Respiratory Therapy Program Information

The Respiratory Therapy program at TRU is a national leader in providing a high quality educational experience for future Respiratory Therapists. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy Education [COARTE].

Although all students are admitted into the 3 year RT diploma program, there are two completion options. Option one is a 3 year Diploma stream, while option two is a 4 year dual credential, Diploma / Degree stream. Students declare interest to enter into the Diploma / Degree stream during year one of the program.

Following completion of studies at TRU, the student attends an 11 month clinical internship at hospitals affiliated with TRU. The clinical year begins in early June with students spending time at various hospitals gaining exposure to all aspects of the duties of a Respiratory Therapist. Clinical year students will rotate between hospitals in the Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Applicants must be prepared to relocate as required. Specific rotations cannot be guaranteed.

Following successful completion of the program the graduate is eligible to sit the National Certification Examination, for the professional qualifications of R.R.T. (Registered Respiratory Therapist).

For those students who have baccalauriate degree (preferbably a BSc, with an emphasis on human anatomy and phsyiology and preferably within the last 5 years), there is another option, called the Fast Track option. The fast track process provides accelerated access to the Respiratory Therapy Program by allowing direct entry into the second year of the RT diploma program. Interested individuals with an Associate Degree (minimum of 60 credits) in Science may contact the program coordinator to discuss their options for entrance into the program. More information about the F/T option can be found under the Admission Requirements.