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Respiratory Therapy

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Respiratory Therapy

  • Program Code: 869
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Three Years
  • School of Health Sciences
  • Area: Health Sciences
  • Domestic Applications: CLOSED
  • International Applications: CLOSED

Deadlines: (1) for receipt of application - February 27th 2026; (2) for receipt of ALL supporting documentation - March 6th 2026.

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Program Overview

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Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September 2026

Breathe easy. 
 
The heart and lungs work every moment to sustain life. When breathing becomes difficult, respiratory therapists are the frontline professionals who help restore it. These professionals specialize in assessing, diagnosing and treating cardiopulmonary conditions, and perform vital tasks such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator management, taking blood samples, inserting arterial lines and administering oxygen and aerosol therapies. Their expertise is critical in emergencies, ongoing treatments and patient education about key aspects of respiratory health. 
 
Most respiratory therapists work in dynamic hospital environments such as intensive care units, general wards, neonatal nurseries, operating rooms, pulmonary function labs and emergency departments. Others work in community settings like homecare and asthma clinics, or in research, education or medical equipment sales and service. They often work independently to assess, manage and educate patients, and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe, effective treatment. 
 
To thrive in this field you need strong interpersonal skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure during medical emergencies, and a solid understanding of various healthcare areas. Practical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving are essential to delivering high-quality care. 
 
This three-year program offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Program topics include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, applied sciences, pharmacology, pathophysiology, mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary diagnostics and neonatal respiratory care. Clinical application courses in Years 1 and 2 utilize simulation and clinical site visits to facilitate theory integration and transition to the third and final year. The third year is devoted to developing clinical competencies at approved facilities within Newfoundland and Labrador.  
 
Through completing this program, you will develop the clinical, technical, and professional skills required to work proficiently as an integral member of the healthcare team. 
 
If you’re ready to breathe new life into your career, inquire with us now!


 
 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Learn to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other health care team members to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence. 
  • Graduates are prepared to write the national examination as directed through the Health Professionals Testing Canada. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to register with the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals as a Respiratory Therapist. 
  • The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by Accreditation Canada until June 30, 2028.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Respiratory therapists work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to develop treatment plans to help restore or maintain lung and breathing function. 
  • Respiratory therapists treat people of all ages, from premature infants to the elderly. 
  • These professionals are part of both trauma and code blue teams and are integral members of a neonatal transport team.  
  • Respiratory therapists insert breathing tubes, take blood from arteries and perform CPR. 
  • The wage paid in Newfoundland and Labrador for this role is $41.63 per hour. There is significant opportunity for employment post completion. 

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the Respiratory Therapy program, graduates will be able to:
 

  1. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies (NARTRB) National Competency Framework (NCF) with timeliness, accuracy, and proficiency.
  2. Practice and promote the principles of quality management and the efficient utilization of resources.
  3. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills that promote competence in the performance of respiratory therapy procedures.
  4. Demonstrate a high level of professional conduct in the performance of duty.
  5. Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other health care team members to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence.

CURRICULUM

This fast-paced three-year program blends classroom, lab, and simulation learning at CNA with clinical placements across Newfoundland and Labrador through NL Health Services (NLHS). Graduates are eligible to write the national certification exam through Health Professionals Testing Canada (HPTC) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Provincial registration is managed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals (NLCHP) and the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Respiratory Therapists (NLCRT). For more information visit Respiratory Therapists (RRT) – NLCHP.

CERTIFICATIONS

During the program students will complete the following certificate(s)/Certification(s):

  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Mask fit testing

Note: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires the use of an approved respirator when there is potential for exposure to airborne hazards. This program requires respirator use and you must be fit tested on the respirator approved for your program. A fit test ensures the respirator is suitable to you, sized appropriately, and provides a tight seal. It will also educate you on respirator use and care. Facial hair impacts the fit of respirators, therefore, students with facial hair will be required to be clean shaven at the time of fit testing and every time you wear a respirator. Your instructor will arrange fit testing. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to wear a respirator, you must be assessed by a health care provider before being fit tested. Your provider will need to confirm that it is safe for you to use a respirator. If you are unable to pass a fit test, alternative respirator options may be available; however, these options are more expensive, and students are responsible for any associated costs.
 

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.  
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.

For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.

CNA has a service agreement with a third-party provider Verified to prepare School of Health Sciences students for clinical placements in health care environments. The cost associated with Verified is available on the program cost forms. More information about this service will be provided upon the start of classes.



 

ACCREDITATION

The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by Accreditation Canada until June 30, 2028.
 
