Overview
Respiratory Therapy is a diverse and specialized profession that assists physicians in diagnosing, treating and managing patients by providing such services as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator management, oxygen and aerosol therapy, patient assessment and evaluation, and diagnostic services, including pulmonary function testing and blood analysis.
Since 1970, SAIT has provided students with the right combination of leading-edge theory and hands-on practice needed to succeed. As trained Respiratory Therapists, our instructors are well-equipped to offer the latest insights into new technology and best practices in the field.
This comprehensive program features classroom study, lab and clinical simulation, and practicum rotations in acute and community care facilities. In addition to training in SAIT’s Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation lab, a high-fidelity human patient simulator that physiologically responds to medical treatment, you'll complete practicum rotations in adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, the emergency department, anesthesia, wards, home care, pulmonary function and blood gas labs.
Practicums will include shifts during weekdays, weekends, evenings or overnight hours. During the program's third-year practicum rotations, you'll spend most of your time in the workplace but return to campus for one to two weeks for classroom learning activities.
You'll also learn a number of skills by practicing with your classmates, taking turns acting as the patient or the Respiratory Therapist. All skills are performed in a safe setting and supervised.
Is this the right fit for me?
You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:
- fine motor skills
- critical thinking and adaptability
- effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- ability to work independently
- actively participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- ability to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
- ability to use technology
- attention to detail
- can wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time, tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- willing to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- ability to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- ability to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning patients and/or equipment and meet the physical demands of the job (for example, spending most hours working on your feet, walking, bending, and other repetitive tasks)
- comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Respiratory Therapy and the National Competency Framework for the profession to ensure you understand the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
Accreditation
The Respiratory Therapy program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada. The program also works closely with our Advisory Committee to ensure that our curriculum continues to exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Credentials
Upon completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Respiratory Therapy diploma.
Graduates must successfully challenge the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) examination to earn the right to practice Respiratory Therapy in Canada. If you wish to work in Alberta, you must join the College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA) and pay the membership fee.
If English is an additional language, you must also provide proof of meeting a benchmark score of nine in all of the Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment’s categories.
If you wish to work outside of Alberta, you need to be registered with that province’s provincial regulatory body for respiratory therapy. All graduates may become members of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) by paying the membership fee, which is required in an unregulated province.
Once you become a member of a professional organization, you may register with the CBRC by paying the national examination fee, allowing you to challenge the national exam.
Get important updates about our health and medical programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue respiratory therapy job opportunities in:
- acute care hospitals
- community and home care programs
- diagnostic laboratories
- educational institutions
- research facilities
- pharmaceutical companies
- medical sales and services
- private companies
Related careers include:
- occupational health nurse
- diagnostic medical sonographer
- primary function technician
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $6,100
- Year 2: $6,100
- Year 3: $7,146
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and achieve at least 50% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process. Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first offered basis, until the program is full.
High fidelity manikins simulate real-life emergencies to save lives
Support from donors contributes $275,000 towards purchasing a new fleet of high fidelity manikins for SAIT’s School of Health and Public Safety.
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Mandatory admission requirement
Applicants are required to meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety entrance testing process as an admission requirement for this program by the set deadlines.
These deadlines may be different than the typical application closing dates.
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 70% in Math 30-1, or at least 75% in Math 30-2,
- at least 70% in English Language Arts 30-1,
- at least 70% in Chemistry 30,
- at least 70% in Biology 30.
AND
- At least 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety's entrance testing process.
All applicants, including those educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency. If you intend to work in Alberta after graduation and your first language is not English, you will need to meet the English language requirements of the College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After applying, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside of the city.
Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- Health and wellness status
- Completion of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program offered by the Canadian Pediatric Society. Proof must be submitted to the program administration assistant before progressing to semester five. The certification must be valid for the entire practicum year.
You must return to SAIT campus for one week in each semester of the program's third year, regardless of where they are placed for practicum.
Learn more about practicum requirements
Reserved seats for out-of-province applicants
SAIT offers reserved seats in respiratory therapy for applicants currently living in Saskatchewan.
Learn more about our interprovincial health training
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Please note applications for this program close ahead of the set deadline to allow applicants time to complete the mandatory entrance testing requirements.
Direct entry: 5-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Review the information related to the necessary components of the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process.
Step 3: Complete the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process non-academic admission requirement. Ensure that you meet all of the academic admission requirements listed above.
