How to become a respiratory therapist in Canada

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are vital members of Canadian healthcare teams, specializing in managing breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. With over 18,000 practitioners nationwide and a growing need in critical care and chronic disease management, RTs enjoy strong employment opportunities, particularly in provinces like Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia.

For internationally trained professionals, Canada offers a clear and regulated pathway to become a licensed respiratory therapist. Here’s how to navigate the process from credential recognition through to registration and employment, and understand salary expectations.

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How to become a respiratory therapist in Canada

• Submit educational credentials for evaluation
  Begin by having your academic qualifications assessed through a Canadian credential service such as WES, ICAS or IQAS (crto.on.ca). This report confirms the equivalency of your education and is required for licensing applications.
  
  
• Meet language requirements
  Demonstrate proficiency in English or French, often through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL or the Canadian Language Benchmarks.

• Complete entry-to-practice competency assessment
  In provinces such as Ontario, internationally educated RTs who graduated outside accredited Canadian programs must complete the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario’s (CRTO) entry-to-practice assessment, based on the national competency framework 
  
  
• Pass the national certification exam
  Apply to write the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) exam. Passing earns you the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) designation and is a requirement for provincial registration.
  
  
• Register with provincial regulator
  Once certified, register with your province’s regulator:
  
  - Ontario: CRTO issues your certificate after competency assessment and exam.
  - Alberta: Register with CARTA after documentation and CBRC results.
  - Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan: Follow similar steps per province – examination and application to the relevant college.

• Apply for licensure and begin practising
  Upon registration, you’ll receive a license to work in hospitals, ICUs, home care, sleep clinics and more. Maintain your credential by complying with continuing education and college standards.

For complete guide visit below links:

Become a respiratory therapist in Ontario: https://www.crto.on.ca/applicants/applicants-educated-outside-of-canada/

Become a respiratory therapist in Alberta: https://rrtalberta.ca/member-registry/foreign-qualification-recognition.aspx

Become a respiratory therapist in Nova Scotia: https://www.nscrt.com/registration/new-registrations/internationally-educated-applicants

Become a respiratory therapist in British Columbia: https://bcsrt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Application-for-RTs-Educated-Outside-of-Canada.pdf

Become a respiratory therapist in New Brunswick: https://www.atrnb.ca/images/NBARTGuideforApplicantsTrainedOutsideofCanada_V2.pdf

Become a respiratory therapist in Manitoba: https://www.marrt.org/site/licensing/intl?nav=sidebar

Become a respiratory therapist in Prince Edward Island: https://www.cahppei.ca/become-a-registered-allied-health-professional

Become a respiratory therapist in Saskatchewan: https://scrt.ca/document/2514/III.%20G.%20Licensing%20Equivalency%20Assessment%20Process%20for%20Internationally%20Trained%20Applicants%20Final.pdf

Become a respiratory therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador: https://nlchp.ca/respiratory-therapists-rrt/

Professional outlook and workplace settings

RTs are employed in a range of settings, including:

• Intensive care units, emergency departments, sleep labs and pulmonary rehabilitation programs in hospitals (80 %)
  
• Community health centres, long-term care facilities and home healthcare services (14 %) 

Employment growth is driven by Canada’s aging population, respiratory illness prevalence and backlogs in care. Job prospects are strong in areas facing staff shortages and for professionals skilled in complex respiratory technologies .

‍How Windmill Microlending can help?

At Windmill Microlending we support internationally trained professionals throughout the licensure journey. We offer low-interest loans (up to $15,000) to help cover fees like credential evaluations, exam costs, bridging programs and tuition. In addition, our career coaching and financial planning services help newcomers effectively integrate and succeed in Canadian healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a respiratory therapist do?
RTs assess patients, manage ventilators, conduct diagnostic tests (e.g. spirometry, blood gases), support pulmonary rehabilitation and educate patients and healthcare teams .

What are respiratory therapist jobs like in Canada?

RTs are in demand across settings like ICUs, home care and sleep clinics. Job prospects are ranked “good” in provinces such as Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia, with many new positions expected .

What is respiratory therapist salary in Canada?

According to Job Bank Canada, registered RTs earn an average of $38.56 per hour, with wages ranging from $28.85 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and province. That translates to $80,000–$105,000 annually. Premiums may apply in high-demand regions such as Alberta or during evening and weekend shifts.

How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist?

The journey takes about 2–3 years, comprised of an accredited college diploma or degree, the CBRC exam and provincial registration—plus time for credential assessment and competency evaluation. Overall, expect 3 to 4 years from arrival to practising as a licensed RT.