A Career as a Respiratory Therapist Can Take You Anywhere
Overview
Salary Range
$73,192 – $87,388
Recommended High School Courses
High School Diploma or equivalent
English 40S
Math 40S
Biology 40S
Chemistry 40S OR
Physics 40S
Respiratory therapists provide care to patients who have problems with their lungs or breathing. Respiratory therapists work in hospital, long-term care, and community settings. They’re also part of the team that helps safely transport patients who need breathing support.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting individuals living in the community with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- Performing some diagnostic tests for individuals experiencing difficulty breathing;
- Providing breathing treatments and airway management, including mechanical ventilation support, for patients in both hospital and personal care home environments, across the full spectrum of life (working in labour and delivery and neonatal intensive care units, emergency departments and adult ICUs);
- Playing a critical role in the transport of patients via ground and air ambulance and for those travelling out of province for needed health care and transplants.
Role Requirements
- Respiratory therapists are exposed to mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding situations
- Respiratory therapists spend a lot of time on their feet
- Respiratory therapists are frequently required to lift or reposition immobile patients
- Respiratory therapists work a variety of shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Skills and Abilities
Clear Communicator
Problem Solver
Team Player
Calm Under Pressure