Respiratory Therapy
Explore a rewarding career advancing community care with clinical care.
- Extensive clinical experiences during the third year of our accredited program in hospital and community care settings
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment and simulation techniques in on-site labs
- Graduates are eligible to write the national licensing exam, the HPTC exam, which once passed allows graduates to work in Canada as a Registered Respiratory Therapist
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Fall 2025
Yes
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The Respiratory Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for success in the profession of respiratory therapy. With access to state-of-the-art equipment, simulation techniques and clinical placements, you gain the hands-on skills necessary for employment.
Learn to practice competently, safely and effectively in diverse practice settings. By the end of the program, you demonstrate the ability to work as a team member in support of clients` respiratory care....(read more)
Overview
Explore a rewarding career advancing community care with clinical care.
The Respiratory Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for success in the profession of respiratory therapy. With access to state-of-the-art equipment, simulation techniques and clinical placements, you gain the hands-on skills necessary for employment.
Learn to practice competently, safely and effectively in diverse practice settings. By the end of the program, you demonstrate the ability to work as a team member in support of clients` respiratory care.
You participate in clinical lab simulations and apply theory to clinical practice. You also complete more than 1,200 hours in clinical placements, which may require relocation for a portion or for the full placement to another clinical setting across Ontario. These experiences take place in various settings: general wards, emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, and operating units. Graduates are eligible to take the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies credential exam, which is required to work in Canada and to use the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Graduates typically find employment as/in:
- staff therapists in hospitals
- adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units
- emergency departments and cardiopulmonary diagnostic units
- the private sector in community care, medical sales, dental offices or research
Graduates may choose to pursue post-graduate studies in areas such as polysomnography, anesthesia assistant or cardiopulmonary perfusion.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are able to work effectively in stressful situations.
- Have strong observational and analytical skills.
- Possess an applied technical aptitude.
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills while interacting with patients, their families and other members of the healthcare team.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications 1
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PSY1757
Course Name:
Psychosociology
Course Description:
Themes in Psychosocial Science are introduced through lectures, discussions and role-playing. Students acquire the communication skills used... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES1104
Course Name:
Practice Foundations and Legalities
Course Description:
Administrative skill sets are applied to the workplace setting. Topics include the basic elements of staffing, budgeting, use and developmen... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4810
Course Name:
Medical Gas Therapy - Theory
Course Description:
A basic introduction to gases, equipment and associated principles employed in respiratory therapy is provided. The material presented cover... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4812
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology I
Course Description:
The study of the human body and its functions is applied to the practice of respiratory therapy. Topics include the language of anatomy, the... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
RES4815
Course Name:
Medical Gas Therapy - Laboratory
Course Description:
Practical experience involving the use of medical gases and their delivery systems is emphasized. This includes flowmeters, regulators, cyli... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4817
Course Name:
Applied Respiratory Sciences
Course Description:
Basic scientific and math principles are applied to the practice of respiratory therapy. Principles of biology, chemistry and physics are ap... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4316
Course Name:
Pathophysiology I
Course Description:
An understanding of applied medical terminology and the pathological processes which occur in the body are the main themes of this course. T... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
RES4801
Course Name:
Basic Respiratory Protocols Theory
Course Description:
Concepts of infection prevention and control, patient assessment techniques, oxygen and humidity therapy, suction therapy, thermal regulatio... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4802
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology II
Course Description:
The anatomy and physiology of the following systems are explored: cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and urinary. The focus is placed on t... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
RES4803
Course Name:
Principles of Mechanical Ventilation Theory
Course Description:
The operating principles of a variety of ventilators are examined. Topics include control variables, phase variables, ventilation modes, ala... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4821
Course Name:
Basic Respiratory Protocols - Laboratory
Course Description:
The following basic patient care skills are applied in a simulated setting: patient assessment, oxygen therapy, humidity therapy, charting, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4825
Course Name:
Pharmacology
Course Description:
A practical basis for pharmacology in the practice of respiratory therapy protocols is presented. Emphasis is placed on agents used in cardi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4844
Course Name:
Pulmonary Diagnostics - Theory
Course Description:
The principles and techniques utilized in Pulmonary Function Diagnostics are introduced. Topics include the operation of various pulmonary f... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4872
Course Name:
Principles of Mechanical Ventilation Lab
Course Description:
The interactions and operating principles of various aspects of ventilators, such as triggering, cycling, ventilation modes and alarms are e... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4317
Course Name:
Pathophysiology II
Course Description:
Pathological processes with emphasis on cardiac disease and the interrelationship between pathophysiology and compensation mechanisms are ex... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES2365
Course Name:
Applied Mechanical Ventilation Laboratory I
Course Description:
