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Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists

Helping patients breathe

Respiratory Therapists (also known as RTs) provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to patients requiring basic and complex cardiopulmonary services.

They participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of respiratory services, and provide education to patients, families, students and other health care workers.

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Compensation

$38.39 - $55.01 per hour

Other benefits

Union

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)

Education

Respiratory therapy diploma

Registration

College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta

Duties

  • Assess cardio-respiratory systems
  • Perform and interpret diagnostic breathing and blood tests
  • Develop and implement respiratory therapy care plans for clients
  • Monitor and evaluate patient progress
  • Operate, maintain, and inspect respiratory therapy equipment such as ventilators, anaesthetic machines, oxygen delivery devices, and other equipment
  • Educate patients, families, and health professionals about cardiopulmonary disease treatment and management

Make a Difference

  • Provide care to a wide variety of patients who have trouble breathing
  • Help doctors, patients, and families diagnose and manage lung diseases or disorders
  • Educate patients, families, students, and other health care workers regarding cardiopulmonary disease treatment and management
  • May also provide leadership and work guidance to students and other health care workers

Work Collaboratively

  • Often work independently, one-on-one with patients and their families
  • Work as part of an interprofessional team including other therapists, technologists, nurses, inpatient staff, and physicians
  • Work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, urgent care centres, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, schools and within clients’ homes.

Grow Your Career

  • Specialization in areas such as neonatal, palliative, rehabilitation, pulmonary function, or sleep labs
  • Teaching, coaching, or mentoring other healthcare professionals
  • Healthcare leadership and management
  • Health system administration

Additional Information

To learn more about a career as a Respiratory Therapist in our province visit Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS).