Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who contribute to the diagnosis and management of cardiorespiratory disorders, providing such services as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator management, oxygen and aerosol therapy, patient assessment and evaluation, and diagnostic services including pulmonary function testing. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, neonatal nurseries, operating rooms, intensive care units, general wards, pulmonary function labs, and emergency departments. Respiratory therapists may also work in community settings such as homecare, asthma clinics, research, and medical equipment sales and service. Respiratory therapists require good judgement, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain their composure in critical medical situations.
Respiratory Therapy (RT) is a challenging comprehensive three-year program featuring two years of classroom, laboratory, clinical simulation, and clinical practicum exposure followed by one year of clinical education in an affiliated clinical site. 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 clinical phase consists of 37-weeks of training conducted at approved facilities within Newfoundland and Labrador. The RT program develops the technical skills and professional behaviours required for graduates to work competently as an integral member of the health care team.
Furthermore, program graduates will be well-positioned to challenge the national competency examination as directed through the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care. After completing this exam, they will be eligible to register with the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Respiratory Therapy program, graduates will be able to:
- 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.
- Practice and promote the principles of quality management and the efficient utilization of resources.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills that promote competence in the performance of respiratory therapy procedures.
- Demonstrate a high level of professional conduct in the performance of duty.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other health care team members to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence.
ACCREDITATION
The
Respiratory Therapy (RT) 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.
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
Graduates may elect to further their studies and obtain a Bachelor of Technology degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland or a Bachelor of Science (Post-Diploma, Human Science) from Athabasca University.
Graduates may also pursue further studies in the areas of Anesthesia Assistant, Cardiovascular Perfusion, or Polysomnography.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students must possess a valid Standard First Aid with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Basic Life Support (CPR or BLS) certification to be eligible for graduation from the College.
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.
ENTRANCE 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 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Three Science courses:
Biology: 2201 and 3201
Chemistry: 3202
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.
Note: CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements.
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 (minimum 60%):
MA1040,
MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology:
BL1025,
BL1026
b. Chemistry:
CH1035,
CH1036
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. Science
Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
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.
Additional Entrance 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 Caper* Admissions Exam (Casper 2 – CSP10211)
as part of their application for the 2023/2024 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).
*
Casper. The Casper test comprises 14 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 90-110 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at TakeCasper.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 14-section 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 2024-2025 Application Cycle
- October 3, 2024
- October 10, 2024
- November 7, 2024
- December 5, 2024
- January 9, 2025
- January 21, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 4, 2025
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.
Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance (2024-2025)
- Valid** Certificate of Conduct, including Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students will require a clear and current Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) prior to clinical practicum. Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) may be denied access to clinical placement and may be unable to complete their program.
- Immunization Record providing evidence that the applicant has received the required vaccinations/screening tests. Completing the immunization record will require physician's visits, blood tests, and a TB screening test; detailed instructions are included on the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are fulfilled, and the immunization record complete before submission. Certain vaccinations require a series of immunizations over a period; therefore, it is essential to start the process as early as possible. The applicant is also responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, physician fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).
- ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.
(See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (
Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.)
*Acceptance of the Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record) is at the discretion of the organization in which the clinical practicum is being sought.
COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2025
Program Start Date September 2025
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program
| Deadline for receipt of application |
February 26, 2025 |
| Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation* |
March 7, 2025 |
| Initial round of acceptances |
April 15, 2025 |
*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.