Respiratory Therapy RST

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This program is very competitive; applicants will likely need some post-secondary experience to be competitive. The Pre-Health Science program is the recommended preparation for this program.

Literacy Strong written and verbal communications skills are needed. High school courses in Business and Technological Communication would be good preparation.

Math & Science Excellent math skills required to take measurements using specialized tools and calculate medication dosages and delivery rates. Strong interest and ability in Physics as well as a foundation in high school level biology and chemistry.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Able to make decisions quickly & confidently
• Ability to act quickly and assertively in crisis situations
• Ability to adapt to changing environment
• Moderate mechanical aptitude (you will be working with sophisticated equipment)
• Fine motor skills and manual dexterity
• Ability to work in professional & regulated environment
• Ability to analyze situations and create solutions based on theoretical knowledge
• Active listening
• Excellent verbal communicator; able to provide explanations and directions to patients
• Enjoy fostering positive relationships
• Ability to work in a team
• Enjoy working with and caring for people
• Desire to work with sick and vulnerable people of all ages
• Self-motivated, committed to lifelong learning

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

Places you may find yourself employed include

Most respiratory therapists work in hospital (neonatal nurseries, operating rooms, intensive care units, general wards, or emergency departments). Others work in: public or private home care programs; asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and other community clinics; educational institutions and research facilities; diagnostic clinics and sleep disorder laboratories ; or pharmaceutical and medical equipment sales and service companies.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Typically work 12 hour shifts and may work weekends and holidays
• Can work on-call and may travel within a service area
• Spend the majority of their working hours on their feet
• Lifting (up to 10 kilograms) may be required; may routinely help to lift immobile patients
• May experience high levels of stress
• Exposure to blood & bodily fluids, infectious environments

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Respiratory therapists provide care to patients in hospitals, extended or assisted living care facilities, community-based care, home care or diagnostic laboratories for heart, lung and sleep disorders.
• Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Collaborate with members of the health care team in managing patient care
• Assess the patient's cardio-respiratory systems
• Administer and interpret diagnostic breathing and blood tests
• Develop and administer care plans for patients and evaluate progress
• Administer medical gases and medicated aerosol therapy to manage and control breathing related abnormalities
• Administer medications
• Provide continuous invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation therapy
• Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) services
• Provide support to mothers and newborns in high-risk deliveries
• Monitor and stabilize patients being transported within and between hospitals
• Insert and maintain a variety of artificial airways
• Operate, inspect, maintain and calibrate respiratory therapy equipment (for example, oxygen administration devices, humidifiers, ventilators, anaesthetic machines, blood gas analyzers, end-tidal carbon dioxide monitors, pulse oximeters, oxygen analyzers and blenders)
• Monitor patients during intra-operative procedures in the operating room
• Assist the physician during flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy services
• Provide chronic disease management education services to patients
• Maintain accurate records of the therapies and services provided to patients

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) Respiratory Therapy Exam
• College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
• Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Course work may be used as a basis of university admission or credits may transfer to a university degree at many different schools. More information.

Last Modified: January 23, 2024