Respiratory Therapy

Diploma

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Respiratory Therapists are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education of patients with heart and lung disorders. As a Respiratory Therapist, you’ll work with patients of all ages, from infants and children to adults and geriatrics. The Respiratory Therapist is a crucial life-saving and life-supporting professional, and as a NAIT graduate you’ll be well equipped to work in a wide variety of hospital and health care settings.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 3 Years (Full-time) Closed Closed
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant training

Learn to plan and implement diagnostic procedures for patients suffering from a wide range of heart and lung disorders. This 3-year diploma program will feature simulation experience, with classroom and lab instruction, combined with clinical rotations in various hospital settings. The program features hands-on training in areas such as:

  • human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology
  • airway management and cardiopulmonary testing, monitoring and resuscitation
  • assessment of cardio-respiratory patient status; ventilator support; testing and evaluation of respiratory equipment
Respiratory Therapy student

Classroom and study hours

You can expect to spend, on average:

27 hours per week attending classes over the course of a semester.

10 to 15 hours per week studying and completing class assignments.

Upon successful completion of the RET program the graduate is eligible to challenge the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) entry-to-practice certification examination to become a registered respiratory therapist.

In order to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the province of Alberta, technologists are required to be registered with the College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta to obtain a license to practice.

Open Studies Pathway

You now have an additional pathway to the School of Health and Life Sciences at NAIT. Complete one or more select Open Studies courses to be guaranteed a program entrance interview.

Alumni Profile: Lindsay Beaudry

Midway through her program at NAIT, she suffered a life-threatening brain bleed. Not only did she survive the brain surgery, she went on to work in the neurosciences ICU that saved her life.

Pushing the limits of simulation training

NAIT's Simulation Centre re-creates the real world of health-care careers

Keeping it Real

From practicing on high-fidelity manikins to learning on the latest software, watch how NAIT students practice the best patient care.

Want to learn more about this program?

Career Outcomes

Job Opportunities

Industries

  • Critical care units
  • Operating rooms
  • Emergency departments
  • Hospital wards
  • Sleep laboratories
  • Pulmonary function laboratories
  • Hyperbaric oxygen programs
  • Community-based care programs
  • Research

Median Starting Salary

The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Respiratory Therapy  Diploma is $69,264.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

Download report

Take your career planning to the next level

This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.

Further education at NAIT

Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.

Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Clinical Placement.

Clinical Placement

A Clinical Placement involves work experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional (e.g. preceptor) in any discipline that requires practice-based work experience for professional licensure or certification. Practica are generally unpaid and the work is done in a supervised setting.

Duration 43 weeks
Compensation No
International Students Co-op Work Permit required
Placement Identified By Program Staff - Students are placed with employers by the program.
Student Interview Required No
Non-academic requirements

First Aid
CPR-C (Basic Life Support - BLS) - Students must provide evidence of current BLS certification for entry into the program and remain current throughout clinical training. One of the following courses or certifications can be used to meet this requirement: + NAIT CPRS100 - Basic Life Support + NAIT CPRS500 - Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C. + Canadian Ski Patrol (CPR-C) + Heart & Stroke Foundation (BLS for HCP (C), BLS, CPR C) + Lifesaving Society (CPR-C) + Red Cross (CPR-C or HCP) + St. John Ambulance (CPR-C or HCP).

Police Check
Students are required to provide a current Police Information Check (also referred to as a Security Clearance or Criminal Record Check) which must include a Vulnerable Sector Search. Please do not proceed with the Police Information Check until an offer of acceptance and follow-up instructions have been issued by the program. The Police Information Check is only considered valid when reviewed by a NAIT official within 90 days of completion. If you do not meet the police information check requirements, your work integrated learning experience (clinical training) may be refused by a clinical site, which may ultimately impede your progress in the program.

Immunization - General
Once accepted into the program, students must ensure their immunizations are current to the Alberta Health Services Immunization Standards. The program will contact you with specific instructions for completing the immunization requirements. If you do not meet the immunization requirements, your work integrated learning experience (clinical training) may be refused by a clinical site, and there may be restrictions to campus lab and clinic experience, which may ultimately impede your progression in the program.

Benefits of a Clinical Placement
  • Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
  • Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
  • Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
  • Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
  • Gain confidence in your professional skills
  • Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
  • Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
  • Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
  • Possibility of employment after graduation
  • Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Please see below for the list of courses that are available for PLAR credits in this program. Please click on the specific course for more information on the evidence that is required for each course.

Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

Admission Requirements

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Minimum entrance requirements

 

The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.

  • 63% in each of

    • Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
    • Grade 12 Mathematics (Math 30-2)
    • Grade 12 Biology (Biology 30)
    • Grade 12 Chemistry (Chemistry 30)

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

  • Online Interview - See Competitive Entrance Requirements for details.

