Government of New Brunswick
OtherHealth_category

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders.  

 

Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages who have breathing problems associated with acute and chronic heart and lung disorders (e.g. asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema), sleep disorders, heart disease, trauma, high risk deliveries or organ system failures (e.g. kidney disease, diabetes, neurological disorders).  They may work in areas such as anaesthesia, critical care, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary diagnostics and respiratory home care.

 


An Exciting Field of Work

In general, Respiratory Therapists:

 

  • Perform diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary functions tests
  • Monitor and operate respiratory equipment to administer treatments such as oxygen, oxygen-air mixtures, humidified air or medications
  • Operate, monitor, maintain and test a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
  • Assess patients and perform or assist with interventions such as airway maintenance, line insertions, inductions and intubations
  • Perform artificial respiration and external cardiac massage
  • Assist with transport of high-risk patients
  • Participate in home care programs for chronic respiratory patients and provide patient and family education
  • Participate in continuing education, quality improvement and research related to cardiac and pulmonary disorders
  • Perform routine calibration, troubleshooting and minor repairs to respiratory related equipment;
  • May provide guidance, training and orientation to other Respiratory Therapist staff, students and other health care professionals

 


Personal Characteristics / Skills

  • Good judgment
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Compassion and an interest in caring for others
  • Good organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to think and act quickly in crisis situations
  • Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of a team

 


Education and Training

Completion of a college or university degree program in respiratory therapy, including clinical training is required.

 


Education program offered in New Brunswick

Respiratory therapy programs are offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:

 

 


Length of Study / Training

3.0 - 5.0 years


Licence and certification

In New Brunswick, Respiratory Therapists must be registered with the New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapists and pass the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) national registry examination governed by the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC).

 


Helpful High School Courses

  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics 

 


Employment and Common Working Conditions

Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of settings, such as:

 

  • Hospitals and Medical clinics
  • Extended care facilities
  • Public health centres
  • Home health care program and services

Respiratory therapists may work shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. Some therapists work "on-call" and travel to assess and follow-up with patients.

 

Respiratory therapists may spend the majority of their working hours on their feet. Some may routinely help to lift immobile patients. Therapists working in emergency or intensive-care units or in patients' homes may experience high levels of stress. 

 


Employment Prospects - GOOD

With the aging population, the demand for Respiratory Therapists is expected to grow.