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Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Complementary Therapist, Reflexologist
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:
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 to determine appropriate pressure points for applying reflexology techniques
Interest in manipulating specific areas of patients' hands and feet by applying finger pressure to appropriate spots to promote well-being
Interest in assisting patients with their health conditions by providing an alternative form of health care through the application of reflexology methods and techniques
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.
Reflexology is a natural health science. It is based on the principle that specific zones and reflex points in the feet, hands and ears correspond to every part, gland and organ in the body. Reflexology therapists apply pressure to the feet, hands and ears to affect change in other parts of the body. Therapists strive to supplement conventional medicine, not replace it.
Reflexology sessions usually take about an hour. Clients may sit in a special chair or lay on a massage table fully clothed. Only the body part that’s being worked on is exposed.
In general, reflexology therapists:
discuss a plan and schedule further sessions.
Most reflexology therapists are independent workers with offices in varying locations, including their own homes. