Respiratory Therapist

JOB DETAILS

Salary Range
$50,000 – $88,000

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Respiratory Therapy has developed with the increasing sophistication of therapies directed toward cardio-pulmonary disorders. Respiratory Therapy can be defined as: “An allied health profession devoted to the scientific application of technology to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and promotion of well-being of patients with respiratory disorders.

This allied health profession has been a natural evolution of an emerging technology to care for a substantial growth of patients with a diversity of respiratory problems. The correct and meaningful utilization of respiratory services in hospitals and community health care will continue to improve the provision of care to the patient. Respiratory Therapists are the primary providers of these technical and therapeutic services.

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.) is a graduate of an accredited educational program who has successfully passed the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care registration examination in respiratory therapy. Registered Respiratory Therapists practicing in Manitoba are licensed annually by the Manitoba Association of Registered Respiratory Therapists.
The respiratory therapist’s practice is governed by guidelines prescribed through Standards of Practice, ethical conduct codes, institutional policies and legal requirements.

Duties of a Respiratory Therapist

  • Mechanical ventilation management
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Aerosol medication therapy
  • Medical gas therapy
  • Airway management
  • Pulmonary function testing
  • Patient and care giver education
  • Blood gas sampling and analysis
  • Cardiorespiratory monitoring
  • Ground and air transport of the critically ill
  • Anesthesia assistance
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Respiratory care equipment maintenance and repair

Where Respiratory Therapists Work

  • Teaching hospitals
  • Community hospitals
  • Chronic care facilities
  • Home care agencies
  • Private medical supply companies
  • Pulmonary function laboratories
  • Community health agencies
  • Research facilities

Training & Education Routes

University of Manitoba

Program Overview

This professional degree program that provides students with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to excel in the profession. Respiratory Therapists are health care professionals who work collaboratively with other members of the health care team to diagnose and treat people with breathing problems. This exciting and rapidly expanding profession has demonstrated continuing employment growth over the past 10 years. This academic option is well suited for individuals who have a desire to make a significant difference in people’s lives while being an integral part of a dynamic health care team!

The respiratory therapy program is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy: BRT. The first year is the pre-professional year, which is spent in University 1. During this time students must take 24 credit hours of courses consisting of prerequisite courses plus electives of the student’s choice.

A Degree Completion Option is available for qualified individuals currently holding a diploma in Respiratory Therapy.

What is unique about this program at the U of M?
The Department of Respiratory Therapy is unique amongst Canadian educational institutions, delivering the only entry-to-practice undergraduate degree program in Respiratory Therapy in the country. This position of educational leadership leaves the University of Manitoba uniquely poised to lead the academic development of the discipline of Respiratory Therapy.

The University of Manitoba offers state-of-the-art facilities for classroom and clinical teaching. The outstanding supports and experiences our students receive from the Respiratory Therapy clinical community are unparalleled. These together with a highly dedicated and talented faculty ensure that an exceptionally high degree of professional preparedness is exhibited by our graduates. This ensures that they remain influential in the profession and highly sought after in the job market.

Departmental Office:
NA617 – 700 McDermot Avenue
Bannatyne Campus
Telephone: (204) 787-2900
Fax: (204) 787-4862
Email: SMR.info@umanitoba.ca

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