Overview
Through this comprehensive program that uses theory and hands-on instruction, prepare for a career in hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units assisting in diagnosing and managing cardio-pulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists do important work performing CPR, managing ventilators and providing oxygen therapy.
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 been providing students with the right combination of leading-edge theory and hands-on practice needed to succeed.
This comprehensive program features classroom study, lab and clinical simulation, and practicum rotations in acute and community care facilities. Students will complete practicum rotations in areas such as adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, the emergency department, anesthesia, wards, home care, pulmonary function and blood gas labs.
As trained Respiratory Therapists, our instructors are well equipped to offer the latest insights into new technology and best practices in the field, including through SAIT’s Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation - a simulation education facility that uses high fidelity human patient simulators that physiologically respond to medical treatment.
Interprovincial Health Training AgreementsSAIT offers reserved seats in respiratory therapy for Saskatchewan students. Limited space available, applications prior to May 1.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who experience success in this program and profession:
- fine motor skills
- critical thinking
- communication (e.g. verbal, reading, writing, and listening)
- able to work independently
- able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- adaptable
- able to work well under stress
- able to use technology
- attention to detail
- able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
- able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning of patients and/or equipment
- able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spend most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks
- able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity.
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Respiratory Therapy, as well as the National Competency Framework for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
Accreditation
Graduates from the SAIT program must successfully challenge the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) examination to earn the right to practice Respiratory Therapy in Canada. Any graduate wishing to work in Alberta must be a member of CARTA and pay the $425 membership fee and, if English is an additional language, provide proof of ELTPA of nine in all categories.
Graduates wishing to work outside of Alberta 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 $185 membership fee, and this is a requirement in an unregulated province.
After graduates become members of a professional organization, they may register with the CBRC by paying the $900 national examination fee that will then allow them to challenge the national exam.
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
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Respiratory Therapy diploma.
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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
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $5,609
- Year 2: $5,609
- Year 3: $6,880.50
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits 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
Mandatory admission requirement
Applicants are required to complete 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.
View process and upcoming deadlinesProgram requirements
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% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety's entrance testing process.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Applicants who intend to work in Alberta after graduation, and whose first language is not English, will need to meet the English language requirements of CARTA. Please visit the CARTA website to find out those details, and contact the CARTA registrar with any questions related to their requirements.
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 you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
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 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
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 students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
All students are required to return to SAIT campus for one week in each semester of the third year of the program, regardless of where they are placed for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practicum such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- Health and wellness status
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program offered by the Canadian Pediatric Society must be successfully completed and proof submitted to the program administration assistant before progressing to semester 5. The certification must be valid for the entire practicum year.
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 II | 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 | |
* The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline.
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $138
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $4,140 | $916 | $553 | $5,609 |
| 2 | 2 | $4,140 | $916 | $553 | $5,609 |
| 3 | 3 | $4,968 | $1,214 | $698.50 | $6,880.50 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee:
- Year 1 & 2: $196
- Year 3: $294
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee:
- Year 1 & 2: $200
- Year 3: $300
- Student technology fee:
- Year 1 & 2: $200
- Year 3: $300
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum:
- Year 1 & 2: $291
- Year 3: $436.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
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 College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA)
- Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) annual dues are approximately $100 for students and $180 for regular members.
- 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 tuition and financial aid.
*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.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on Sept. 1. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
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