Practical application of mechanical ventilation through the use of case studies covering a variety of pathophysiological conditions is the m... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4830
Course Name:
Advanced Respiratory Protocols - Theory
Course Description:
Background knowledge on a variety of cardiorespiratory diagnostics and therapeutics is the focus of this course. Advanced airway management ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4831
Course Name:
Advanced Respiratory Protocols - Laboratory
Course Description:
Advanced cardiorespiratory diagnostic and therapeutic skills are performed via use of therapist driven protocols in a simulated setting. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4845
Course Name:
Pulmonary Diagnostics - Laboratory
Course Description:
The principles and techniques discussed in Pulmonary Functions Diagnostics Theory are applied. Students operate various types of pulmonary f... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4854
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum I
Course Description:
Understanding the role of a respiratory therapist in the hospital setting develops an understanding of the interprofessional nature of the h... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
RES4855
Course Name:
Principles of Blood Analysis (Theory and Lab)
Course Description:
Understanding the technical aspects of blood analysis is important to the Respiratory Therapy student. Laboratory data is used to perform co... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4858
Course Name:
Applied Mechanical Ventilation - Theory
Course Description:
The physiological aspects of normal versus assisted ventilation are compared in order to determine the necessity for mechanical ventilation.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0606
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1938
Course Name:
Professional Communication for Respiratory Therapists
Course Description:
Respiratory therapists work in an environment that requires a high level of competency in both written and oral communication. Students inve... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4832
Course Name:
Neonatal and Paediatric Care
Course Description:
The principles and techniques employed in respiratory therapy when providing care for neonatal and pediatric patients are introduced. Topics... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4847
Course Name:
Applied Mechanical Ventilation - Laboratory II
Course Description:
Comprehensive patient management skills are developed in a simulated clinical setting through a series of case studies. Emphasis is placed o... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4848
Course Name:
Anesthesia
Course Description:
Part of the role of a respiratory therapist is working in the operating room. Topics covered include anesthesia equipment, pre-operative and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4849
Course Name:
Research, Ethics and Healthcare Issues
Course Description:
Issues related to society and healthcare are discussed. The roles and evaluation processes of healthcare throughout history are examined. Th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RES4851
Course Name:
Cardiopulmonary Management - Theory
Course Description:
Advanced skills associated with advanced life support protocols are introduced, such as 12 lead ECG interpretation, electrical therapy, phle... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4857
Course Name:
Cardiopulmonary Management Lab
Course Description:
Skills associated with cardiopulmonary stabilization are practised. Emphasis is placed on the following procedures: obtaining IV access, set... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4870
Course Name:
Patient Care Lab
Course Description:
Simulated clinical case studies and the implementation of therapist driven protocols are used in an intensive care, emergency or ward settin... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RES4871
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum II
Course Description:
Clinical experience consolidates the relationship of theory to clinical practice. Students gain experience via observation of diagnostic and... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
RES4853
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum III - Hospital Training
Course Description:
Clinical rotations allow students to gain practical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students progress from direct to indirect ... + Read More
Hours:
600.0
Code:
RES4875
Course Name:
Comprehensive Examination
Course Description:
Examinations prepare students to challenge the national credential exam for entry to practice. The exams are formatted to reflect the Canadi... + Read More
Hours:
19.0
Code:
RES4859
Course Name:
Patient Case Study
Course Description:
Clinical presentation and the management of cardiopulmonary diseases using a case study approach are emphasized. Students practise teaching ... + Read More
Hours:
10.0
Code:
RES4863
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum IV - Hospital Training
Course Description:
Clinical rotations allow students to gain practical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students progress from direct to indirect ... + Read More
Hours:
600.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Successful completion of the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies credential exam allow graduates to work in Canada. This exam is conducted by the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC). Students apply to the CBRC in the third year of the program in order to write the exam upon graduation. Graduates and Registered Respiratory Therapists working in regulated provinces must be a member of their Regulatory College, the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO).
Graduates typically find employment as staff therapists in hospitals. They work wards, adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, emergency departments and cardiopulmonary diagnostic units. Graduates may also find employment in the private sector in community care, medical sales, physicians` or dental offices or research. Graduates may pursue post-graduate studies in such areas as polysomnography, anesthesia assistant or cardiopulmonary perfusion.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Provide cardio-respiratory care in compliance with relevant legislation, professional standards, codes of ethics and practice setting policies and procedures.
- Use preventive measures that contribute to a culture of patient and employee health and safety within a range of practice settings.
- Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and communicate in a culturally sensitive manner with diverse patients/clients and their families to support cardio-respiratory health.
- Collaborate with patients/clients and members of the inter-professional health care team to optimize cardio-respiratory health and well-being.
- Assess and interpret relevant diagnostic and patient information when treating patients/clients who are experiencing a range of cardio-respiratory conditions.
