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:
Cardiopulmonary technologists
Perform diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function and asthma stress, or assist physicians with cardiac and cardiopulmonary stress tests and bronchoscopies
Determine patients' blood characteristics such as activated clotting time and oxygen saturation
Operate, monitor, maintain, calibrate and test diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
Monitor patients and advise physician of any changes in patients' condition
Prepare medications and administer inhaler and other treatments under supervision of cardiologist
Provide information and care for patients during tests
Assist with the preparation of cardiac catheterization room, prepare specialized catheters and assist cardiologists during catheterization
Perform analysis, programming and monitoring of implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators during surgery
Supervise and train students and other cardiopulmonary technologists
Provide technical support for research.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$60,451
$73,675
$88,787
Usual Hours Worked Weekly: 36.23
Job openings
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Strong job outlook
British Columbia
445expected 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
Supervisory and instructor positions in this unit group require experience in their respective fields as a respiratory therapist, clinical perfusionist or cardiopulmonary technologist.
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.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Cardiopulmonary technologists in B.C.
- Registration with the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists
Registration with the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a cardiopulmonary technologist in B.C., you may choose to be certified through the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists. Eligibility is achieved by completing a Bachelor of Science degree, or by being a Registered Nurse, or holding a recognized Medical Technologies Registration, in addition to a minimum of 1800 hours in the field of pulmonary technology at a recognized institution.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
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