Respiratory Therapy

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic

Program Overview

If you work well under pressure and have a desire to save lives, our three-year Respiratory Therapy program prepares you for work in a hospital or clinical environment. Be ready to assist physicians with the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with breathing disorders or cardiovascular problems. Respiratory Therapists treat all types of patients, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with lung disease. They provide treatment and manage care for patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to victims of heart attack, stroke, drowning or shock. As a graduate, you may apply to write the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) national entry to practice examination.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within three academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile J

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
    • Pre-calculus 110
      or
      Geometry and Applications in Mathematics 112 and Functions and Relations 112
      • Total of three (3) sciences, including at least two (2) from the following:
        • Biology 112 or 122
        • Chemistry 112 or 122
        • Physics 112 or 122

      NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies


      Career Possibilities

      As a graduate of this program, you may be employed in hospitals within respiratory therapy departments, pulmonary function labs, the operating room environment, homecare or private sales. Specialty training is possible after graduation in such areas as anesthesia assistance, neonatology and pediatrics, perfusion medicine and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.

      Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.


      Specific Considerations

      The Respiratory Therapy Program is committed to the education of Respiratory Therapists who will fulfill the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies (The Alliance) clinical practice competencies for entry to practice and who will pursue certification by the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC). Those skills, representing the required competencies an entry-level respiratory therapist is expected to be able to perform in the workplace, will provide patient-focused respiratory care while working alongside other health professionals as a member of the integrated health care team.

      For information regarding these competencies, please visit the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists website under National Competency Framework.

      For information regarding relevant accreditation standards, see the Accreditation Canada website. Accreditation Canada is responsible for the accreditation of respiratory therapy schools across Canada and one internationally.

      See here for information regarding the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care.

      See here for further information regarding the Respiratory Therapy profession. Details on student memberships and required personal liability insurance for graduates will also be found on this site by clicking on "Membership Information" and "Student Members".

      For details on the process of regulation, scope of practice and benefits to the health care system, refer to the "New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapists Standards of Practice" and "Bill 51", both documents that can be found on the New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapists website. Details on the student license fee will also be found on the NBART (pdf) website.

      Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, host facilities throughout the province may require the completion of an Immunization and Medical Form (pdf) as well as proof of valid CPR (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) and specific immunizations. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.

      Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for an applied workplace experience. The workplace experiences begin in the Respiratory Therapy Program in the spring of the first year. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned may be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate.

      Mandatory Clearance Requirements

      To protect the health and safety of students during their clinical/practicum placements, as well as anyone they may encounter, students will be obligated to complete mandatory clearance requirements as a part of the process of being assigned a placement. There will be a cost associated with completing these requirements, which has been calculated as part of the Material Cost of this program. Students who do not complete the requirements will be unable to attend their clinical/practicum placements, which could impact eligibility for the required courses or industry facility visits needed to complete their program. See Clinical/Practicum Placement Requirements for more details.

      Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the practicum settings. Students must also assume costs of accommodations if part, or all, of the practicum placement is outside their hometown or campus location.

      International applicants are not currently eligible for this program.

      Technology Requirements
      NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


      Program Courses

      Courses are subject to change.

      This course introduces the sciences of anatomy and physiology of the body systems. The progression of study of the body systems is from simple to complex (e.g. chemical level to cellular level, tissue level to system level).

      Most business / technical / workplace writing is persuasive writing; it is intended to persuade the reader to act in a certain way or believe/support a certain idea. Persuasive writing is supported by critical reading. A critical reader analyzes the wording, structure, tone, and format of a document to evaluate its meaning and credibility. This course will provide the critical reading and persuasive writing skills necessary to formulate well-supported written arguments.

      This course introduces students to research process and methodologies, evidence-based practices, data collection, critical appraisal of research literature, and application of clinical research. Students will learn basic concepts and practical skills required to participate in research-based activities. They will discover the important role that clinical research plays in developing evidence-informed practice.

