The regulatory body for Ontario’s

respiratory therapists is fast-tracking the graduation of final-year students as officials warn the COVID-19 pandemic could stretch the medical field too thin. The College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario has reached out to the seven programs that train students for the profession and asked if those expected to graduate this year can get to work immediately, said Kevin Taylor, the organization’s CEO and registrar. “If there’s going to be a shortage of ventilator operators, tapping into this year’s graduating workforce is the best resource we have right now,” Taylor said, noting that there are about 117 students within weeks of their scheduled graduation.