Respiratory Therapist

Description and Responsibilities

Respiratory therapists provide cardiorespiratory system care. They work in emergency situations (cardiac or respiratory arrest, emergency trauma) and in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema and cystic fibrosis. They work to maintain, restore or assist airway function through the use of respirators or other oxygenation apparatus or by the administration of drugs via the respiratory tract.

Respiratory therapists work in various hospital units, including in the emergency room, intensive care, neonatology and respiratory physiology. They assist the anesthesiologist in the operating room to monitor the patient’s vital functions and ensure that the apparatus used are working as they should.

Respiratory therapists also work with doctors on the diagnostic evaluation of respiratory disorders and the assessment of the cardiorespiratory condition of patients before, during and after treatment. They can also be part of an outpatient healthcare team (CLSC, etc.) and provide home care and respiratory rehabilitation to people suffering from cardiorespiratory diseases.

Education and Training Requirements

Respiratory therapy programs are offered in several regions in Québec.

Required Interests, Skills and Personality Type

• Must be a good communicator and listener
• Must be responsible and organized
• Must enjoy physical work and handling (medical) instruments
• Must enjoy working in a team with colleagues and other professionals
• Must have ability to synthesize information
• Must have excellent initiative and be able to work autonomously
• Must know how to observe and analyze situations and people
• Must love contact with the public

Personality Type (RIASEC)

IRS

• I - Prefers studying, understanding and solving problems
• R - Prefers practical work and handling tools
• S - Prefers to be in contact with people and to help them

Work Environment

Respiratory therapists practice in: 

• Hospitals (in French only)
• Residential and long-term care centres (in French only)
• Private clinics (surgery, sleep care, etc.)
• Local community services centres (CLSCs) (in French only)

Useful Links

• Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists 
• Inhalothérapeute, une carrière inspirante (OPIQ)  (in French only)
• Ordre professionnel des inhalothérapeutes du Québec  (in French only)
• Respiratory Therapists and Cardiopulmonary Technologists – Emploi-Québec 
• Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technicians – Emplois d’avenir 
• Tania Lévesque - Inhalothérapeute – Video testimony of a respiratory therapist – Santé Outaouais  (in French only)