      Prerequisites:

      • COMM1175

      This course introduces students to basic concepts and skills of entrepreneurship and helps them develop certain entrepreneurial skills that are important for successful small business ownership or working for small business owners.
       
      The course also guides students to better understand their entrepreneurial potential, and to begin to build a professional development strategy/career path to realize this potential.

      This course is designed to provide an overview of health care ethical and legal framework. Students will gain an insight into the ethical and legal responsibilities of a healthcare provider. The course prepares students for the ethical and legal realities they will face in their health care practice. It enables students to act in accordance with code of ethics and legal requirements as per the scope of practice.

      Health care is one of the most important issues to Canadians. This course introduces students to the complexity of the Canadian health care system and examines the various factors that impact this system. It also examines the role of inter-professional collaboration in achieving positive outcomes.

      This course provides a specific review of respiratory related pathophysiological processes. It defines cause, effect, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of respiratory related disorders.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1047C
      • PHMC1019F

      This course introduces students to the study of diseases and disorders in the body. It explores a common systematic approach (step by step) for distinguishing between diseases and disorders and provides a fundamental framework which supports further studies in pathophysiology.

      Prerequisites:

      • ANAT1024C

      This course focuses on the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular system and other areas as they pertain to the practice of respiratory therapy. Students apply the analytical framework introduced in PATH1034 Foundations of Pathophysiology to examine the distinct features of each disorder and disease.

      Prerequisites:

      • PATH1034

      Learners are challenged to apply human relations and interpersonal communications theory to workplace-based and real life situations. They use a problem solving perspective in suggesting and carrying out appropriate communication strategies and techniques.

      This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities. 

      This course focuses on respiratory anatomy and physiology pertaining to respiration and ventilation. 

      Prerequisites:

      • ANAT1024C

      This course is designed to provide respiratory therapy students with a strong foundation in pharmacologic principles essential to safely deliver respiratory medications. Students will apply concepts previously learned in anatomy and physiology to the study of pharmacology and drug interactions in the human body. They will study general principles of drug action, route of drug administration, drug dosages/calculations and pharmacokinetics. Various classes of medications commonly used in respiratory therapy will be emphasized.

      Prerequisites:

      • ANAT1024C
      • PHIS1047D

      This course provides theory and practical applications of electrocardiogram (ECG) and other types of heart rhythm monitoring such as Holter monitor and cardiac stress tests. It also introduces electrocardiography. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to interpret standard 3-lead electrocardiograms according to the ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) protocol and analyze the standard 12-lead configuration. They will also have an understanding of echocardiography.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • ANAT1024C

      This advanced course is designed for students who will be working in the intensive care setting, a cardiac catheterization suite or in a cardiac operating room and performing hemodynamic monitoring. Students will learn both the technical aspect of hemodynamic monitoring and the use of hemodynamic values when assessing and treating disease.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1042D
      • RESP1047C
      • PATH1035B

      This course introduces students to gas laws and principles of physics, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry and biochemistry related to medical gas therapy delivery. It also provides a basic understanding of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Transport Canada regulations, safety standards and procedures for medical equipment, handling and storing medical gases/liquids, and patient safety. Students will apply those fundamental laws and principles and comply with the safety standards, regulations and procedures in the delivery of medical gas therapy during both the respiratory therapy program and their future professional career.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      This course builds on gas laws and principles introduced in the course, RESP1044 Fundamentals of Medical Gasses and Gas Delivery. It provides students with the essential knowledge and skills of respiratory therapy equipment and basic respiratory care procedures used in the treatment of pulmonary disease and their clinical application. Oxygen therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, oxygen analysis, tracheostomy tubes and sterilization/infection control procedures are discussed.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1044C

      This course focuses on the proper use of resuscitative and therapeutic respiratory therapy equipment, and the safe initiation of short and long-term therapeutic interventions for the respiratory patient.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1045C

      This course is designed to examine the cardio-pulmonary aspects of human arterial blood. The collection, analysis and interpretation of blood gases, and invasive and non-invasive measurements are examined with particular emphasis on clinical applications.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • PHIS1047D