This program is currently “Accredited” with Accreditation Canada/EQual. Our “Accredited” status serves as an important demonstration of our commitment to providing quality education in alignment with accreditation and regulatory requirements. If you require additional information regarding our accreditation status and endeavors and/or any potential implications our accreditation status may have on your future abilities to practice as a healthcare professional, we encourage you to reach out to the Dean for the School of Health Sciences
 

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT

  • Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Respiratory Therapy diploma program are eligible for admission to Fisheries and Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland's Bachelor of Technology degree program. Students admitted may satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Technology degree program by succesfully completing thirteen courses (39 credit hours).

Admission Requirements

At the time of application to the Respiratory Therapy program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:
 
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 (minimum 60%) 
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
    Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
    Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Biology: 2201 and 3201(minimum of 50% in both courses)
iv. Chemistry: 3202 (minimum of 50%) or Physics 3204 (minimum of 50%)
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math: MA1040 (minimum 50%), MA1041 (minimum 60%)
iii.  Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
iv. Chemistry CH1035, CH1036 (minimum of 50% in both courses) or Physics PH1055, PH1056 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following        courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1104A, 1104B, 1104C, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
iii. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
iv. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C (minimum of 50% in all courses) or Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C (minimum of 50% in all courses)

Note: Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.

Note: The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.
 
Additional Admission Requirements

  • Completion of the Casper Admissions Exam.
    • The Casper Admissions Exam official score will be used as part of the points-based system to determine ranking in the competitive entry process
    • All applicants are required to complete Casper* Admissions Exam (Casper 2 – CSP10211)
      as part of their application for the 2025/2026 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).
*Casper. The Casper test comprises 2 sections of 11 scenarios – 4 video, 7 written. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time constraint. The test typically takes between 65-85 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at About Casper - Take Casper, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.
 
Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
Casper Test Dates 2025-2026 Application Cycle
  • October 4, 2025
  • October 9, 2025
  • October 15, 2025
  • October 16, 2025
  • November 6, 2025
  • November 30, 2025
  • December 2, 2025
  • January 8, 2026
  • January 22, 2026
  • February 19, 2026
  • March 5, 2026
     
    For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:
  • Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
  • Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
  • NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form

Notes: 
  • Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
  • The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
  • The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2026
Program Start Date   September 2026      
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program
 
Deadline for receipt of application February 27, 2026    
Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation*      March 6, 2026
Initial round of acceptances April 13, 2026

*Documentation received after the deadline WILL NOT be considered
 
**Candidates not accepted for the intake to which they applied must re-apply for admission to future offerings.  Applications WILL NOT be kept on file.

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
CM2201 Oral Communications 2 2 0
TM1130 Medical Terminology 3 3 0
RT1161 Respiratory Mathematics 2 2 0
BL1605 Human Biology 4 3 2
RT1100 Introduction to Respiratory Therapy 4 3 3
HG1110 Applied Science for Allied Health 4 3 2
RT2305 Pharmacology 3 3 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
CS2311 Research Methods and Statistics 2 2 0
RT1120 Cardiopulmonary Physiology 4 4 0
RT1130 Cardiopulmonary Patho I 4 4 0
RT2461 RT Techniques 5 4 3
BL2601 Intro to Microbiology 4 3 2
HG2051 Professional Practice & Ethics 3 3 0
PS1420 Health Care Organization and Structure 3 3 0
         
Semester 3 Intersession (7 weeks) Cr Le La
RT1140 Airway Management I 4 3 3
RT1150 Clinical Application I 2 1 3
RT2150 Cardiopulmonary Patho II 3 3 0
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
RT2110 Airway Management II 3 2 3
RT2121 Mechanical Ventilation I 4 3 3
RT2470 Neonatal Respiratory Care 4 3 2
RT2130 Clinical Application II 2 1 3
RT2141 Cardiac Diagnostics 4 3 3
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
RT2320 Anesthesia 4 4 0
RT2161 Mechanical Ventilation II 4 3 3
RT2171 Pulmonary Diagnostics 4 3 3
RT3430 Clinical Application III 2 1 3
RT2180 Neonatal Clinical Application 2 1 3
RT2240 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 3 2 2
         
Semester 6 Intersession (7 weeks) Cr Le La
RT2251 Clinical Application IV 4 2 6
RT2245 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II 2 2 0
         
Semester 7   Cr Le La
RT3000 Practicum I 15   15 wks
         
Semester 8   Cr Le La
RT3010 Practicum II 15   15 wks
         
Semester 9 Intersession (7 weeks) Cr Le La
RT3020 Practicum III 7   7 wks


 

Careers & Pathways

FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may pursue further studies in the areas of Anesthesia Assistant, Cardiovascular Perfusion, or Polysomnography.

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $1,301.00 (per semester) $625.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2025–2026 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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