Respiratory Therapy
| Campus | Start Date | Tuition/Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Saint John | September 2025 (Blended Delivery) | Domestic |
Program Overview
If you work well under pressure and have a desire to save lives, our three-year Respiratory Therapy program prepares you for work in a hospital or clinical environment. Be ready to assist physicians with the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with breathing disorders or cardiovascular problems. Respiratory Therapists treat all types of patients, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with lung disease. They provide treatment and manage care for patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to victims of heart attack, stroke, drowning or shock. As a graduate, you may apply to write the Health Professionals Testing Canada (HPTC) national entry to practice examination.
Duration
The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within three academic years of full-time study.
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
- Pre-calculus 110
- Total of three (3) sciences, including at least two (2) from the following:
- Biology 112 or 122
- Chemistry 112 or 122
- Physics 112 or 122
Profile J
NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
International Student Admission Equivalencies
Career Possibilities
As a graduate of this program, you may be employed in hospitals within respiratory therapy departments, pulmonary function labs, the operating room environment, homecare or private sales. Specialty training is possible after graduation in such areas as anesthesia assistance, neonatology and pediatrics, perfusion medicine and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.
Specific Considerations
The Respiratory Therapy Program is committed to educating Respiratory Therapists who will fulfill the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies (The Alliance) clinical practice competencies for entry to practice and who will pursue certification by the NB Association of Respiratory Therapists. Those skills, representing the required competencies an entry-level respiratory therapist is expected to be able to perform in the workplace, will provide patient-focused respiratory care while working alongside other health professionals as a member of the integrated health care team.
For information regarding these competencies, please visit the website under National Competency Framework.
For information regarding relevant , see the website. Accreditation Canada is responsible for the accreditation of respiratory therapy schools across Canada and one internationally.
See here for information regarding the
See here for further information regarding the profession. Details on student memberships and required personal liability insurance for graduates will also be found on this site by clicking on "Membership Information" and "".
For details on the process of regulation, scope of practice and benefits to the health care system, refer to the "New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapists Standards of Practice" and "Bill 51", both documents that can be found on the website. Details on the student license fee will also be found on the website.
Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, host facilities throughout the province may require the completion of an as well as proof of valid CPR (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) and specific immunizations. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.
Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for an applied workplace experience. The workplace experiences begin in the Respiratory Therapy Program in the spring of the first year. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned may be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate.
Mandatory Clearance Requirements
To protect the health and safety of students during their clinical/practicum placements, as well as anyone they may encounter, students will be obligated to complete mandatory clearance requirements as a part of the process of being assigned a placement. There will be a cost associated with completing these requirements, which has been calculated as part of the Material Cost of this program. Students who do not complete the requirements will be unable to attend their clinical/practicum placements, which could impact eligibility for the required courses or industry facility visits needed to complete their program. See Clinical/Practicum Placement Requirements for more details.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the practicum settings. Students must also assume costs of accommodations if part, or all, of the practicum placement is outside their hometown or campus location.
International applicants are not currently eligible for this program.
Technology Requirements
51³Ô¹Ïapp is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.
Areas of Study
- Advanced Life Saving Protocols
- Anesthesia
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Blood Gasses
- Client Assessment
- Clinical and Laboratory Procedures
- Diagnostic Procedures
- Ethics
- Human Mechanical Ventilation
- Introduction to Research
- Medical Terminology
- Neonatal and Pediatrics
- Occupational Safety and Quality Assurance
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Professionalism
- Respiratory Equipment and Therapeutic Procedures
Program Courses
Courses are subject to change.
This course is designed to provide learners with an overview of advanced physiological and anatomical concepts of the respiratory system. Learners will explore the principles of physics, lung mechanics, gas exchange, reflexes, regulatory mechanisms and neurological control of breathing. Selected restrictive and obstructive pulmonary pathophysiology be discussed as they relate to advanced concepts.
Prerequisites:
- HCSS1087A
This course focuses on developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required to manage healthcare challenges and guide ethical decision-making. The learners explore a healthcare professional's ethical expectations and legal responsibilities. Utilizing personal reflection and critical thinking, the learners apply ethical principles, theories, attitudes and values as outlined in the national competency framework for entry to practice respiratory therapists, professional standards, and legal frameworks to promote professional practice.
This course is designed to introduce the professional language of medical terminology and abbreviations. Learners will decipher terminology in order to understand the meaning and use of language associated with various body systems.
