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Complementary Medicine Practitioner
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
Homeopathy is a holistic treatment system using small doses of highly diluted natural substances. The goal is to stimulate and strengthen the body’s natural defensive and healing capabilities. Homeopathic remedies come in liquid, powder, granule, or tablet form. They usually do not interact with other medications. Homeopathic medicines must follow strict guidelines as set out by Health Canada and the FDA.
Homeopaths conduct extensive interviews with new clients, documenting signs and symptoms of disease as well as the clients’ overall health history. Homeopaths ask questions about external and internal factors that may relieve or exacerbate symptoms. Based on their analysis and observations, homeopaths recommend a prepared remedy that is a match for the individual’s overall state. They may recommend changes to the client’s diet or lifestyle. Each person, regardless of diagnosis, is treated as an individual.
When a patient has acute or obvious symptoms, selecting a remedy may be straightforward. In chronic cases, the homeopath may need to do further research. Usually this involves advanced case-taking and case-management skills and accessing information stored in databases.
Homeopaths also:
Homeopaths may work within a multidisciplinary clinical setting. They may work in health food stores, pharmacies, or alternative medicine clinics. They may own and operate private clinics or work from their homes.
Most homeopaths set their own hours. They may work some evening and weekend hours to meet patient needs.
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 analyzing information provided by patients concerning illnesses and health problems
Interest in precision working with chemical and herbal forms of illnesses to administer small dosages to patients for treatment purposes
Interest in mentoring patients by providing homeopathic health care and by suggesting lifestyle changes
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.
Homeopaths 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 64 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 29, 2022 and Nov 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Provide other alternative forms of health care to patients | 34 |
|---|---|
| Work under pressure | 25 |
| Tasks: Advise patients on the use of herbs for the treatment of conditions | 25 |
| Tasks: Manipulate or apply pressure to various parts of the body, hands and feet | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 23 |
| Attention to detail | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 21 |
| Tasks: Diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients and treat them | 20 |
Homeopaths come from a variety of backgrounds. Several organizations offer related programs of study or certification programs leading to professional designations:
Prospective homeopaths are strongly advised to discuss their education options with practicing homeopaths before enrolling in an education program.
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 practice of homeopathy is not regulated in Alberta. However, homeopaths:
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Homeopaths are self-employed practitioners who may work from their homes (via Zoom or in-person) or operate private clinics. Some homeopaths travel to offer services in more than one location. Some teach at colleges.
Advancement generally involves building a larger practice. Many homeopaths continue study with a variety of extra accreditation courses for advancing their own ways of practice.
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.
Practitioners of natural healing
2016 NOC: 3232
87.0% 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: 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.
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.
Incomes vary widely in this occupation. Homeopaths may earn very little until they have established a large enough practice. They may charge set fees per visit and charge for homeopathic remedies.
Accreditation Commission for Homeopathic Education in North America website: achena.org
Alberta Homeopathic Association (AHA) website: albertahomeopathicassociation.ca
American Institute of Homeopathy (AIH) website: www.homeopathyusa.org
Council for Homeopathic Certification (CHC) website: homeopathcertification.org
Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (HANP) website: hanp.net
National United Professional Association of Trained Homeopaths (NUPATH) website: hpathy.com
North American Society of Homeopaths (NASH) website: homeopathy.org
Ontario Homeopathic Medical Association (OHA) website: ohma.info
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.
