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Chiropractor

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 tissues to relieve patients’ discomfort and help prevent further issues.

Also Known As

Allied Healthcare Provider, Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Doctor of Chiropractic

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

  • 3122: Chiropractors

2006 NOC-S

  • D022: Chiropractors

2011 NOC

  • 3122: Chiropractors

2016 NOC

  • 3122: Chiropractors

2021 NOC

  • 31201: Chiropractors

2023 OaSIS

  • 31201.00: Chiropractors
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In general, chiropractors:

  • Listen to patients’ chief concerns and review their personal and family health histories
  • Observe and examine patients and review various forms of imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, CTs, and ultrasounds
  • Perform treatments, such as anatomical adjustments or soft-tissue therapies
  • Suggest exercises
  • Propose changes to diet and lifestyle
  • Refer patients to other health-care providers

Their goals are to:

  • Correct problems with the neuromusculoskeletal system
  • Restore and maintain function of the body’s muscles, nerves, and joints

Chiropractors may take X-rays onsite or refer patients to clinics that do medical imaging.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

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.

Chiropractors

2006 NOC: 3122

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in co-ordinating information from examinations and tests to determine the effectiveness of various treatments such as electrotherapy, light and massage

SOCIAL

Interest in mentoring patients by advising on corrective exercises, posture, lifestyle and nutrition, and by referring them for medical care when appropriate

METHODICAL

Interest in manipulating the spinal column, pelvis, extremities, associate tissues and therapeutic medical equipment according to established practices and procedures

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

Chiropractors need:

  • Listening skills
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Patience and perseverance
  • Physical strength and endurance
  • Good personal health
  • Stress management skills
  • Manual dexterity

They should enjoy:

  • Keeping up to date on techniques and approaches to treatment
  • Advising and treating patients to promote health and wellness

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

Chiropractors

2016 NOC: 3122

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 11 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 29, 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: Diagnose disorders of the spine and other body joints
Tasks: Adjust position of displaced vertebrae and other articulations, using manipulative therapy
Tasks: Advise patients on corrective exercises, lifestyle and nutrition
Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Licensure by provincial or territorial authorities
Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and Provincial Licensing Body Examination
Effective interpersonal skills
Reliability
Tasks: Take patients' case history, conduct examinations, and observe patients
Other benefits: Free parking available
Dependability
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education 7 years post-secondary

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.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic 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.

 

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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.

Chiropractor

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.

Legislation

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:

  • 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
  • Supervise registered members who provide services to the public
  • Use the titles or initials: Doctor of Chiropractic, Chiropractor, Registered Chiropractor, or DC

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Chiropractor.

Additional Information

Chiropractors must complete 25 hours of continuing education per calendar year to maintain their license to practice.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chiropractors
2021 NOC: 31201
Medium
Demand
< 1500
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

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

Chiropractors
2016 NOC: 3122
1.8%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
21
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

No information is available regarding chiropractors’ incomes in Alberta.

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
  • Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

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