NOC 32103Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

NOC 32103 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

3 › 32 › 321 › 3210

Definition

Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Clinical perfusionists provide technical support to patients undergoing cardiac surgery and patients requiring cardio-respiratory support. Cardiopulmonary technologists assist physicians in the technical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals, extended care facilities, public health centres, sleep, private or dental clinics and respiratory home care companies. Clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists are primarily employed in hospitals. Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Respiratory therapists
Perform diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary functions tests
Operate and monitor respiratory equipment to administer treatments such as oxygen, oxygen-air mixtures, humidified air or specialty medical gases
Operate, monitor, maintain and test a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
Perform or assist with interventions such as airway maintenance, line insertions, inductions and intubations, and manage patients and associated equipment
Execute anesthesia assistance services
Perform artificial respiration and external cardiac massage
Evaluate and monitor patients' cardiorespiratory conditions
Provide and optimize patients' mechanical ventilation
Assist with transport of high-risk patients
May prepare and administer authorized medications
Supervise and train students and other respiratory therapists
Participate in home care programs for chronic respiratory patients and provide patient and family education
Participate in research related to cardiac and pulmonary disorders.
Respiratory therapists may work in specific areas of practice such as anesthesia, critical care, neonatal and pediatrics, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, respiratory home and community care, research and private health industry.
Clinical perfusionists
Assemble, maintain and operate extracorporeal circulation equipment, intra-aortic balloon pumps and other heart assist devices to support or temporarily replace patients' cardiopulmonary functions during open-heart surgery
Administer blood products, drugs and other substances through heart-lung machines and other devices as directed by cardiac surgeons and anaesthetists to maintain adequate flow of oxygenated blood to all organs of the body
Monitor vital signs to support and maintain patients' physiological functions and metabolic needs during cardiopulmonary surgery
Participate in routine maintenance, calibration and inspection of all perfusion related equipment
Supervise and train student clinical perfusionists and other clinical perfusionists.
Cardiopulmonary technologists
Perform diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function and asthma stress, or assist physicians with cardiac and cardiopulmonary stress tests and bronchoscopies
Determine patients' blood characteristics such as activated clotting time and oxygen saturation
Operate, monitor, maintain, calibrate and test diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
Monitor patients and advise physician of any changes in patients' condition
Prepare medications and administer inhaler and other treatments under supervision of cardiologist
Provide information and care for patients during tests
Assist with the preparation of cardiac catheterization room, prepare specialized catheters and assist cardiologists during catheterization
Perform analysis, programming and monitoring of implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators during surgery
Supervise and train students and other cardiopulmonary technologists
Provide technical support for research.

Example job titles

•anesthesia assistant
•cardiopulmonary technologist
•cardiovascular perfusion supervisor
•cardiovascular perfusionist
•certified clinical perfusionist (CCP)
•chief respiratory technologist
•clinical perfusionist
•perfusionist

Express Entry category draws

NOC 32103 is in the “Healthcare & social services” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.

Latest draw: June 25, 2026
CRS cut-off: 475
Invitations: 4,000

See all Express Entry draws →

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, unit group 32103 comprises respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists. These skilled healthcare professionals perform essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and life-support procedures for patients with cardiopulmonary and respiratory disorders. As a TEER 2 occupation, individuals in this category are highly sought after across Canada and are eligible for various federal and provincial immigration pathways, including the Express Entry system.

To work in Canada under NOC 32103, candidates typically require the completion of a college, hospital, or university program in respiratory therapy, clinical perfusion, or cardiopulmonary technology. Licensing and registration with a provincial regulatory body are mandatory in most Canadian provinces. Typical duties include operating cardiopulmonary bypass machines, performing diagnostic tests, and administering medical gases and inhalants under the direction of physicians.

Qualified professionals can immigrate to Canada through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or targeted healthcare category-based selection draws within Express Entry. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also offer dedicated pathways for in-demand healthcare workers.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Check program eligibility →

Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 32103 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 32103 usually require?

Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

Do category-based Express Entry draws cover NOC 32103?

Yes — it's in the “Healthcare & social services” group. The latest Healthcare & social services round (June 25, 2026) invited 4000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 475.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.