University of New Brunswick

What you'll study

This accredited professional degree combines core biomedical science with respiratory‑specific theory, simulation and supervised clinical practice. Early years typically cover anatomy and physiology, human pathophysiology, pharmacology, and foundational clinical skills. Later years focus on advanced respiratory assessment and interventions, mechanical ventilation, neonatal and paediatric respiratory care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, critical care, and community and home respiratory management.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory practicals using simulation equipment, case‑based learning, and multiple clinical placements in hospital and community settings. Students also study professional issues such as ethics, patient safety, interprofessional collaboration, and quality improvement. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for entry to clinical practice and for the professional certification and provincial licensure processes required to practise as a respiratory therapist in Canada.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a secondary school diploma with strong grades in science and maths. Typical prerequisite subjects include biology and chemistry; physics and mathematics are often required or recommended. Postsecondary applicants may be considered with appropriate university or college science coursework.

Selection is competitive and may take academic performance, personal statements and relevant healthcare experience into account. Successful applicants must be able to meet clinical placement requirements, which commonly include a clear criminal record check, up‑to‑date immunizations, and current basic life support (CPR) certification. International applicants should consult UNB for specific language proficiency and credential assessment requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of a Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy are prepared to work as respiratory therapists in a range of settings, including acute care hospitals (emergency departments, intensive care units), neonatal and paediatric units, pulmonary function and sleep diagnostic laboratories, homecare services, and community respiratory programmes. With experience, therapists can move into advanced clinical practice, education, research, clinical leadership or management roles. Other career directions include roles in medical device and pharmaceutical industry, clinical sales and technical support, and public health.

The programme prepares graduates for the national certification and provincial registration processes required to practise, and for ongoing professional development in allied health and critical care disciplines.

Why study at University of New Brunswick

UNB offers a blended learning environment with access to modern simulation labs, hands‑on clinical partnerships with regional hospitals and community health providers, and faculty who bring current clinical experience into the classroom. Small cohort sizes support individual feedback and close supervision during clinical placements. Students benefit from UNB's health sciences resources, academic support services and opportunities for interprofessional learning with other health programmes.

Choosing UNB provides a pathway into a regulated and in‑demand allied health profession with practical training that aims to build both technical competence and the communication and teamwork skills needed for collaborative patient care.