Saskatchewan has launched its first-ever respiratory therapy program, with the hope of addressing the province’s ongoing need for respiratory therapists. The program’s first round of 25 students has been accepted, and training is underway at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Regina campus. The province invested $8 million to develop the diploma program. Spanning two and a half years of hands-on training, students will complete their clinical placements across the province. Respiratory Therapists (RTs) evaluate, treat and care for those who have breathing issues. According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), most RTs work under the direct supervision of a doctor and can work in hospital, clinical care and community care settings. “For the first time, students can pursue this specialized training without leaving the province, creating a direct pipeline into a very critical profession,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said in the announcement. More details to come…
