Respiratory Therapy

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​ 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. 

Objectives

  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.

Career Opportunities

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
Note: Students will be denied access to clinical placements without medical verification of complete immunization/screening requirements.

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). The Respiratory Therapy program also meets the current scope of practice for Respiratory Therapists in Qatar, as outlined by the Ministry of Public Health.

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.

Entrance requirements

  1. High school graduation certificate with the following:
    AverageMinimum 60%
    English Language (Grade 12 level)Minimum 60%
    Academic Mathematics (Grade 12 level)
    		Minimum 60% 
    * Two Science courses selected from: Biology, ChemistryMinimum 60%
  2. Obtaining the required score on the Academic English Placement (AEP) and Academic Math Placement (AMP). Students who present a valid IELTS Academic Test Report Form received within two years with an overall band 5.0 with no individual skill band below 4.5 are exempt from taking the AEP. For score requirements on other internationally-recognized tests such as TOEFL, contact the Registrar’s Office.
* Qatari Applicants who do not meet the Science requirement may be admitted to the academic preparatory curriculum, which is designed to provide upgrading in the basic skills required for successful completion of allied health programs. Note: Applicants who do not meet the entrance requirements and are 19 years of age or older, may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Clause.

Language proficiency Requirements

  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.​

Additional Costs

Students are required to use a smartphone or tablet (Android or Apple) for competency tracking in labs and clinical courses. Any costs associated with this device are the student’s responsibility. Additionally, on successful completion of the RT program, students who would like to write the CBRC(Canadian Board of Respiratory Care) credentialing exam will be required to pay a fee of $815 CAD and an additional Test Centre fee of $144 CAD (Fees are subject to change).