Certified Respiratory Education (CRE) & PFT

Certified Respiratory Education (CRE) ​

The goal of the CRE led program is to assess and treat patients efficiently while minimizing patient wait times. Our goal is to provide seamless, long-term care, ensuring that patients remain engaged in the healthcare system and receive consistent follow-up and support.

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Respiratory Therapists with the CRE designation work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team to support and reinforce self-management strategies

​U-Breathe has CRE certified clinical staff who are involved in the clinical care of patients. CREs perform assessments with patients, identify areas of strengths and improvement, and can provide suggestions and achievable goals with patients to improve their respiratory health. CREs work alongside respirologists in ensuring that quality care is provided to all patients who come to U-Breathe.

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What is a Registered Respiratory Therapist

​Respiratory therapists are regulated health professionals who provide direct patient care by evaluating, treating and maintaining cardiorespiratory function. 

A respiratory therapist in Alberta is a healthcare professional who assesses, treats, and manages patients with breathing problems by using oxygen, medications, and specialized equipment to help them breathe more effectively; they work closely with doctors to evaluate and care for individuals with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders, often in hospital settings like ICUs and emergency rooms but also in key community roles like private clinics and laboratories. 

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Key points about respiratory therapists:

• Role:

  They evaluate patients' respiratory function, administer treatments like oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, and aerosol medications, and educate patients on managing their breathing conditions. 

• Work settings:

  Hospitals, including critical care units, neonatal intensive care, operating rooms, and emergency departments, community healthcare programs including respirology, allergy, and cardiorespiratory clinics and businesses. 

• Education:

  It requires completion of a specialized college or university program in respiratory therapy, typically with a three-year diploma. 

• Regulation:

  Respiratory therapists are required to maintain their registered status by the College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CRTA). 

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Key points about respiratory therapists with the CRE designation:

The Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) credential recognizes healthcare professionals who provide respiratory education to their clients, including education in both asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The CRE credential demonstrates to your clients, peers and supervisors that you have the competencies to provide comprehensive, evidence-informed care in asthma and COPD.