About us
We are highly skilled health care professionals in the hospital health-care team, providing clinical and diagnostic expertise in both the in-patient and out-patient setting.
We provide a broad spectrum of care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Inpatient Modules, Emergency Department (ED), and Diagnostic Testing in either the Pulmonary Functions Laboratory or Polysomnography Laboratory (sleep studies).
We advocate for the patient, are committed to evidence-based practice, are a well respected health care professional, an active participant and supporter of interprofessional communication and collaboration, practice in diverse settings, have the qualifications and education to meet the evolving demands of the health care system, and are actively engaged in health promotion and wellness. We perform within the Respiratory Therapy national scope of practice and are ambassadors for the profession.
We recieve specialized training through a College/University three year Diploma Program in Respiratory Therapy or through a University duel Bachelor of Health Sciences and Respiratory Therapist credential. Upon graduation from an accredited college/university program Respiratory Therapists must successfully pass a credentialing examination produced by the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care. The National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies National Competency Profile directs all skills and knowledge tested on this examination for entry to practice.
The Respiratory Therapy department is involved in several training activities:
- Affiliated with the Thompson Rivers University Respiratory Therapy student training program. This program if offered as a three year RT diploma program or a four year Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree Program.
- Affiliated with the Thompson Rivers University Anesthesia Assistant training program (pediatric clinical site).
- Mandatory education days are provided to ensure clinical practice standards are maintained and new practices introduced.
- Respiratory focussed interprofessional education
- Patient and parent teaching (i.e., airway management, home ventilator management)
The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) is the national professional association for Respiratory Therapists. Founded in 1964 as the Canadian Society of Inhalation Therapy Technicians, the CSRT is dedicated to excellence in cardiorespiratory care.
The CSRT respresents the profession on medical, government, educaiton and advisory bodies. Maintians a national professional standards of practice. Works with helath organizations concerned with asthma, emphysema, smoking, and helath care. Awards the internationally recognized RRT credential. Publishes the Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy.
The British Columbia Society of Respiratory Therapists (BCSRT) is the provinical professional association for Respiratory Therapists. The role of the BCSRT is, but not limited to, promoting and advancing the interests of the Respiratory Therapists and the profession of Respiratory Therapy within the province of British Columbia.
- Participation in provincial, national and foreign professional education and regulatory bodies.
- Participation in many multidisciplinary committees.
