Career guide
Respiratory therapist
Respiratory therapists look after patients' breathing: ventilators, airways, oxygen and lung tests, often in critical care and emergencies.
- StatusRegulated profession
- TrainingDegree
- Pay scale$36.69–$50.02 an hour
- Openings now5
A day in the job
You manage patients on ventilators in intensive care, respond to emergency calls and resuscitations, help at difficult intubations, and run lung function tests.
Where you could work: Intensive care, emergency, neonatal care, transport
How to get there
- Complete a respiratory therapy program (Dalhousie University offers one)
Licence and registration
- Pass the entry-to-practice exam the college requires
- Register with the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists
Official starting point: Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (opens in a new tab)
Trained outside Canada?
Respiratory therapists trained outside Canada apply to the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists for an assessment.
Important: Requirements can change and may differ for internationally educated professionals. CareZelo links to official bodies but does not determine eligibility.