School of Health Sciences

​ The Respiratory Therapy three-year diploma program graduates healthcare professionals who can contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals in neonatal nurseries, operating rooms, intensive care units, general wards, pulmonary function labs and emergency departments. 

The first phase of the program is academic. The second phase is specialized, with classroom and laboratory sessions, and weekly assignments at Hamad Medical Corporation. The third phase involves practical aspects designed to show students how to work as respiratory therapists in a clinical setting. 

1. Explain the theory behind all procedures as outlined by the current National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies (NARTRB) National Competency Profile.
2. Apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.
3. Perform all procedures outlined in the syllabus.
4. Use all equipment related to procedures outlined in the syllabus.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the therapist’s role in healthcare, and function with responsibility and empathy as members of the healthcare team.

Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, where they perform a variety of functions such as providing life support for patients who cannot breathe on their own, assisting in high-risk births, assisting anesthesiologists in the operating room and conducting tests to measure lung function. In addition to the hospital setting, job opportunities exist within the community, in asthma clinics, sleep disorder labs, research centres, homecare clinics and educational institutions.

Immunization Requirements

1. Completed medical assessment by physician to include past and present health history
2. Proof of current immunity to following diseases:
   • Measles, Mumps, Rubella
   • Varicella
   • Hepatitis A, B (include all dates)
3. Proof of tetanus/diphtheria booster (required every 10 years)
4. Hepatitis C and HIV screening
5. TB screening and BCG history – Mantoux 2-step skin testing if status unknown
6. Chest x-ray if indicated by Mantoux skin test
7. Yearly seasonal flu vaccination strongly recommended

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Diploma program at the College is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy Education (CoARTE). Successful completion of the Respiratory Therapy program will enable graduates to access the CBRC (Canadian Board of Respiratory Care) credentialing exam. Successful Completion of the CBRC exam provides practitioners with the professional designation RRT and satisfies requirements for entry level practitioners in Canada.

Further Studies

Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy Diploma program may have the opportunity to transfer course credits for degree to other academic institutions. A current list of post-secondary institutions offering admission and transfer credit to CNA-Q graduates who meet the entrance requirements is available from the Registrar’s Office or the Career Counseling and Resource Centre. Staff in both these offices will provide support and assistance to CNA-Q graduates seeking to further their post-secondary studies. For more information, please refer to the Program Articulation and Transfer Credit section in this Academic Calendar.

1. Students entering the program must meet English language proficiency requirements by obtaining an overall score of 71 or greater on the Oxford Online Placement Test, as administered and validated by the CNA-Q Testing Centre or a valid Academic IELTS exam with an overall band of 6.0 with no individual skill band below 5.5.
2. Students graduating from the Health and Wellness Promotion program must meet English language proficiency requirements on exit by obtaining an overall score of 71 or greater on the Oxford Online Placement Test, as administered and validated by the CNA-Q Testing Centre or a valid Academic IELTS exam with an overall band of 6.0 with no individual skill band below 5.5.​