Saskatchewan launches new respiratory therapy training program

October 26, 2026

Media Release, Advanced Education / Health, Gov't SK

Key points from this story:

• First-ever respiratory therapy program
• Program launched at Regina campus
• 25 seats filled in first cohort
• Province invested over $8 million
• Two new respiratory therapy labs
• Students complete clinical placements locally

"Offering respiratory therapy training in Saskatchewan is a significant achievement for our province, health care system and communities," Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "For the first time, students can pursue this specialized training without leaving the province, creating a direct pipeline into a very critical profession." "Respiratory therapists play a major role in delivering high-quality specialized care for patients across Saskatchewan," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "By training more respiratory therapists here at home, we are strengthening our health workforce and ensuring patients can receive the right care in the right place, at the right time for years to come."

The province has invested over $8 million to develop and launch the Respiratory Therapy Advanced Diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Students started their training this fall and all 25 seats in the first cohort have been filled. "With this important investment from the Government of Saskatchewan, we have renovated our Regina campus to create two new respiratory therapy laboratories giving students access to state-of-the-art, dynamic learning environments," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. "We have purchased new, specialized equipment, ensuring students develop industry-specific knowledge and train with the same modern technology they will use in the workplace from day one. As the only institution in Saskatchewan offering respiratory therapy training, we are preparing graduates to meet the province's growing health care needs."

Students will complete their clinical placements in Saskatchewan health care settings, helping connect them to job opportunities in the province after graduation. After two and a half years of hands-on training, these students will be prepared to enter a profession that plays a crucial role in assessing, evaluating, treating and caring for patients of all ages with breathing and cardiopulmonary challenges and disorders. "Once I learned more about what respiratory therapists do and how they help people with breathing problems, I knew it was the right path for me," Saskatchewan Polytechnic Respiratory Therapy student Jolly said. "It's a fast-paced program. The instructors are great and always there to support us. With more people facing respiratory health challenges, especially after the pandemic, I am looking forward to gaining the skills to help people and make a difference in my community."

This week marks Respiratory Therapy Week, which highlights the importance of respiratory therapists and recognizes the important role they play in the health care system. The respiratory therapy program is the fourth new health training program to be launched in Saskatchewan, as part of ongoing efforts to support the health care system through the Health Human Resource Action Plan and Patients First Health Care Plan. For more information, visit: saskpolytech.ca/respiratorytherapy