Licensing: Respiratory Therapists – Canada

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Canadian Respiratory Therapists

The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) administers a national registry exam for respiratory therapists. While passing the CSRT exam is not required for some provinces, it is recommended as several of these provinces are in the process of creating regulatory bodies, and may soon require it in order to be eligible to practice. As well, CSRT certification may be requested as a qualification by an employer. Applicants are encouraged to contact the licensing body in the province in which they wish to work to confirm the specific requirements for that province.

Currently, only Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec have regulatory bodies, and require a license to practice. Requirements to obtain the initial license differ. For example, in British Columbia, respiratory therapists must have and maintain the CSRT. In Alberta, however, the regulatory body will accept either the US NBRC exam, or the CSRT for license eligibility. Meanwhile, Quebec administers their own licensure exam. To work in Quebec, even if you hold Ontario, Manitoba, or Alberta licensure, or have your CRST credentials, you will still have to either prove French language proficiency, or pass a French Language Proficiency exam. You can however receive a 1-year temporary license to practice while you wait to take the French Language Proficiency exam. All other candidates will have to pass both the Licensure exam and the French proficiency exam. For further information, please see the Quebec contact information listed below.

Since licensing in Canada is currently very complex, always be sure to check with the CSRT and licensing body or association in the province in which you want to work.

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Respiratory Therapists from the US or Mexico

Like a Canadian respiratory therapist, you will need to obtain a provincial licence before being allowed to practice in Canada. See the Canadian requirements above and the CSRT website for more information.

Visa information: Respiratory therapists are NOT covered under NAFTA. You are required to have a Canadian work visa before being allowed entry and employment in the Canada. Sponsorship may be required in some cases. Please contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate to inquire about obtaining an Employment Authorization.

You can also find more information at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

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Respiratory Therapists from Outside North America

Respiratory therapists from outside the North America have the same licensing requirements as respiratory therapists from the US and Mexico. For more information, please see above.

Visa information: You are required to have a Canadian Employment Authorization before being allowed entry and employment in Canada. Sponsorship is often required. Please contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate to inquire about obtaining an Employment Authorization.

You can also find more information at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

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