Acupuncturist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

• 3232.2: Acupuncturists

2006 NOC-S

• D232: Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing

2011 NOC

• 3232: Practitioners of natural healing

2016 NOC

• 3232: Practitioners of natural healing

2021 NOC

• 32200: Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists

2023 OaSIS

• 32200.02: Acupuncturists

The healing art of acupuncture has been practised in China for over 2,000 years. It has been accepted and embraced in Western cultures. Acupuncture is based on the idea that illness happens when the flow of vital energy, qi, is blocked or out of balance. Stimulating certain points on the body can help correct problems, relieve pain, and restore health.

Acupuncturists assess and diagnose patients using special techniques within a holistic framework. They consider a patient’s vitality and general physical, mental, and emotional condition. They may:

• examine the patient’s tongue, complexion, and general appearance
• listen to the patient’s voice, breathing, and abdominal sounds
• note body odours
• check pulses on each wrist and other points
• ask about body functions such as digestion, sleep patterns, and eating habits
• palpate muscle groups, joints, and skin for abnormalities or dysfunction.

They may also arrange for tests (such as blood work or x-rays) through the patient’s medical doctor.

Once they have diagnosed the problem, acupuncturists decide which body points to stimulate, in what way, and for how long. Treatment may include placing very thin needles (the width of a few hairs) at select points on the body. They may use other traditional methods of treatment (such as moxibustion, cupping, and tuina massage). Acupuncturists may also suggest herbal supplements, exercise, or changes in diet.

Acupuncturists work in offices and treatment clinics and may spend a lot of time on their feet. For their clients’ convenience, they may work some evenings or weekends.

Acupuncturists often handle items that weigh up to 10 kilograms. They may need to lift or help move patients (for example, from wheelchair to treatment table). They must follow strict needle hygiene and safe handling and disposal practices. Working with biohazards (such as blood) is likely.

Most acupuncturists work in private clinics alone, or as partners with other health care providers such as family doctors or chiropractors. Some acupuncturists work on a contract basis. A few are employees. Advancement most often involves building a larger, more prosperous practice.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 3232: Practitioners of natural healing occupational group, 87.0% of people work in:

• Health Care and Social Services

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 3232: Practitioners of natural healing occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta website acupuncturealberta.ca

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