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Complementary Healthcare Provider, Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Doctor
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:
Interest in co-ordinating information from examinations and tests to determine the effectiveness of various treatments such as electrotherapy, light and massage
Interest in mentoring patients by advising on corrective exercises, posture, lifestyle and nutrition, and by referring them for medical care when appropriate
Interest in manipulating the spinal column, pelvis, extremities, associate tissues and therapeutic medical equipment according to established practices and procedures
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 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.
In general, chiropractors:
Their goals are to:
Chiropractors may take x-rays onsite, or refer patients to medical x-ray and other imaging clinics.
Most chiropractors work in their own clinics or with other chiropractors. Some share clinics with massage therapists, physiotherapists or family doctors.
Chiropractors are on their feet for much of their working day. In general, they need upper body strength to perform some procedures and help with patient movement.
Chiropractors need to possess:
They should enjoy:
The minimum educational requirement is 3 years of a bachelor’s degree followed by a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program. The DC program must be from a school that is recognized by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta.
Most DC entrants have a bachelor’s degree in arts or science (BA or B.Sc.). There are no course requirements but those wishing to apply are encouraged to study kinesiology, biology, psychology, anatomy, physical education and chemistry.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available. The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field. For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Required Education
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Related Education
Red Deer College
The College of Chiropractors of Alberta also recognizes the Universite du Quebec in Trois Rivieres (instruction in French) and chiropractic colleges in the United States accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).
Chiropractors examine, diagnose and treat patients, through chiropractic adjustment and other natural means, to maintain and promote health and wellness.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Chiropractors Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members, who are authorized by the College, provide restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may call themselves chiropractors.
Registration requires successful completion of: (1) an approved chiropractic program of studies, and (2) approved examinations. Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the ACAC website or contact the ACAC.
Chiropractors who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered chiropractors in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To learn about certification for internationally educated chiropractors, see Chiropractor Registration Process.
Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors
11203 - 70 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5B 1T1
Phone number: 780-420-0932
Fax number: 780-425-6583
Website: www.albertachiro.com
Chiropractors must complete 25 hours of continuing education per calendar year to maintain their licence to practice.
Chiropractors may operate their own private clinics or join other chiropractors or health providers to form group clinics. They may offer services in the areas of occupational and industrial health, athletic injuries, x-ray interpretation, orthopedics, rehabilitation, nutrition, geriatrics or pediatrics care.
It may take a large investment of time and money to build a thriving practice. Business skills and knowledge are required.
Chiropractors work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of things including:
In Alberta, the 3122: Chiropractors occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 38 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
No information is available regarding chiropractors’ incomes in Alberta.
Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors website: albertachiro.com
Canadian Chiropractic Association website: www.chiropractic.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 09, 2018. 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.