For most people, breathing is as easy and natural as blinking. But for thousands of Canadians, breathing is a struggle. They might be accident victims, premature babies with immature lungs, heart attack and stroke patients, or people who live with asthma and emphysema. When it comes to their care, a respiratory therapist will likely play a vital role on the healthcare team. Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who assist physicians with the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders.
Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals.
You'll find them in neonatal nurseries, operating rooms, intensive care units, general wards, and emergency departments. They need good judgement, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain composure in critical medical situations. Education and Certification Respiratory therapists in Canada graduate from three-year training programs offered by community colleges and institutes of technology. Several universities also offer four year respiratory therapy degrees. Students learn theoretical subjects, such as anatomy, and receive clinical training in hospital and home care settings.