Step 4: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 5: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HLTH-201 | Respiratory Therapy Healthcare Core | 3.0 |
| RESP-212 | Respiratory Therapy Anatomy and Physiology | 3.0 |
| RESP-214 | Patient Assessment I | 3.0 |
| RESP-216 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Practice I | 3.0 |
| RESP-218 | Respiratory Therapy Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PATH-254 | Pathophysiology I | 3.0 |
| RESP-262 | Patient Assessment II | 3.0 |
| RESP-264 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Practice II | 3.0 |
| RESP-266 | Interventions I | 6.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
| First year total | 30.0 | |
Second year
Semester 3 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PATH-311 | Pathophysiology II | 3.0 |
| RESP-315 | Patient Assessment III | 3.0 |
| RESP-317 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Practice III | 3.0 |
| RESP-319 | Interventions II | 6.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PATH-312 | Pathophysiology III | 1.5 |
| RESP-314 | Anesthesia | 1.5 |
| RESP-327 | PFT & Outpatient Care | 3.0 |
| RESP-329 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Practice IV | 3.0 |
| RESP-330 | Interventions III | 6.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
| Second year total | 30.0 | |
Third year
Semester 5 - Spring/Summer (15 weeks)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-312 | Respiratory Therapy Practicum I | 6.0 |
| RESP-340 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Theory II | 3.0 |
| RESP-342 | Practicum Foundations I | 3.0 |
| Semester 5 total | 12.0 | |
Semester 6 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-314 | Respiratory Therapy Practicum II | 6.0 |
| RESP-350 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Theory II | 3.0 |
| RESP-352 | Practicum Foundations II | 3.0 |
| Semester 6 total | 12.0 | |
Semester 7 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-316 | Respiratory Therapy Practicum III | 6.0 |
| RESP-370 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Theory III | 3.0 |
| RESP-372 | Entry to Professional Practice | 3.0 |
| Semester 7 total | 12.0 | |
| Third year total | 36.0 | |
|
Program total
|
96.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $4,530 | $948 | $622 | $6,100 |
| 2 | 2 | $4,530 | $948 | $622 | $6,100 |
| 3 | 3 | $5,436 | $948 | $768 | $7,146 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic fee table.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,500 per full-time year.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Additional fees
- $75 Comp Tracker fee for the first two years of the program and $75 per semester in the third year.
- $425 approx. annual dues to the College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CRTA)
- Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) annual dues are approximately $100 for students and $180 for regular members.
- The Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) exam fee is approximately $900.
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including Vulnerable Sector Check and is payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP.)
- Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
- There is a fee, approximately $50 – $100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Get started on practicum requirements
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on August 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
The clinical practicum experience includes rotations through adult intensive care, neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, home care, surgical suite, and wards. You will be evaluated on your competency performance during practicum using a tracking system called CompTracker.
You will require a wi-fi-enabled Apple tablet with the ability to run the most up-to-date operating system to support the CompTracker system. Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory. Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker. There is a required user license fee billed on a per-semester basis. Each program will have a different student fee depending on how the system is used within the program. More information will be shared at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
You will need your uniform for orientation day, the first day of classes, so order your uniform early. You are expected to wear scrubs for your simulated labs, including the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation and clinical experience.
These scrubs can be purchased at:
Universal Workwear
Bay 11, 2135-32nd Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3
Tel: 403.717.3780
Toll-free: 1.866.442.7303
Part of your uniform is a stethoscope, which is also available at Universal Workwear. Stethoscopes need to be brought to all patient assessment labs and simulation labs.
Students are also required to purchase Lab Supply Kits in semester one prior to attending their labs. Purchase these at the bookstore (who processes the payment) and then bring your receipt to room NR105 in the Senator Burns building where you will be given the lab kit once proof of purchase is confirmed.
Students outside of Calgary
If students live outside of the Calgary area, they two options to consider regarding the purchase of their uniform in order to have it for orientation and the first day of classes.
- Wait until you move to Calgary to order your uniform in person so that you have an opportunity to try the tops on before your name is embroidered and SAIT crest is added. If you choose this option, please be sure to allow yourself a minimum of 2-3 days for Universal Workwear to have it ready for pick-up as you are required to wear your uniform to Orientation.
- Find a local scrub provider who carries the MOBB brand of scrubs, and try them on for fit. Then call-in your order to Universal Workwear at 1.866.442.7303 (toll-free) so that they may have your uniform ready for you once you arrive in Calgary. If you use this option, then please take some time to review the photo of your uniform to know what to look for. The following styles for tops are the only accepted styles:
- Ladies: T3030 or 308T
- Mens: T4010 or 301T
Other requirements
- CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course (no later than Sept. 30)
- N95 Mask-fit testing
- Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Immunization record (no later than Sept. 30)
- Health and wellness status
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted studentsImportant dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Important dates
Your journey starts here
Sign up to get important updates on: