Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) performs a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patients require cardiac and/or pulmonary acute and chronic management. They monitor and evaluate the cardiac and pulmonary functions of the patients by invasive and conservative diagnostic and prognostic procedures and develop plans to treat the conditions to improve their respiratory function. They work in various settings including community settings, and hospital settings as well as specialized care facilities, such as neonatal, palliative, rehabilitation, pulmonary function or sleep labs. Respiratory therapist treats patient with severe respiratory infections, lung cancer, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and others.

They are also responsible for operating and maintaining respiratory therapy equipment. Ventilators, general anesthesia machines and other hi-tech diagnostic and treatment tools and machines.

Average Hourly

$33.96

Range Hourly

$18.83 – $50.64

Average Yearly

$66,222

Range Yearly

$36,722 – $98,748

NOC Code

Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (3214)

Alias Job Titles

Anesthesia technologist; Cardiopulmonary technician; Cardiopulmonary technologist; Cardiopulmonary technology instructor; Cardiopulmonary technology supervisor; Cardiovascular perfusion clinical instructor; Cardiovascular perfusion instructor; Cardiovascular perfusion supervisor; Cardiovascular perfusion technologist; Cardiovascular perfusionist; Certified clinical perfusionist (CCP); Chief perfusionist; Chief respiratory technologist; Clinical perfusion clinical instructor; Clinical perfusion supervisor; Clinical perfusionist; Extracorporal circulation technologist; Extracorporal technician; Extracorporal technologist; Inhalation technologist; Oxygen therapy technician; Perfusion technologist; Perfusionist; Polysomnographic technologist; Pulmonary function technologist; Registered respiratory care practitioner; Registered respiratory therapist (RRT); Respiratory care practitioner; Respiratory technician; Respiratory technologist; Respiratory therapist; Respiratory therapy chief; Respiratory therapy clinical instructor; Respiratory therapy supervisor;

Qualifications Required

Three years of education from recognized institutes
College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA) registration required (1-Approved Education program, 2-two-character decoration, 3-1500 hours of work experience, 4-approved examination)

Salary Range

Average hourly	Range hourly	Average yearly	Range yearly
$33.96	$18.83 - $50.64	$66,222	$36,722 - $98,748

Job Demand

High

Employment outlook is mostly good across provinces. More information is available here.

Growth Opportunity

Respiratory therapists can become supervisors and clinical specialists with further experience and education.

Years' Experience Required

At least 1500 hours safe work experience within the previous four years

Training Options (if available)

A three-year diploma in Respiratory Therapy at a recognized Canadian Institute such as

Personal Qualities

Excellent communication skills; empathetic; ability to work independently, Physical and mental stamina

Notes/Other Information

Without additional education, advancement opportunities other than clinical specialists or supervisory positions are limited. Low demand, but employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the Baby Boom generation retire over the next few years.

Steps towards capacity building to become competitive for this job

Getting admitted into a respiratory therapy diploma program followed by clearing relevant licensing exams and registration with provincial regulatory body such as College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA).

References

i. Alberta Learning Information Service

ii. Job Bank Canada

iii. National Occupation Classification ESDC

iv. Neuvoo

v. Indeed