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UNB announces new bachelor of health sciences post-diploma entry for respiratory therapists

Author: UNB Newsroom

Posted on Jun 28, 2022

Category: UNB Saint John

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) Saint John campus and New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) will offer a new bachelor of health sciences post-diploma entry for respiratory therapists, beginning in fall 2022.

“UNB is a place that educates professionals in new ways of thinking and we provide opportunities for teamwork and interprofessional collaboration,” says Dr. Petra Hauf, vice-president Saint John at UNB.

“This new program, which is part of our overall Integrated Health Initiative (IHI), allows us to respond to the growing needs of our health care system and provide health care professionals with the tools they need to advance their careers.” 

The bachelor of health sciences post-diploma entry for respiratory therapists was developed to meet the needs of professionals who already hold a credential in respiratory therapy (RT) and wish to obtain a bachelor of health science degree. The degree is designed for part-time study to allow RT professionals to continue working in their field. 

Eligible graduates of the respiratory therapy program at NBCC can stack their existing credentials towards the new post-graduate diploma, enhancing their educational and professional portfolios.

“At NBCC, we believe that education is a lifelong pursuit and we are committed to providing our students with opportunities to continue developing their skills throughout their professional careers,” says Ann Drennan, vice-president academic and research at NBCC. “Partnerships with other post-secondary institutions like UNB help us create pathways for our graduates to continue growing and learning.” 

Given that a baccalaureate-level education positively impacts professional skill development, the health care system, patient outcomes and patient safety, this program is relevant RT work environments. Online course options allow students to engage in post-licensure learning around their rotating work schedules.  

Courses can be taken either on a full- or part-time basis, allowing students to complete the program in two to five years. Anyone interested in enrolling in the program must be a licensed respiratory therapist in good standing with the New Brunswick Association of Respiratory Therapists (NBART).

About UNB

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university, and New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history as well as a dynamic focus on innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. UNB has more than 9,500 students from nearly 75 countries while several thousand more take UNB courses online and at partner institutions around the world. 

About NBCC

With six campuses across New Brunswick, NBCC contributes to New Brunswick’s social and economic prosperity by supporting the aspirations of individual learners, seizing the opportunities of the labour market, and collaboratively solving the challenges of communities and industry.  In addition to more than 90 certificate and diploma programs, NBCC also provides specialized and customized training to meet the needs of specific sectors and communities.  Find out more information on NBCC programs by visiting: www.nbcc.ca. 

Media contacts

Kelsey Pye
Strategic Communications & Marketing, UNB
k.pye@unb.ca
506-453-4508 

Tanya Greer
Strategic Communications, NBCC
tanya.greer@nbcc.ca
506-440-9105 

Photo: UNB Saint John respiratory therapy file photo. Credit: UNB Media Services