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Allied Healthcare Provider, Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Doctor of Chiropractic
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
In general, chiropractors:
Their goals are to:
Chiropractors may take X-rays onsite or refer patients to clinics that do medical imaging.
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 to help with patients’ movement.
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 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
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.
Chiropractors 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 14 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and May 06, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Adjust position of displaced vertebrae and other articulations, using manipulative therapy | 11 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Advise patients on corrective exercises, lifestyle and nutrition | 11 |
| Tasks: Diagnose disorders of the spine and other body joints | 10 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Licensure by provincial or territorial authorities | 10 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and Provincial Licensing Body Examination | 7 |
| Work Setting: Clinic | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
| Tasks: Take patients' case history, conduct examinations, and observe patients | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 5 |
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, or chemistry.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available. To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Required Education
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
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.
The College of Chiropractors of Alberta also recognizes the Universite du Quebec in Trois Rivieres (instruction in French), chiropractic colleges in the United States accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto’s Doctor of Chiropractic Program.
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.
Chiropractors are medical professionals. They diagnose and treat problems with the spine, muscles, nerves, and joints. They provide hands-on treatments such as adjusting the spine and manipulating soft-tissue to relieve patient’s discomfort and help prevent further issues.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf] and Chiropractors Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta CCOA is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the regulation. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Chiropractor.
Chiropractors must complete 25 hours of continuing education per calendar year to maintain their license to practice.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Chiropractors may operate their own private clinics or join other chiropractors or health-care 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.
It may take a large investment of time and money to build a thriving practice. Business skills and knowledge are required.
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.
Chiropractors
2016 NOC: 3122
96.4% 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: 2024-2026 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.
No information is available regarding chiropractors’ incomes in Alberta.
Canadian Chiropractic Association website: chiropractic.ca
Chiropractic Association of Alberta website: www.albertachiro.com
College of Chiropractors of Alberta website: www.theccoa.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.
