Program Options

We are a national leader in providing high-quality education for future respiratory therapists. The program is accredited by Accreditation Canada, which is the national accrediting body. In order to practice as a respiratory therapist, you require a RT diploma. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit the National Certification Examination in respiratory therapy.

• Diploma* (three-year program, 78 domestic plus 2 international seats)
• Dual credential* — Respiratory Therapy Diploma and Bachelor of Health Science (four-year program, number of seats varies each year)
• Fast track direct entry into second year (two-year program, minimum 20 seats and up to 40 in recent years)
• Respiratory Therapy Diploma/Master of Education

*Note:

As a first-year student in either the diploma or dual credential RT program options, you are automatically admitted into the three-year diploma program.

If you are interested in also attaining a Bachelor of Health Science degree, you can declare your interest in the dual credential program option during the winter semester of your first year in the RT program. Acceptance into the dual credential option is based on your grades as well as the number of available seats.

Clinical internship

In your final year, you will attend an 11-month clinical internship at hospitals affiliated with TRU. Diploma students complete their clinical in year three while dual credential students complete their clinical in year four.

During your internship, you will gain exposure to all aspects of the duties of a RT while rotating between hospitals in the Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. You will need to be prepared to relocate as required as specific rotations are not guaranteed.

The clinical internship includes three components. Levels one and two are completed at two different hospitals with adult patients. The final component requires completing a clinical rotation in a pediatric and neonatal setting.