Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Your Health Team

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) monitors and cares for patients with breathing problems. They help manage airways in patients – from those with asthma to patients who are on life support and need a ventilator to help them breathe.

What do Respiratory Therapists do?

  • Manage life support equipment such as ventilators
  • Administer and interpret breathing tests
  • Can insert and maintain artificial airways
  • Assist patients with breathing during surgery
  • Teach patients how to use medication, breathing devices or equipment

Where do Respiratory Therapists work?

  • Hospital or health care centre
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Specialized units for critical care, lung, heart and sleep disorders
  • Home Care
  • Community

Respiratory Therapists at AHS

Alberta Health Services employs over 1100 Respiratory Therapists.

What are the credentials for a Respiratory Therapist?

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