This course introduces the learner to the structure and function of the human body in its healthy state. Learners will examine individual body systems, their components and processes, and how they interrelate to maintain homeostasis.
This course introduces the learner to reading comprehension and academic writing. The learner will employ foundational reading and writing skills to enhance communication in the academic and workplace setting.
This course introduces learners to the healthcare system's history, delivery, and components as it aligns with respiratory therapy. Learners explore the respiratory therapist's role in the Canadian healthcare system as they aspire to meet the professional expectations of their designation and applicable licensing bodies.
This course builds upon existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology by examining disorders, conditions, and diseases that produce alterations in physiologic function. The emphasis is placed on pathophysiology commonly seen, but not primarily originating in the respiratory or cardiovascular system. The learners study etiology and pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, and medical management.
Prerequisites:
- HCSS1087A
- ANAT1043A
This course builds upon existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology by examining disorders, conditions, and diseases that produce alterations in physiologic function. The emphasis is placed on pathophysiology originating in the respiratory system. The learners study etiology and pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, and medical management.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1076A
- RESP1077A
- RESP1081A
This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service. Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.
This course equips the learner with foundational knowledge in the principles of pharmacology required to safely deliver anesthetic medications. Learners integrate concepts of anatomy and physiology while studying specific medications and drug interactions in the human body. Emphasis is placed on the principles of anesthetic drug action, routes of administration, drug dosage including calculations, a review of pharmacokinetics, and various classes of medications commonly used in anesthesia.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1076A
This course is designed to introduce learners to the intricacies of human relation dynamics within the healthcare environment. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and intrapersonal strategies that promote professionalism, professional growth and cultivate a positive, supportive workplace culture.
This course introduces students to gas laws and principles of physics, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry and biochemistry related to medical gas therapy delivery. It also provides a basic understanding of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Transport Canada regulations, safety standards and procedures for medical equipment, handling and storing medical gases/liquids, and patient safety. Learners examine those fundamental laws and principles and comply with the safety standards, regulations and procedures in delivering medical gas therapy during the respiratory therapy program and in their future professional careers.
The laboratory supports the interpretation of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
This course provides the learner with a foundation in pharmacologic principles to safely deliver respiratory medications. Learners integrate concepts of anatomy and physiology while studying pharmacology and drug interactions in the human body. General principles of drug action, route of drug administration, drug dosages/calculations and pharmacokinetics, and various classes of medications commonly used in respiratory therapy are explored.
Prerequisites:
- ANAT1043A
- HCSS1087A
This course is designed to examine the cardiopulmonary aspects of human blood gases, such as arterial, venous and mixed venous. The collection, analysis, and interpretation of blood gases, and invasive and non-invasive oxygenation measurements are discussed, with particular emphasis on clinical applications.
The laboratory supports applying theoretical knowledge and demonstrating relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- ANAT1043A
This course provides theory and practical applications of heart rhythm monitoring, including electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, cardiac stress tests, and an introduction to echocardiography. Upon completing this course, learners learn to interpret standard 3-lead electrocardiograms according to the ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) protocol and analyze the standard 12-lead configuration.
The laboratory supports applying theoretical knowledge and demonstrating relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- HCSS1087A
This course provides learners with the essential knowledge and skills of respiratory therapy equipment and basic respiratory care procedures used in treating pulmonary disease and their indications for use. Oxygen therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, oxygen analysis, tracheostomy and laryngectomy tubes are discussed.
The laboratory supports applying theoretical knowledge and demonstrating relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- ANAT1043A
- RESP1075A
This course is designed to introduce learners to the role of a respiratory therapist in various clinical settings. In a simulated setting, learners safely apply the principles and procedures for administering medications. Emphasis is placed on professional practice, infection prevention and control, smoking cessation, and appropriate documentation.
The laboratory portion of this course supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1076A
- RESP1079A
This course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret pulmonary function test results according to recognized standards. Learners explore protocols, testing equipment functionality, and gain hands-on experience in conducting tests and classifying results. They develop the skills required to coach clients and recognize patterns indicative of client comorbidities.
Prerequisites:
- ANAT1043A
- RESP1075A
This course focuses on the proper use of resuscitative and therapeutic respiratory therapy equipment, and the safe initiation of short and long-term therapeutic interventions for the respiratory client.