      This course examines the cardio-pulmonary aspects of human respiratory mechanical ventilatory assistance. Measurements of pressure gradients from ambient to pulmonary will be performed and the related effects on hemodynamic data will be evaluated. Initiation, maintenance (manipulation and monitoring), weaning and withdrawal of respiratory mechanical ventilatory assistive devices will be practiced. Measurements of pulmonary mechanics and calculations of pulmonary physiological data will also be incorporated into the course. Correction of abnormal data will be practiced according to recognized clinical practices and principles.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1047C
      • RESP1058E

      This course provides students with the opportunity to identify the functional components of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilators and practice their skills in manipulating ventilators from various manufacturers. Students will be able to apply their previously learned knowledge and skills from RESP1048 Respiratory Mechanical Ventilation. 

      A functional approach related to breath initiation, breath delivery, breath cycle and expiratory control will all be applied to enable ventilator input control manipulations, monitoring and troubleshooting.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1048C

      This course introduces students to the principles and practices of anaesthesia pertinent to the respiratory therapist. Students learn about operating room preparation, anaesthetic administration, injection practices, universal precautions, airway management and fluid therapy. They will perform anaesthetic gas machine checks, patient reviews for risk of anaesthetic and simulated airway manipulation for the anaesthetic patient.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1044C
      • RESP1047C
      • PHMC1019F
      • RESP1043D
      • RESP1046D

      This course provides students with concepts and skills of patient assessment. Students will perform a comprehensive cardiorespiratory physical assessment on adults in a simulated patient environment. They will learn how to assess and manage acute cardiac and respiratory emergencies through the application of advanced cardiac life support in a simulated clinical setting.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • PATH1022F
      • RESP1042D
      • RESP1047C
      • RESP1058E

      This course introduces students to the concepts of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on pathophysiology, patient assessment and special therapeutic needs of neonates and children. The course explores fetal cardiopulmonary development and changes at birth. It examines common cardiopulmonary conditions and diseases specific to neonate and pediatric populations. It also familiarizes students with basic respiratory care techniques, procedures and devices used in care and evaluation of neonatal and pediatric patients.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1047C
      • PHMC1019F
      • RESP1045C

      This clinical course is designed for students to practise basic and advanced airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, drug delivery and anaesthetic maintenance of both the client and the equipment during their clinical rotation.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1050E
      • RESP1060D
      • RESP1051E
      • RESP1049C
      • RESP1062C

      This course is designed for students to apply known foundational knowledge and skills and gain practical experience in neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy care.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1049C
      • RESP1060D
      • RESP1051E
      • RESP1050E
      • RESP1062C

      This course is designed for students to practise known foundation skills and procedures. Students will gain experience in the application and delivery of a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory related adult critical care.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1049C
      • RESP1051E
      • RESP1060D
      • RESP1050E

      This clinical course is designed for students to perform and interpret lung function tests according to recognized standards and perform arterial blood gas punctures. Students will gain practical experiences in the pulmonary function lab and at the bedside. 

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1060D
      • RESP1051E

      This course is designed to allow students to investigate pulmonary function measurement, and interpret, recognize and classify results. Students will use principles and standards to test and evaluate pulmonary function in laboratory and clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • PHIS1047D

      This course is designed to prepare the Respiratory Therapy student for entry into clinical practice. Clinical practice and laboratory simulations will be used to prepare the student.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1051E
      • RESP1049C
      • RESP1050E
      • RESP1063D
      • RESP1062C
      • RESP1072A

      Building on the previous knowledge and skills introduced in RESP1052 Introduction to Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Therapy, students will learn the theory and practical application of advanced neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy procedures, and neonatal and pediatric resuscitation techniques. They will apply the care, treatment and management of acute neonatal and pediatric cardiac and respiratory emergencies in the didactic and simulated clinical environment.
       
