Respiratory Therapy

Computer Skills
Students are expected to have basic computer skills, including word processing, email, spreadsheets and PowerPoint. 

Immunization Requirements
Once accepted into the School of Health Sciences, students will be given an immunization requirement form to be completed by their physician, public health nurse or health professional. Your immunizations must be up to date prior to orientation.  Your completed immunization requirement form must be submitted at your program's orientation in August. 

Don't wait--start updating your immunization today. You will need immunization against tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), hepatitis B (including Hep B titre).  You will also be required to undergo tuberculosis screening within a specified time prior to practicum placement. Failure to do so will prevent you from participating in program activities and clinical placement.

A copy of your records may be obtained from your local public health clinic or physician’s office. If you received your immunizations in the Alberta Health Service Capital region, you may contact them at 780.413.7985.

For further immunization information, please contact NAIT Occupational Health Safety at 780.471.8733.

CPR and First Aid

Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certificate, dated within one year of the start date of the program, is required.

BLS for health-care providers is the required CPR training once in the program. A BLS certificate must be obtained before going on practicum in the first year and must be obtained through the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Note: Costs to obtain the BLS certification and maintain current First Aid are the responsibility of the student.

Selection Criteria

Student selection is competitive and based on criteria that may include academic achievement beyond the stated minimum prerequisite.

All applicants are encouraged to obtain a high-school diploma, as some employers may require it.

Applicants with a credential in another NAIT health science program may be given some preference in the selection process.

Student Selection Process:

• The prerequisites will be reviewed by the Registrar's Office for compliance.
• Short listing for interviews will occur based on academic standing.
• Final selection will based on:
  • academics - 40%
  • Career Investigation - 20% 
  • interview  (on-site only) - 40% 

Application Deadline:

March 31 is the annual deadline for receipt of applications plus all supporting documentation including the Career Investigation and transcripts.

Career Investigation

The Career Investigation is a report NAIT applicants prepare as part of the application process for many of our full-time programs. Completion of a Career Investigation specific to the Respiratory Therapy program is required.

Advanced / Transfer Credit

Advanced credit requests are considered during the first two weeks of each semester.

Advanced credit can be awarded in the School of Health Sciences at the request of a student, based on NAIT receiving relevant information indicating that the student's previous formal learning is equivalent (or substantially equivalent) to the learning outcomes contained in NAIT courses.

It is the responsibility of the student to:

• Gather the appropriate records and documentation including transcripts, course outlines and course objectives of previous courses taken.
• Meet with the course instuctor to have course equivalency assessed. If approval is given, the associate chair will notify the student.

Note: Successful application for advanced credit may affect eligibility for semester honours, the Dean's Honour Role, and honours diploma/certificates or awards.