TRU to add 20 fast-track seats to respiratory therapy program with provincial funding

KAMLOOPS — With a provincial funding boost, Thompson Rivers University will be adding 20 new fast-track seats to the school’s respiratory therapist diploma program.

B.C.’s Ministry of Health says in a release it has provided $320,000 to TRU to expand the diploma program. The university can now add 20 one-time seats for the diploma fast-track stream to June, 2023. Students began the program in September of 2021.

“We are committed to training, recruiting, and hiring a new generation of health-care professionals at all levels, including respiratory therapists, who are vital members of the health-care team,” states Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This program is an excellent example of home-grown talent adding to our health-care system. On Respiratory Therapy Week, I would like to recognize respiratory therapists working with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and I thank the students who embark on this career path.”

Additionally, the Ministry of Advanced Education will also be giving TRU one-time funding of $65,900 for training equipment for this program. This will include a new ventilator to support student learning.

Students with either a Bachelor of Science or Associate of Science degree can apply for the fast-track option, which can be completed in two years. Students are able to directly enter the second year of the diploma after successfully completing other requisite coursework.

“The expansion of the respiratory therapy program will fulfil a high-demand need for trained professionals, who will learn in TRU’s new Chappell Family Building for Nursing and Population Health,” TRU president and vice-chancellor Brett Fairbairn states in the release, “The growth of this program will allow students to transform themselves and the health of the communities they will support in the future.”