Become An RT

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]. 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).

Program Options or Streams:

Initially all 1st year students (RT Diploma and Dual credential) are admitted into the 3 year RT diploma program. Entry to practice as a Respiratory Therapist is the RT Diploma. Students declare interest to enter into the Dual credential stream during year one of the program. Acceptance into the Dual credential stream is based on cGPA and the number of available seats.

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.

For those students who have a baccalaureate degree (preferably a BSc, with an emphasis on human anatomy and physiology (or biology) and preferably within the last 5 years), there are two options: the Fast Track option. The fast track process provides accelerated access to the Respiratory Therapy Diploma 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.

Post-diploma RRT graduates wanting to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) can do so through TRU-OL. For more information on this, please see BHSc information.

For further details, please contact:

Admissions Information

Admissions Clerk
250-828-5045

Program and Career Information

Program Assistant, Respiratory Therapy Program
[email protected]
250-828-5403