Last updated on 2025-07-31
Program Overview
The Respiratory Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in respiratory therapy. This program emphasizes hands-on learning through access to state-of-the-art equipment, simulation techniques, and extensive clinical placements. Students will learn to practice competently and safely in various healthcare settings, demonstrating their ability to work effectively as part of a team in support of clients' respiratory care needs. By the end of the program, graduates will be prepared to take the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies credential exam, which is necessary to work as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in Canada.
Program Structure
The Respiratory Therapy program spans a duration of three years and includes a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical learning experiences. Key components of the program structure include:
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment and simulation techniques in on-site labs.
- Over 1,200 hours of clinical placements, which may require relocation to various clinical settings across Ontario.
- Clinical experiences in diverse environments such as general wards, emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, and operating units.
- Participation in clinical lab simulations to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
- Eligibility to write the national licensing exam upon graduation.
Students will also have opportunities for work-integrated learning through clinical placements, which are integral to the curriculum and necessary for successful program completion.
Featured Experiences
The Respiratory Therapy program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning process:
- Extensive clinical placements in hospital and community care settings.
- Hands-on training with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
- Simulation techniques that prepare students for real-world scenarios.
- Opportunities to work in diverse practice settings, including adult, pediatric, and neonatal care.
- Participation in a comprehensive clinical practicum that allows students to apply their skills in a professional environment.
Career Options
Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada, including:
- Staff Therapist in Hospitals: Providing respiratory care in various hospital departments, including intensive care and emergency units.
- Neonatal and Pediatric Care Specialist: Focusing on the respiratory needs of infants and children in specialized care settings.
- Emergency Department Respiratory Therapist: Responding to acute respiratory emergencies and providing critical care support.
- Community Care Provider: Working in private sector roles, including medical sales, dental offices, and home care services.
- Research and Development Roles: Engaging in research related to respiratory therapy practices and innovations.
Additionally, graduates may choose to further their education in post-graduate studies in areas such as polysomnography, anesthesia assistance, or cardiopulmonary perfusion.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
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