Work Abroad
How To Immigrate To Canada As A Respiratory Therapist
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The respiratory therapist profession is a diverse and specialized one that involves diagnosing and treating patients by providing ventilator management, oxygen, and aerosol therapy. Professionals in this field are also responsible for treating and carrying out diagnostic procedures and lots more. Due to its high demand, foreign-trained nationals are beginning to immigrate to Canada as a respiratory therapist.
Furthermore, respiratory therapists specialize in taking care of patients with breathing disorders, while also providing support with breathing therapies and equipment. In this article, we’ll take you through the responsibilities of a respiratory therapist and how to immigrate to Canada as a respiratory therapist. Now, let’s dive in!
What Is A Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist is someone who helps patients with breathing issues. Meanwhile, they work with the instructions of doctors and treat a range of patients ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to the elderly with lung disease. They also give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer drugs for the lungs.
Respiratory Therapist Responsibilities
Below, we have compiled the responsibilities of a respiratory therapist in Canada. Scroll down!
- Respiratory therapists usually work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. As such, they help to manage patient care by assisting them with medical procedures or related duties.
- They also help to train other healthcare personnel and trainees. This is done by demonstrating the required respiratory care procedures to them.
- Furthermore, they help to monitor cardiac patients, through the use of electrocardiography devices like a heart monitor.
- They are responsible for using a variety of testing techniques to help doctors in cardiac/pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
- In addition, they help to determine the treatment requirements like type, method, and duration of therapy. As well as the precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages that are compatible with physicians’ orders.
- Lastly, on the list, they usually perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in the performance of breathing exercises.
Types Of Respiratory Therapist
Below are the various types of respiratory therapists in Canada. Scroll down!
- Cardiopulmonary Technician and EEG Tech (Cardiopulmonary Technician and Electroencephalogram Technician).
- Staff Therapist.
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP).
- Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy.
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).
Specializations
When you immigrate to Canada as a respiratory therapist, there are several areas that you can specialize in. Some of these areas require extra certification or experience. Therefore, we have listed some of the areas you can specialize in. Read on!
- Neonatal or pediatric
- Geriatric
- Pulmonary rehab
- Polysomnography
- Critical care
- Home care
- Pulmonary diagnostics
Required Skills For A Respiratory Therapist
Below are some of the essential skills of a respiratory therapist.
1. Critical Thinking: A respiratory therapist is expected to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2. Active Listening: As a respiratory therapist, you must give full attention to what other people are saying. Also take time to understand the points being made, as well as ask appropriate questions when necessary.
Working Hours Of A Respiratory Therapist
In a full-time role in a hospital, a respiratory therapist will generally work a standard number of hours per week. However, some respiratory therapists usually have their consulting rooms to consult with their patients when they are in the hospital. Moreover, it means you’ll have to work longer hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. You may also have to work as part of an on-call roster, though it will depend on your role.
Working Conditions Of A Respiratory Therapist
As a respiratory therapist, you’ll be based in a hospital or share a private consulting room with other medical specialists. Meanwhile, some respiratory therapists can work in sleep labs. You may see patients in your consulting room on set days, and work in hospitals on other days. Furthermore, you may be required to shuttle between your consulting rooms and hospitals or other medical facilities.
Becoming A Respiratory Therapist
To immigrate to Canada as a respiratory therapist, you will have to study either nursing or medicine at the university. The required qualification will depend on the type of role you want. Therefore, to get into these courses, you must obtain your senior secondary school certificate or its equivalent.
English, mathematics, biology, physics, and chemistry are the five appropriate subjects to study before applying to the university. Additionally, you will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a First Aid Certificate, and relevant immunizations before undertaking clinical placements.
Higher Education Requirement
As a respiratory therapist, you can decide to choose a two-year associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. However, some employers usually prefer a bachelor’s degree. For some programs, you may be required for entrance requirements such as documented volunteer or work experience in a respiratory care environment. So, it’s essential to work or volunteer in a hospital or vent center in high school.
Certification Process
After you have completed a respiratory therapy degree program, you must enroll for the certification exam to become a certified/registered respiratory therapist. Furthermore, every state requires that respiratory therapists obtain a state license. Additional certification is available to work with certain populations, such as pediatrics.
It’s also highly recommended to obtain Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications. Respiratory therapists must renew their credentials every five years, which includes continuing education or retesting.
Career Opportunities And Job Outlook
As a respiratory therapist, you can expect to earn an average annual salary of $76,577 according to Talent.com. Job opportunities are also looking good as respiratory therapists are highly in demand in some Canadian provinces. Therefore, with the right education, certifications, and skills, you should be ready to immigrate to Canada as a respiratory therapist.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of respiratory therapists to grow much faster than average. Respiratory therapists are expected to keep caring for the large aging population. Meanwhile, aged citizens are more likely to experience lung and heart conditions that may benefit from respiratory therapy.
Working Environment
You may work in hospitals, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health agencies. However, more than half of respiratory therapists are generally employed by hospitals. Furthermore, your working hours as a respiratory therapist can be 35-40 hours per week.
Depending on where you work, you may take on nights, weekends, and holidays, especially if it’s direct patient care in hospitals/nursing homes. In addition, your shifts can be long and you may have to spend most of your shift on your feet.