Competitive entrance requirements

 

Admission for this program is not guaranteed by only meeting the minimum requirements, as the program has competitive entrance and/or an interview process. Learn more about competitive entrance or program interviews.

Applicants who meet the program’s minimum entrance requirements and submit all required documents will be invited to a program interview. After the interview, applicants with the highest interview score will be admitted first. Approximately 4 months after applications open, if additional seats are available, varying interview scores may be considered. The scores required for admission can vary by program and intake.

  • The 1st round of interviews is expected to occur mid October. The timing of your invitations will be based on when your completed application was submitted.

More information about the program interview process can be found on the program interview page.

Due to the high volume of interviews in the School of Health and Life Sciences, the program(s) is unable to provide applicants with feedback on their interview submissions.

Additional requirements & considerations

Post-admission requirements

 

Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.

  • First Aid – PRIOR TO CLINICAL

Students must provide evidence of current BLS certification before commencing clinical training. BLS certification must remain current throughout clinical training, therefore, it is recommended that certification is obtained just prior to clinical training commencement. The BLS certification course that meets this requirement must be designed for individuals who will be health care providers. The NAIT Continuing Education Course that meets this requirement is CPRS100 - Basic Life Support.

  • Immunization – School of Health and Life Science:

For the 2024-25 academic year, NAIT has partnered with Verified by Synergy Gateway Inc. to provide support and clearance for the School of Health and Life Sciences clinical placement requirements. The Synergy Gateway platform allows you to digitally upload the documentation for your program and practicum requirements.

The program will contact you with specific instructions and information for completing the immunization requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all the necessary documents are obtained and submitted to Verified by the deadlines provided by the program.

If you do not meet the immunization requirements, your work-integrated learning experience (clinical training) may be refused by a clinical site, and there may be restrictions to campus lab and clinic experience, which may ultimately impede your progression in the program.

Any associated fees for Verified by Synergy Gateway Inc. to complete the pre-placement requirements are the sole responsibility of the student.

  • Police Check – School of Health and Life Science:

For the 2024-25 academic year, NAIT has partnered with Verified by Synergy Gateway Inc. to provide support and clearance for the School of Health and Life Sciences clinical placement requirements. The Synergy Gateway platform allows you to digitally upload the documentation for your program and practicum requirements.

Students are required to provide a current Police Information Check (also referred to as a Security Clearance or Criminal Record Check) which must include a Vulnerable Sector Search. Please do not proceed with the Police Information Check until an offer of acceptance and follow-up instructions have been issued by the program. The Police Information Check is only considered valid when submitted within 90 days of the program start date. If you do not meet the police information check requirements, your work-integrated learning experience (clinical training) may be refused by a clinical site, which may ultimately impede your progress in the program. If you have concerns about the clearance status of your Police Information Check, contact SHLSWIL@nait.ca immediately upon acceptance to the program.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all the necessary documents are obtained and submitted to Verified by the deadlines provided by the program. Any associated fees for Verified by Synergy Gateway Inc. to complete the pre-placement requirements are the sole responsibility of the student.

  • English Language Requirements

The College and Association of Respiratory Therapy of Alberta (CARTA) has additional language requirements for licensing Respiratory Therapists in Alberta whose first language is not English. In preparation for employment, post graduation, it is the responsibility of the individual applying for a license to ensure their language proficiency meets provincial regulator requirements for licensing. For more information on CARTA requirements visit their website at www.carta.ca.

  • N95 Testing:

It is a program requirement to fit test students to an N95 respirator prior to your clinical placement to ensure proper PPE safety. For an effective N95 respirator seal, you must be clean shaven during your fit testing session and clinical rotation. You will be required to be fit tested every two years or sooner depending on the policies of your work site. If there is a change in facial features due to weight gain/loss, pregnancy, dental work, etc. you will also need to be refitted to ensure an effective respirator seal.

Not sure if you meet the requirements?

Learn more about how NAIT evaluates applications, and find resources on how to satisfy admissions criteria.

How applications are evaluated Submitting required documents

Additional options

This program has courses that are available for Open Studies. Open Studies allows you to explore credit courses without applying to a program. It is an opportunity to get a feel for school and what program you want to be in.

Learn more about Open Studies

Dates & Deadlines

 
International
Applications Open:

Aug 01, 2024

 
International
Applications Deadline:

Once the program is full

 
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
 
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
 
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025

Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.

Co-Op Work Permit

Mandatory Co-op: This program has a mandatory work-integrated learning component. International students must apply for a co-op work permit and have it approved before the start of their work placement.

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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