- Develop patient`s/client`s plan of care in collaboration with patients/clients and health care team members by identifying priorities, establishing goals and determining interventions to support optimal cardio-respiratory outcomes.
- Select, implement, evaluate and modify therapeutic cardio-respiratory interventions to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care in a range of practice settings.
- Develop, implement and evaluate cardio-respiratory related learning plans in collaboration with patients/clients, families and health care team members to support client independence and self-management.
- Complete written and electronic documentation of patient/client care to meet legal, organizational and professional requirements.
- Read, interpret and participate in research and use relevant evidence-based findings to inform and guide respiratory therapy practice.
- Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development activities to maintain and enhance competence in the field of respiratory therapy.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and non-disposable supplies cost approximately $2,200 per year, excluding the clinical year, and can be purchased from the campus store. For more information visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
- The uniform required for clinical site activities (all three years) costs approximately $300.
- Throughout the program, students are required to attend clinical experiences at various sites in Ottawa, Kingston, Pembroke, Brockville and Belleville. Additional sites are under review. Third-year students are placed either in Kingston/Belleville/Brockville, or in Ottawa/Pembroke/Brockville. Students should note that additional sites are being reviewed across Ontario and additional relocation may be required. All students must be aware that they are required to relocate for all or a portion of the third year of the program. All expenses, such as travel, parking and accommodation for these experiences are the responsibility of the student.
- Prior to clinical practicums, students require training in Healthcare Provider Level CPR, Standard First Aid, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Health and Safety, WHMIS, OWHSA training and approved Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). There are some additional costs associated with the training that should be anticipated by students which are not covered by tuition fees including the cost of a Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS).
- The National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies credential exam fee is currently $900 (+HST) and subject to change.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Physics, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin`s Test Centre.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
International Applicants:
International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.
Please click this link for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.
Accepted applicants must:
Complete the ParaMed Clinical/Field Pre-Placement Health Requirements Form by the date indicated at the top of the form. Immunization for Hepatitis B is required. An immunization form for returning students must be submitted prior to the start of the second and third year. This will only apply to these students attending clinical placement in second and third year.
Provide proof of current Healthcare Provider Level CPR and Standard First Aid Certificate. Recertification of BLS is required annually. Currency of BLS and Standard First Aid is required throughout the program.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Record Check program requirements.
Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Respiratory Therapy program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
Clinical Placement Eligibility:
Students must complete all ParaMed Clinical/Field Pre-Placement Health requirements one (1) month prior to starting clinical placements. Details regarding the requirements including immunizations, may be found in the form mentioned above. It will be provided to you in Level 02 of the program.
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS), which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. Obtaining this documentation may be a lengthy process so submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.
An updated PRCSVS must be submitted at the beginning of each year of the program. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical until a clear PRCSVS is received by the clinical site(s).
Application Information
RESPIRATORY THERAPY
Program Code 0606X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students complete limited clinical experience in year two, mainly as an observer.
The primary clinical experience, year three, involves rotations in various clinical settings such as: wards, intensive care, pulmonary and cardiac diagnostics, pediatric/neonatal care, operating rooms and community care for a maximum of 31 weeks. This does not include break weeks. Note, the length of clinical experience is under review. Third year clinical experience is completed during a 12-month period, beginning in either May or August, and finishing between March and June of the following calendar year. Students should expect to do combinations of 8-10 and 12-hour shifts inclusive of days, evenings, nights and weekends. Student`s schedules are assigned in blocks; therefore, start and end times of the total clinical experience varies with block assignments. Students must comply with the code of ethics and standards of practice of both the provincial regulatory body and the national professional association, as well as the policies of the clinical sites.
All costs associated with clinical experience, such as travel, parking and relocation/accommodations are the responsibility of the student.
During the clinical placement, if there is significant professional/safety infractions, students will be removed from the clinical site and pending results of an investigation may receive an F grade for the clinical placement course. If this results in a break in clinical placement of one term or more, the student will have to enroll and pass a mandatory Continuing Education course to update skills. The cost of the Continuing Education course will be dependent on the total hours required.
This program is offered on a full-time basis only. Individual courses are available only to those registered full-time in the program.
Contact
Treena Hanschke
Program/Clinical Coordinator
Sharon Lightfoot
Professor
Room B246s
A graduate of both the University of Ottawa (BSc. Kin, 1991) and Algonquin College (Respiratory Therapy, 1995), Sharon has been at Algonquin College since 2004. Her clinical experience prior to coming to the college included 10 years as a general duty Respiratory Therapist at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, where she worked in the Adult ICU, Neonatal ICU, the Emergency Department and the general wards. Courses taught here at the college include Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Blood Analysis and Mechanical Ventilation.