BA/BS in Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Therapy program is a four-year Bachelor of Health Sciences degree delivered through Dalhousie's School of Health Sciences, with an option to exit after three years with a diploma. It trains students to manage cardiopulmonary conditions, including administering oxygen therapy, managing artificial airways, and operating mechanical ventilation, combining theoretical coursework with clinical practice. Coursework covers anatomy, cardiopulmonary physiology, mechanical ventilation, respiratory disease, health care ethics, and research methods. Clinical training includes six-to-eight-week summer practicums in years one through three, plus dedicated clinical education courses in year three, with placements across Atlantic Canada and potentially further afield. Graduates become eligible to write the Health Professionals Testing Canada exam toward becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Admission is competitive, with the program describing an annual intake of 24 students and priority given to Atlantic Canadian residents. The program suits students who want hands-on clinical training in acute cardiopulmonary care, are comfortable working with vulnerable patients and invasive procedures, and can think critically and work steadily under pressure in fast-paced clinical settings.