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Chiropractic Assistant: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like the idea of working in health care? Are you interested in the human body? Can you communicate well and follow directions closely? Then you may to adjust yourself into a career as a chiropractic assistant.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Chiropractic Assistant

Chiropractic assistants do a variety of tasks to help chiropractors with administration, business operations, and patient care.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Administrative Support Personnel, Health Care Assistant, Medical Assistant, Therapy Assistant

NOC Codes

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

  • 3414.2: Therapy Assistants

2006 NOC-S

  • D313: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services

2011 NOC

  • 3414: Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2016 NOC

  • 3414: Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2021 NOC

  • 33109: Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2023 OaSIS

  • 33109.03: Rehabilitation aides
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Chiropractic assistants work under a chiropractor’s supervision. The work may vary from clerical to clinical, depending on patients’ needs. The larger the practice, the more likely chiropractic assistants will specialize in a specific type of work. Larger clinics may cross-train chiropractic assistants in a variety of roles. Some assistants also do marketing and public relations for the clinic.

In general, chiropractic assistants:

  • Perform routine reception and clerical duties, such as answering the phone, booking appointments, keeping patient records, and ordering supplies (to learn more, see the Administrative Assistant profile)
  • Greet patients and manage their transition on entering and leaving the clinic
  • Help patients to complete related health records (if necessary)
  • Clean treatment rooms between appointments
  • Perform objective clinical assessments
  • Help with therapy, including applying ice and heat packs, or operating equipment such as ultrasound, laser, electrical muscle stimulation
  • Keep the clinic tidy and sterile, including infection-control measures
  • Process financial transactions such as receiving payments, submitting and reconciling insurance claims, and sending invoices
  • Do routine bookkeeping tasks, such as bank deposits and payroll (to learn more, see the Accounting Technician profile)
  • Enter data and transactions into electronic health-records software
  • Prepare patient forms and charts for appointments
  • Follow up with patients regarding their chiropractic care needs
  • Discuss patient needs and concerns with the chiropractor
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Chiropractic assistants might work weekdays, some evenings, or weekends depending on the clinic’s schedule. Work may be part time or full time. The work can vary from desk work to spending their whole shift moving around the clinic.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Therapy Assistants

2006 NOC: 3414.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in copying information to assist patients as directed by health care professionals

SOCIAL

Interest in assisting patients by helping elderly and incapacitated patients to dress and undress, by accompanying patients to treatment rooms and by supporting them in other activities

objective

Interest in handling to prepare and maintain work materials and supplies; and in assisting patients in the use of therapeutic equipment

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Chiropractic assistants need:

  • Maturity
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to follow directions
  • Communication skills (written, spoken, and listening)
  • The ability to maintain accurate written records
  • The ability to work as part of a team
  • An understanding of the services chiropractors can and cannot provide

They should enjoy an interest in the health and well-being of others. They require compassion and empathy.

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2016 NOC: 3414

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 225 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 05, 2024 and Nov 20, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory
Tasks: Order supplies and equipment
Tasks: Assist health care professionals
Tasks: Perform general clerical duties
Organized
Tasks: Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Attention to detail
Tasks: Maintain supplies
Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory 145
Tasks: Order supplies and equipment 116
Tasks: Assist health care professionals 114
Tasks: Perform general clerical duties 113
Construction Specialization: Organized 111
Tasks: Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies 111
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 110
Attention to detail 107
Tasks: Maintain supplies 100
Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments 96
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

In general, chiropractic assistants train on the job. Most often, a high school diploma is needed. Additional requirements vary depending on the position. Assets include:

  • A certificate or diploma in a related field such as administrative assistant, medical office assistant (MOA), or therapy assistant
  • A background in kinesiology
  • Computer and bookkeeping skills
  • Knowledge of human anatomy
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Academy of Learning - Calgary Central
Academy of Learning - Calgary NE
Academy of Learning - Edmonton South
Academy of Learning - Edmonton West
Academy of Learning - Medicine Hat
Academy of Learning - Red Deer
Alberta Business & Health Institute - Calgary
Alberta Business & Health Institute - Red Deer
Alberta Educational Centre
Alberta Paramount College
Alison College
Bow Valley College
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary City Centre
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton City Centre
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton West
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Red Deer
CLI College of Business Health & Technology - Calgary
East-West College - Edmonton
East-West College of Business & Technology
Glenbow College
Grant MacEwan University
MaKami College
Medical Reception College 1 Ltd. - Calgary
Medical Reception College 1 Ltd. - Edmonton
Medicine Hat College
MTG Healthcare Academy - Calgary
MTG Healthcare Academy - Edmonton
MTG Healthcare Academy - Red Deer
NorQuest College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Peerless College
Red Deer Polytechnic
Reeves College - Calgary City Centre
Reeves College - Calgary North
Reeves College - Edmonton
Reeves College - Lethbridge
Reeves College - Lloydminster
Reeves College Edmonton South
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Sundance College
Sundance College - Edmonton
The Royal Alberta College

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Chiropractic assistants work for chiropractors in private clinics and multidisciplinary health clinics.

Prospects for advancement depend on clinic size. Most chiropractors employ only one or two assistants, so future openings are limited. Learning new skills is the most common form of growth.

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.

Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2016 NOC: 3414

83.7% 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.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2021 NOC: 33109
Medium
Demand
5,500
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • 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
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

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

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

Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2016 NOC: 3414
1.8%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
95
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Earnings for chiropractic assistants are often lower than these figures suggest.

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.

Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2016 NOC: 3414
Average Wage
$23.86
Per Hour
Average Salary
$39,005.00
Per Year
Average Hours
31.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 3414 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $35.81 $21.03 $20.39
Overall $16.64 $38.84 $23.86 $23.26
Top $18.00 $47.67 $26.87 $25.95

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Retail Trade
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $39,005
Retail Trade $32,872
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $27,270
Health Care & Social Assistance $41,249
Public Administration $52,576

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
57%
57%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
18%
18%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related High School Subjects
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Health Care Services
    • Recreation Leadership
  • Science
    • Biology
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Clerical and Administrative Support
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences

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.

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