Career guide
Respiratory therapist
Respiratory therapists look after patients' breathing: ventilators, airways, oxygen and lung tests, often in critical care and emergencies.
- StatusRegulated profession
- TrainingDiploma or degree
- Pay scale$45.38–$54.92 an hour
- Openings now3
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 an accredited respiratory therapy program (The Michener Institute, Fanshawe and Algonquin offer them)
Ontario schools: The Michener Institute of Education at UHN (opens in a new tab), Fanshawe College (opens in a new tab), Algonquin College (opens in a new tab)
Licence and registration
- Pass the entry-to-practice exam the college requires
- Register with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
Official starting point: College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (opens in a new tab)
Trained outside Canada?
Respiratory therapists trained outside Canada apply to the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario for an assessment.
Important: Requirements can change and may differ for internationally educated professionals. CareZelo links to official bodies but does not determine eligibility.