a benchmark score of nine in all the Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment categories. Please contact the regulator of the province you wish to work in to determine their specific requirements.
Specialized intakes
Some seats in this program are reserved for applicants currently residing in Saskatchewan via our interprovincial health training agreements. Some intakes are exclusively for these applicants. Limited space is available.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Respiratory Therapy diploma.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Managers in healthcare (30010)
- Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
- Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers (41404)
Application process
Before applying to this program, you must complete the necessary entrance tests.
Refer to Health and Public Safety entrance testing to find the required tests and deadlines and instructions on how to book your exams.
Program outline
The Respiratory Therapy diploma requires 96 credits (27 courses) to complete.
The program spans three years, with two semesters in the first and second year, and three semesters in the third year.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $2,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
An Apple or Android tablet capable of running the latest operating system is required to access the Comptracker app, which is a program requirement. A device that supports LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor and is equipped with a microphone and camera is also required to access program assessments. An Apple tablet on its own, or an Android tablet together with a Windows/Apple laptop will meet all program computing hardware requirements.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are by semester and made available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniform
You will need your uniform for orientation day, so order your uniform early. You are expected to wear scrubs for your simulated labs, including the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation and clinical experience.
These scrubs can be purchased at:
Universal Workwear
Bay 11, 2135 - 32nd Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3
Tel: 403.717.3780
Toll-free: 1.866.442.7303
A stethoscope is part of your uniform and is available at Universal Workwear. Stethoscopes need to be brought to all patient assessment labs and simulation labs.
You’ll also be required to purchase Lab Supply Kits for your labs. Pay for these at the SAIT Bookstore, and then bring your receipt to the appropriate instructor, who will provide you with your Lab Kits in exchange for proof of payment.
Students outside of Calgary
If you live outside the Calgary area, you have two options to purchase your uniform:
- Wait until you move to Calgary to order your uniform in person so that you can try on the tops before your name is embroidered and SAIT crest is added. If you choose this option, please allow yourself at least two to three days for Universal Workwear to have it ready for pick-up, as you must wear your uniform to Orientation.
- Find a local scrub provider who carries the MOBB brand of scrubs, and try them on for fit. Then, place your order by calling Universal Workwear at 1.866.442.7303 (toll-free) so they may have your uniform ready for you once you arrive in Calgary. If you use this option, please review the photo of your uniform to know what to look for. The following styles for tops are the only accepted styles:
- ladies: T3030 or 308T
- men: T4010 or 301T
Additional fees
- A fee of $375 is associated with the CompTracker application used in this program.
- A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.
- A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
- The Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) exam fee is approximately $900.
- Annual dues for the College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CRTA) are approximately $425.
- Annual dues for the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) are approximately $100 for students and $180 for regular members.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Use effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills in all respiratory care practice settings.
- Demonstrate compassion and respect in all aspects of respiratory care practice.
- Provide patient care using assessments, diagnostics and skills as outlined by the National Competency Framework for the Profession of Respiratory Therapy.
- Adhere to legal and ethical requirements with personal and professional accountability and responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of practitioners, patients and the public.
- Collaborate effectively within the interdisciplinary team to achieve a high standard of patient-centered care in all aspects of respiratory care practice.
- Use critical thinking skills and an evidence-based approach in all aspects of respiratory care practice to optimize patient care.
- Plan for participation in life-long learning and continuing education in order to excel in personal practice as a respiratory therapist.
- Educate patients, families and other caregivers to encourage self-management and improved quality of life for respiratory care patients.
- Create a community of knowledge sharing and professional pride through education and preceptorship of students, peers and interprofessional team members.
- Demonstrate proficient use of technology to promote best practice in respiratory therapy.
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