Study to be an RT

Interested in becoming an RT?

Thompson Rivers University in sunny Kamloops, BC is the home for the Respiratory Therapy Program. It is the only school in the province that offers the Respiratory Therapy education.  

The Respiratory Therapy program is a competitive program with a wait list for admissions. The program is a 2 to 4 year program depending on the program option that best suits your needs.  It is possible to achieve a diploma in Respiratory Therapy or a Bachelor of Health Sciences and there is also an opportunity to complete a Masters of Education.  For students that already have a degree (BSc preferred) there is a fast track option.

The program requires a minimum of 1 didactic year at the University for fast track students and 2 didactic years for diploma students or 3 didactic years for degree students.  The final year is a practicum year that requires experience at a minimum of 3 hospitals (2 adult hospitals and BC Children’s Hospital).  Practicums are organized between hospitals in Kelowna, Surrey, Victoria, New Westminster and Vancouver. 

The Respiratory Therapy program at Thompson Rivers University utilizes St. Paul’s Hospital as a clinical site for practicum students, thus we have access to a pool of bright new talent in the Respiratory Therapist graduates.  We are also a facility where staff like to develop their careers and stay, so we have a very cohesive department.  Providence Health Care provides a challenging environment for all Respiratory Therapists.  We have very little turnover and some of our senior staff have more than 25 years experience. 

Apply for admission to Thompson Rivers University. 

Average wages for Respiratory Therapists in BC

Wages for Respiratory Therapists vary depending on whether employment is in the public sector (hospital) or private (clinics and sales) industry. 

Most hospital based Respiratory Therapists belong to the Health Science Association of BC. Terms and conditions of employment are outlined by a collective agreement.

Private industry wages are generally negotiable but usually competitive to Public sector employment.