Complimentary Medicine Practitioner, Doctor
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:
Chiropractors may take x-rays themselves or refer patients to medical x-ray technologists.
Most chiropractors work in their own clinics or with other chiropractors. Some chiropractors share offices with other health providers such as massage therapists, physiotherapists or family physicians.
Chiropractors must stand for much of their working day. Upper body strength is required to perform specific procedures and assist in patient movement.
Chiropractors need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy analyzing information to determine the most effective treatments, advising patients and adjusting or manipulating patients to promote health and wellness.
The minimum educational requirement is three years of a bachelor's degree followed by a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program.
In Canada, two post-secondary schools offer the DC degree program:
Most entrants have a bachelor's degree in arts or science (BA or B.Sc.). Admission to CMCC requires a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5/4 in 15 full-year courses or 90 credit hours of undergraduate study. There are no course requirements but potential applicants are encouraged to study kinesiology, biology, psychology, anatomy, physical education and chemistry.
Chiropractic colleges in the United States accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) also are recognized by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta.
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.
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 find more information on the certification process for internationally educated chiropractors, see Chiropractor Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
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 operate independent practices as sole proprietors or join other chiropractors or health providers to form a clinic. Chiropractors 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 some time and considerable capital expenditure to build a thriving, profitable practice. Business skills and knowledge are required.
Chiropractors work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
The demand for chiropractic service is greatest in towns and rural areas.
No information is available regarding chiropractors' incomes in Alberta.
Canadian Chiropractic Association website: www.chiropracticcanada.ca
College of Chiropractors of Alberta website: www.albertachiro.com
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 27, 2014. 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.