Student Experience

What to Expect

Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Respiratory Therapy program.

  • Combine theory with practical experience
  • Throughout the Respiratory Therapy program at Algonquin College, students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and simulation techniques in the on-site labs to develop their skills.
  • Clinical placements occur in the second year, with mostly observational participation, with more hands-on experience in the third year of the program.
  • Graduates are eligible to write the national licensing exam, the Health Professionals Testing Canada (HPTC) exam, which once passed allows graduates to work in Canada as a Registered Respiratory Therapist
respiratory therapy students monitoring a mannequin in the lab

Work Integrated Learning

Clinical placements occur in the second and third year of the program. In second year, the students apply their theoretical knowledge to understand the scope of practice for a Respiratory Therapist in an observer role during field placements. The third year of the program consists of clinical experiences. Students rotate through areas of either hospital or community care settings to gain experience in the skills within the scope of practice. Students are expected to progress from direct supervision to independent practice as they proceed through clinical training and act as an integral member of the health care team in many situations.

Experiences range from general wards to emergency, to highly specialized areas such as adult and neonatal intensive care units and operating rooms. This affords students the opportunity to experience potential work placements and plan a career path that meets their goals and strengths. Students will complete their clinical experience in eastern Ontario hospitals and must be prepared to relocate for a portion or all the placement experience. It should also be noted that clinical experience will include day, evening, and night shifts. Shifts can vary from 8 hours, 10 hours, and 12 hours and may be scheduled any of the 7 days a week.