The laboratory portion of this course supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1079A
This course examines the cardiopulmonary aspects of human respiratory mechanical ventilatory assistance. Learners perform measurements of pressure gradients within the lungs and evaluate the related effects on hemodynamics data. They practice initiation, maintenance (manipulation and monitoring), weaning, and withdrawal of respiratory mechanical ventilatory assistive devices. Measurements of pulmonary mechanics and calculations of pulmonary physiological data are incorporated into the course. Correction of abnormal data is practiced according to recognized clinical practices and principles.
The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1077A
- RESP1081A
This course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to support clients with diverse ventilatory needs in a simulated clinical environment. Learner's practice using mechanical ventilation devices, selecting appropriate modes, and adjusting settings to optimize ventilation support while minimizing client discomfort and complications.
The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1083A
This course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge required to optimize cardiovascular stability through the application of pathophysiology, hemodynamics, and pharmacology. Learners explore clinical manifestations and management approaches while developing the skills necessary to implement appropriate interventions and optimize client outcomes.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1077A
- RESP1078A
This course introduces learners to the concepts, procedures and devices used in caring for and evaluating basic respiratory care techniques for neonatal and pediatric client population. Emphasis is placed on pathophysiology, client assessment and specific therapeutic needs.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1077A
- RESP1076A
- RESP1079A
In this course learners study theory and practical application of advanced neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy procedures including, resuscitation techniques. Emphasis is placed on the care, treatment and management of acute neonatal and pediatric cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1082A
- RESP1086A
- RESP1078A
- RESP1083A
- RESP1085A
This course provides learners with the skills to perform a comprehensive adult cardiorespiratory assessment. Emphasis is placed on the assessment and management of acute cardiac and respiratory emergencies through the application of advanced cardiac life support.
Prerequisites:
- PATH1038A
- PATH1039A
- RESP1085A
In this course learners demonstrate the skills required to perform a comprehensive adult cardiorespiratory assessment. Emphasis is placed on the assessment and management of acute cardiac and respiratory emergencies through the application of advanced cardiac life support.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1088A
This course introduces the learner to the principles and practices of anesthesia management pertinent to the respiratory therapist, including operating room preparation, anesthetic administration, injection practices, universal precautions, airway management and fluid therapy. Learners will perform anesthetic gas machine checks, client reviews for risk of anesthetic, insertion of indwelling vascular catheters, and simulated airway manipulation for the anesthetic client.
The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1085A
- RESP1082A
- PHMC1044A
- RESP1084A
In this course, learners gain insight into the role of respiratory therapy through direct observation and learning opportunities in a clinical setting. Learners apply respiratory-related knowledge and skills to client care adhering to professional standards by modeling attitudes and behaviours becoming the profession.
Prerequisites:
- RESP1080A
This course introduces learners to research processes and methodologies, evidence-based practices, data collection, critical appraisal of research literature, and application of clinical research. Learners explore basic concepts and practical skills required to participate in research-based activities. They discover the important role that clinical research plays in developing evidence-informed practice.
Prerequisites:
- HCSS1088A
A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.
Articulation Agreements
Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John
Information: Bachelor of Health Science Degree.
A student who is registered in the BHS degree who has successfully completed the didactic and clinical portions administered by 51³Ô¹Ïapp Saint John campus shall receive academic credit equal to 50% of the credits towards the BHS degree.
External Certifications
Respiratory Therapy graduates may have an opportunity to acquire the following external certifications upon meeting the external agencies certification requirements and paying any required fees to the external agency:
Institution: New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapists
External Certification: Registered Respiratory Therapist
Information: Passing the Health Professionals Testing Canada Inc. examination may permit the student to be licensed and practice in New Brunswick and other jurisdictions in Canada except in those provinces that may require their own provincial examination. Students are responsible to pay for the fee to write the national entry to practice examination.
Institution: Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT)
External Certification: Certificate of Registry - Respiratory Therapist
Information: Upon successful completion of this program, the Respiratory Therapy graduate is eligible to write the national entry to practice examination administered by the Health Professionals Testing Canadian Inc. (HPTC). Those who are successful on this exam receive a Certificate of Registry from the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) if they are a member in good standing.
Passing the examination permits the student to practice in Canada except in those provinces that may require their own provincial examination. Students are also responsible to pay for the fee to write the national registration exam.
Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.
51³Ô¹Ïapp campuses are located on Mi’kmaq, Wolastoq and Peskotomuhkati homelands. Since 1726 this land has been subject to treaties that are still in effect today. We are grateful to learn together on this land and do so guided by the original spirit of those treaties - peace, respect and friendship.
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