Faculty of Health Professions
School of Health Sciences
1276 South Park Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 | 473-5510

Respiratory Therapy

Who are Respiratory Therapists?
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are highly skilled health care professionals who help people with their breathing. RTs care for patients by evaluating, treating and maintaining heart and lung function. They treat all age groups, from newborns to the eldery.

Where do Respiratory Therapists work?                                                            Respiratory therapists work in a variety of hospital and/or community settings:   

  • Intensive care units
  • Emergency departments
  • Operating rooms
  • Neonatal nurseries
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Sleep labs
  • Home care
  • Smoking cessation programs
  • Medical equipment sales
  • Education and research

How do I become a Respiratory Therapist?                                                                  The School of Health Sciences offers a four year Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc)degree program, which includes theory and practice. Students will take core professional development courses with a  concentration on respiratory therapy specific skills. A diploma option is possible after completion of Year 3.

Entrance Requirements
Students must have a high school diploma which includes English, Math, Chemistry and either Biology or Physics at the grade 12 level. Acceptance requires no mark below 70% in each of these courses with an overall minimum average of 75%. Post Secondary students must have a GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.30 scale), with no grade lower than a C in prerequisite courses. Acceptance is offered to residents of the Maritime Provinces, then to residents across Canada, then to all other applicants.

Examples of Courses in the Program 

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Cardiopulmonary Physiology
  • Respiratory Disease and Therapeutics
  • Human Pregnancy and Fetal/Newborn Development 
  • Mechanical Ventilation 
  • Foundations of Health Care Practice
  • Health Care Ethics
  • Statistics
  • Research Methods

There is an 8 week Clinical Practicum in May and June of the first three years of the program.

Accreditation
The Council on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy Education (CoARTE) accredits the program. For more information go to: http://www.csrt.com/accreditation.php

Professional Associations
The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) is the national professional association for respiratory therapists. RTs employed in Nova Scotia are licensed by the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists.  

Job Opportunities
Respiratory therapy is an evolving profession with excellent employment opportunities across Canada. Working hours and salaries vary from province to province.

For more information on Respiratory Therapy, visit www.csrt.com and www.nscrt.com.