      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1052D

      This course is designed for students to develop knowledge and clinical skills required for the care of patients experiencing acute cardiovascular and respiratory emergencies. Students will apply pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to make informed evidence-based clinical decisions. They learn how to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) towards improving patient survival, integrate advanced life support protocols into patient care, and work within the team or as a team leader during resuscitations.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1051E
      • RESP1062C
      • RESP1050E
      • RESP1049C

      This course offers students an opportunity to review and prepare for the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) National Examination. Students will take self-assessment exams to identify their areas of strengths and improvements in theoretic, technical and clinical skills. They will develop an action plan to address the identified gaps and learning needs. Students will perform a series of comprehensive examinations during the clinical practicum. They will use the comprehensive testing results to guide their own individual study plan initiatives and reinforcement of important concepts and required competencies for efficient and effective review and study in preparation for the national board examinations upon graduation.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1060D

      This course provides students at their senior level of the RT program with the opportunity to participate in activities and events for their professional development. Students can attend guest lectures and provincial conferences (e.g., NBLung, NBART, Smoking Cessation), write summative exams in clinical courses, perform their own “Mini Presentation” lectures, prepare their resumes and practise for an interview, participate in interprofessional education events (IPE hours) and teaching junior students in labs (teaching hours), and plan Respiratory Therapy Week events.

      This course introduces students to the role of a respiratory therapist in a wide variety of clinical settings. It is an orientation to the professional practice, introduction to evidence-based and patient-centered respiratory care, infection control and safe work practice, communication and teamwork, analysis and problem solving, and performance of essential clinical skills and competencies outlined by the National Competency Framework for Respiratory Therapy.

      The laboratory supports the application of theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of relevant and current skills within simulated clinical scenarios.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1047C
      • RESP1045C
      • PHMC1019F

      This clinical course provides students with an opportunity to observe the applications of previously learned respiratory related skills in a patient care setting. Students will gain clinical experiences required for the adoption of professional standards, attitudes and behaviours.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1071A

      This clinical course is designed for students to perform respiratory assessments, plan respiratory care and implement the treatment plan for non-critically ill patients in hospital or non-hospital settings such as general hospital wards, emergency room and in community care. In oral and written format, students will develop, implement and evaluate respiratory care plans in direct consultation with the attending physician, while working closely with other allied health professionals.

      Prerequisites:

      • RESP1060D
      • RESP1051E
      • RESP1049C
      • RESP1050E
      • RESP1062C

      This course introduces students to the role of a preceptor and provides an overview of knowledge and skills required of a preceptor. Students learn how to assist in goal setting, provide effective ongoing feedback, as well as prepare for and facilitate the formal evaluation process as a preceptor. These skills are transferrable to both student and new staff orientations.

      A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

      This course introduces effective body mechanics and safe transferring and positioning skills which assist to reduce the risk of personal musculo-skeletal injury.


      NOC Codes

      3214 - Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
      6221 - Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade


      Articulation Agreements

      Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
      Articulation Period:
      Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
      NBCC graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.


       


      Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John
      Articulation Period:
      Information: A student who is registered in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) degree who has successfully completed the didactic and clinical portions administered by NBCC Saint John campus shall receive academic credit equal to 50% of the credits towards the BHS degree.

      External Certifications

      Respiratory Therapy graduates may have an opportunity to acquire the following external certifications upon meeting the external agencies certification requirements and paying any required fees to the external agency:

      Institution: New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapist
      External Certification: Registered Respiratory Therapist
      Information: Passing the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care examination may permit the student to be licensed and practice in New Brunswick and other jurisdictions in Canada except in those provinces that may require their own provincial examination. Students are responsible to pay for the fee to write the national entry to practice examination.


      Institution: Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT)
      External Certification: Certificate of Registry - Respiratory Therapist
      Information: Upon successful completion of this program, the Respiratory Therapy graduate is eligible to write the national entry to practice examination administered by the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care. Those who are successful on this exam receive a Certificate of Registry from the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) if they are a member in good standing.

      Passing the examination permits the student to practice in Canada except in those provinces that may require their own provincial examination. Students are also responsible to pay for the fee to write the national registration exam.

       

      Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.


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