NOC 32103: Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 32103 (Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists) is a TEER 2 occupation, so it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3: +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer. It is eligible for Healthcare category draws.
TEER
TEER 2
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
Healthcare
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 32103 |
|---|---|
| Title | Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
Category-based draws
- Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3 — have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous (in a single occupation listed in the table below (no matter your primary occupation); in Canada or abroad).
CRS points for this occupation
Under the Labour Market Integration factor, IRCC gives you the higher of: your Canadian work-length points plus 20 for 12+ months of qualifying work in a Level 3 occupation, or 50 points for a valid job offer in it. How job offer points work.
Example job titles
- anesthesia assistant
- cardiopulmonary technologist
- cardiovascular perfusion supervisor
- cardiovascular perfusionist
- certified clinical perfusionist (CCP)
- chief respiratory technologist
- clinical perfusionist
- perfusionist
Main 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
Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties to use this NOC — check the full profile on the official NOC site.
Related occupations
- NOC 32100 — Opticians
- NOC 32101 — Licensed practical nurses
- NOC 32102 — Paramedical occupations
- NOC 32104 — Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
- NOC 32109 — Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- NOC 32110 — Denturists
- NOC 32111 — Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- NOC 32112 — Dental technologists and technicians
- NOC 32120 — Medical laboratory technologists
- NOC 32121 — Medical radiation technologists
← NOC 32102 Paramedical occupations · NOC 32104 Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 2 also matters for work permits: see the spousal open work permit (TEER rules for spouses of workers), LMIA explained and the Atlantic Immigration Program (job offers in TEER 0–4).
Sources: Statistics Canada NOC 2021 V1.0; IRCC high-wage occupations; IRCC category-based selection; IRCC who can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOC 32103 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 32103 is a TEER 2 occupation. IRCC counts work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, as long as all other program requirements are met.
Is NOC 32103 a high-wage occupation?+
Yes. It's on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work in it adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer in it is worth 50 points (whichever is higher).
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 32103?+
As published by IRCC: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3. Candidates generally need have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous.