Respiratory Therapy
DIRECT ENTRY PROGRAMS
ABOUT THE PROGRAM Respiratory Therapists provide care to patients whose ability to breathe has been compromised. During the first two years of the Respiratory Therapy program, Michener students have full access to practice labs equipped with the most current and advanced respiratory therapy equipment, ensuring the lab and simulation activities mirror clinical realities. Michener’s intensive program covers all facets of entry-to-practice requirements ensuring graduates are job-ready. WHAT WILL I STUDY? • Using medications, therapies and assessments to assist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung disease • Using mechanical ventilators and other life support equipment to sustain life • Working as an integral part of the inter-professional health care team ABOUT THE PROFESSION Whether the goal is to work in a critical care environment or a community setting such as rehabilitation and homecare, Michener’s commitment to students is to instill the most current theory and the ability to execute those theories in a professional and accountable manner. Respiratory Therapists provide care to adults, children and newborns. In most cases, Respiratory Therapists work shifts that may be 10-12 hours long, and are a combination of days and nights and include weekends. WHERE CAN I WORK? Respiratory Therapy is a regulated health profession. To work as a Respiratory Therapist in Ontario, graduates must be registered with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO). The program is accredited by Accreditation Canada and graduates are eligible to write the national examinations. With success on the national examinations, a Respiratory Therapist is eligible to work across Canada. Possible work sites include: • Critical care units, emergency departments, operating rooms, diagnostic testing laboratories, rehabilitation programs and asthma clinics • Homecare companies (working in a clinic or visiting patients in their homes) • Diagnostic testing laboratories, including pulmonary function testing laboratories and sleep laboratories • Private sector (pharmaceutical or medical equipment sales)
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