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Acupuncturist, Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Doctor of Acupuncture
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
The healing art of acupuncture has been practised in China for over 2,000 years. In the past century, it has been accepted and embraced in Western cultures. Acupuncture is based on the idea that illness happens when qi, the flow of vital energy, is blocked. This blockage causes our bodies to become unbalanced. Stimulating certain points on the body can help to correct physiological problems, relieve pain, and restore health.
Acupuncturists use special techniques to assess, diagnose, and treat patients within a holistic framework. They consider a patient’s vitality and general physical, mental, and emotional condition. They may:
Once they have diagnosed the problem, acupuncturists decide which acupuncture points to use. 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 exercise, meditation, mindfulness practice, or dietary changes.
Acupuncturists work in 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 practices for safe handling and disposal. Working with biohazards (such as blood) is likely.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information about patients' general physical conditions obtained from physicals and medical tests, and by observing and interviewing patients
Interest in precision working to insert acupuncture needles at precise points to correct energy imbalances in the body to treat disorders, relieve pain, and improve and maintain health
Interest in mentoring patients by diagnosing and treating disorders and injuries using the established techniques and methods of acupuncture and other therapies
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Acupuncturists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 64 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 29, 2022 and Nov 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Provide other alternative forms of health care to patients | 34 |
|---|---|
| Work under pressure | 25 |
| Tasks: Advise patients on the use of herbs for the treatment of conditions | 25 |
| Tasks: Manipulate or apply pressure to various parts of the body, hands and feet | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 23 |
| Attention to detail | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 20 |
Generally, to register as an acupuncturist (see Certification Requirements below) a person must successfully complete an approved program of studies (or equivalent).
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Acupuncturists follow the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to diagnose and treat illness, physiological disorders, and injuries. They use pre-sterilized, thin needles or other safe methods to stimulate various points on the body.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Acupuncturists Profession Regulation [pdf], and Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA) to practice acupuncture in Alberta and use the title of Doctor of Acupuncture. Registered members provide services listed in the regulations.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Acupuncturist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most acupuncturists work alone in private clinics , 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.
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.
Practitioners of natural healing
2016 NOC: 3232
87.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
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 examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
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 examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
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 examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes in this occupation vary considerably. No current salary data is available.
College of Acupuncturists of Alberta website acupuncturealberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
