College Diploma – Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Therapy 3-year diploma program prepares students for a specialized healthcare career assisting physicians in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients requiring cardiopulmonary care, life support, and respiratory therapies.

• Program Structure:

  • Years 1 & 2: Two 8-month academic years combining classroom theory, lab training, clinical simulation, and introductory practica at SAIT campus, including hands-on experience in the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation using high-fidelity patient simulators.

  • Year 3: A 12-month full-time clinical placement in an affiliated acute and community care facility (covering adult, pediatric, and neonatal ICUs, emergency departments, anesthesia, surgical suites, wards, home care, and pulmonary function/blood gas labs).

• Technical Requirements: Requires a personal computer with internet access for online components, and an iPad or iPad mini to run CompTracker during clinical practicum rotations.

• Job Insights:

  • Canada: Average salary of $73,125/yr (Range: $52K – $99K) | 74 jobs advertised (July 2026).

  • Alberta: Average salary of $85,352/yr (Range: $67K – $102K) | 8 jobs advertised (July 2026).

Academic Background:

• Minimum Level of Education Completed: Grade 12 / High School

• Minimum GPA: 50.0%

Language Requirements:

• Minimum Language Test Scores: IELTS 6.0 | TOEFL 80.0 | PTE 53.0 | Duolingo 115

• Conditional Admission: Available by completing English courses prior to the academic program if valid test scores are not yet provided.

PGWP Eligibility: This program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Final approval rests solely with the IRCC based on fields in long-term shortage or meeting new requirements.

General Admission Note: Program requirements serve only as a guide and do not guarantee admission. Valid language test results are required for direct admission before receiving a final offer letter.

Practicum Relocation Note: Clinical placement site preferences are not guaranteed due to limited seat capacity; students may be required to relocate at their own expense for the clinical year.