Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

Entry-level training programs in respiratory therapy, clinical perfusion and cardiopulmonary technology are generally two to three years in length. Positions in this group almost always require certification from a relevant certifying body, as described below.

To become a Registered respiratory therapist (RRT) with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Technologists (CSRT) requires:

• Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program in Canada
• Completion of the national registration exams provided by Health Professionals Testing Canada (formerly the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care)

All respiratory therapy training programs in Canada are a minimum of three years. Respiratory therapists may also become members of the British Columbia Society of Respiratory Therapists (BCSRT). For more information, visit the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) and the BCSRT.

In B.C., the duties typically performed by cardiopulmonary technologists in other provinces are instead performed by respiratory therapists. Outside of B.C., becoming a Registered Cardiopulmonary Technologist with the Canadian Association of Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists (CACPT) requires the following:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate discipline, a medical technology diploma in an appropriate discipline, or a nursing degree or diploma
• Demonstration of practical experience through work experience or completion of a recognized cardiovascular program or pulmonary courses
• Passing the CACPT registration exams

Clinical perfusionists must be certified or eligible for certification by the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP). Certification requires:

• Completion of an accredited clinical perfusion program. All three Canadian clinical perfusion programs require a bachelor’s degree as a condition of entry
• Completion (or challenge) of the CSCP national credentialing exam

Those currently enrolled in an accredited clinical perfusion program can become student CSCP members.

Workers who are certified for an occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for to assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

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B.C.’s population is both growing and aging, increasing demand for all healthcare services. An aging population is likely to increase demand for professionals in this group more than it increases demand for some other healthcare categories. This is because of the higher incidence of respiratory ailments and cardiopulmonary diseases, such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and heart disease in elderly populations.

Advances in treatment for heart attacks, accidents and premature babies will also continue to increase demand for workers in these occupations. Industry sources report a significant shortage of respiratory therapists, especially in larger hospitals, well in excess of the supply of current graduates, leading to interprovincial and international hiring.

There is also pressure from regulators to reduce hospital stays, increase outpatient services and promote prevention and wellness programs, all of which may reduce demand for occupations in this group in the medium to long term.

As with most other healthcare specialties, there is an especially acute shortage of members of this group in rural and northern regions of B.C. However, there are no facilities capable of employing clinical perfusionists in these regions.

Advances in medical technologies, treatments and procedures mean members of this group must stay on top of new innovations to be effective in their jobs.

The current supply of clinical perfusion graduates is also insufficient due to a lack of a clinical perfusionist programs in western Canada. A new perfusionist program is now available at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.