Diploma

Diploma of Respiratory Therapy

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Calgary, Canada
3 years
English
Hybrid
Diploma

About the program

The full-time degree prepares students to assess, Diagnose and treat people with breathing problems, Including emergencies with life-support equipment.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights: yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Apply concepts and methods in Respiratory Therapy to solve relevant problems. Develop competence in About 80 credits over two years: medical terminology
Cardiopulmonary anatomy and respiratory care fundamentals. Present findings clearly and consider professional or research ethics.

Career outcomes

Respiratory therapist in hospitals
Community centres
Research or education (employers include Broward Health North
Holtz Children's Hospital)

Curriculum

About 80 credits over two years: medical terminology
Cardiopulmonary anatomy and respiratory care fundamentals
Then pulmonary disease
Pharmacology and mechanical ventilation
Followed by patient monitoring
Diagnostics
Pediatric care and leadership
With five clinical courses throughout.

Entry requirements

Academic

Educated in Canada (with English proficiency): at least 70% in Math 30-1 or at least 75% in Math 30-2
at least 70% in English Language Arts 30-1
at least 70% in Chemistry 30
at least 70% in Biology 30 You must also achieve at least 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety's entrance testing process. Educated outside Canada: international document assessment proving the programme requirements
plus proof of English proficiency. Requires the School of Health and Public Safety entrance testing process.

Accepted academic background

Canadian-educated: typically at least 50% in Math 30-1 or 30-2 and 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in 30-2 (example: Business Administration diploma), with programme-specific course and average requirements. Educated outside Canada: international document assessment (https://www.sait.ca/admissions/documentation/international-document-assessment) proving the programme's admission requirements, plus English proficiency. Some health programmes need entrance tests (CASPer 40 CAD + 16 CAD per score distribution; programme-specific assessment 20 CAD).

Language tests

IELTS 6.0 in each skill
TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new 1-6 scale
PTE Academic each category)
Duolingo PTE Academic 53
Cambridge Duolingo 115 (at least 95 in each subscore)
Oxford Test of English Cambridge 169 in each skill
IELTS Academic 6

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts

How to apply

Check the programme page for admission requirements
entrance testing and intakes
the international deadline (Winter 2027 closes 30 Oct 2026; Spring 2027 closes 5 Feb 2027; Fall 2027 to be announced) at Apply online as an international applicant (175 CAD application fee). Submit transcripts
an international document assessment and proof of English proficiency. Complete health program entrance testing if your programme requires it. Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit (3
500 CAD). Use the letter of acceptance and the provincial attestation letter to apply to IRCC for a study permit (and TRV or eTA if needed). Register for classes about six weeks before the start and pay tuition.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$21,203 CAD
Application fee	$175 CAD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Main Campus
Faculty or school	School of Health and Public Safety
Department	_
Teaching language	English
Credit value	96
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	_
Scholarship note	Institutional scholarships or awards may be available to eligible applicants. Confirm program-specific eligibility, funding and application deadlines.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
January 2027
Applications closed
30 Oct 2026
Closed
Program starts
May 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 3 years.