Employed Student Respiratory Therapists
Strengthen your clinical learning with paid, practical job experience
The Employed Student Respiratory Therapists (ESRT) program offers an exciting opportunity for respiratory therapy (RT) students to gain paid, real-world work experience and consolidate learning to help prepare for transition to practice.
Become an Employed Student Respiratory Therapist with Fraser Health
The Employed Student Respiratory Therapist (ESRT) provides care to patients in alignment with their education and training.
Why Join the ESRT Program?
- Boost your confidence in clinical decision-making
- Strengthen your hands-on skills in acute and community care settings
- Build relationships with experienced professionals
- Gain valuable mentorship and workplace exposure
- Take the first step toward a rewarding career at Fraser Health
Frequently asked questions
The ESRT program is open to Thompson Rivers University respiratory therapy (RT) students currently enrolled in their level 1 or level 2 clinical rotations.
ESRTs will provide direct care to patients under the direction/support of a Practice Lead, Educator or Supervising RT. ESRTs and staff will follow an intervention checklist outlining patient care tasks and the corresponding level of supervision required for each.
ESRTs shifts will be scheduled around their school clinical shifts and the amount will be individually dependent.
The ESRT can apply to one of the tertiary sites – Royal Columbian Hospital, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital. The tertiary sites are attached to community sites so the ESRT can gain exposure to these settings as well.
The ESRT Level 1s will start approximately Sept – Dec, then continue into level 2 from Nov/Dec – April. The ESRT Level 2s will work from Nov/Dec – April.
You will be eligible to work as an ESRT until the end of your RT school program. Once your program is completed, you are no longer eligible to work as an ESRT.
The hourly rate for the ESRT role is ~$30.40/hour.
While participation doesn’t guarantee employment, many ESRT students transition successfully into roles at Fraser Health after graduation. The program offers a valuable opportunity to build seniority in Fraser Health in addition to creating connections, gaining experience and showcasing abilities.
Please apply to the program through the listing on our jobs portal.
