COURSE CURRICULUM

The Respiratory Therapy diploma program at Thompson Rivers University is designed to prepare students for professional practice through a combination of classroom learning, laboratory training, and extensive clinical experience. The program uses multiple teaching methods including lectures, demonstrations, discussions, simulations, experiments, observational visits, and self-directed study to build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In the first two years, students complete foundational science and respiratory therapy courses along with lab work, while also participating in observational hospital rotations in respiratory therapy departments. These early experiences help students understand real clinical environments. The final year of the diploma is focused on an 11-month clinical internship completed in affiliated hospitals, where students gain hands-on experience in adult, pediatric, and neonatal respiratory care settings. Fast-track students begin directly in the second year, allowing them to complete the program in a shorter timeframe. The curriculum includes core courses such as anatomy and physiology, physics for respiratory therapy, pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary physiology, patient assessment, and pulmonary function testing. Advanced second-year courses cover pathophysiology, anaesthesia, chronic disease management, and community health education. The final clinical year includes intensive rotations and supervised practice in adult, neonatal, and pediatric care. Overall, the program ensures graduates are fully prepared to meet professional healthcare standards and work effectively as registered respiratory therapists in diverse clinical environments.