Overview
Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Clinical perfusionists provide technical support to patients undergoing cardiac surgery and patients requiring cardio-respiratory support. Cardiopulmonary technologists assist physicians in the technical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals, extended care facilities, public health centres, sleep, private or dental clinics and respiratory home care companies. Clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists are primarily employed in hospitals. Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Respiratory therapists
Perform diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary functions tests
Operate and monitor respiratory equipment to administer treatments such as oxygen, oxygen-air mixtures, humidified air or specialty medical gases
Operate, monitor, maintain and test a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
Perform or assist with interventions such as airway maintenance, line insertions, inductions and intubations, and manage patients and associated equipment
Execute anesthesia assistance services
Perform artificial respiration and external cardiac massage
Evaluate and monitor patients' cardiorespiratory conditions
Provide and optimize patients' mechanical ventilation
Assist with transport of high-risk patients
May prepare and administer authorized medications
Supervise and train students and other respiratory therapists
Participate in home care programs for chronic respiratory patients and provide patient and family education
Participate in research related to cardiac and pulmonary disorders.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$60,170
$79,253
$93,852
Job openings
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Strong job outlook
British Columbia
502expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Respiratory therapists require the completion of a three-year college or university degree program in respiratory therapy, both including clinical training.
Licensing is required for respiratory therapists in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
A national certification for respiratory therapists is available for therapists working in Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Additional information
Respiratory therapists may work in specific areas of practice such as anesthesia, critical care, neonatal and pediatrics, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, respiratory home and community care, research and private health industry.
Supervisory and instructor positions in this unit group require experience in their respective fields as a respiratory therapist, clinical perfusionist or cardiopulmonary technologist.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Respiratory therapists in B.C.
- Membership with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists
- Membership with the BC Society of Respiratory Therapists
Membership with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a respiratory therapist in B.C., you may choose to become a member of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists. Eligibility is achieved by graduating from an approved respiratory therapy program, and by successfully writing the Health Professionals Testing Canada exam.
Membership with the BC Society of Respiratory Therapists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a respiratory therapist in B.C., you may choose to become a member of the BC Society of Respiratory Therapists. Eligibility is achieved by graduating from an approved respiratory therapy program, and by successfully writing the Health Professionals Testing Canada exam.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.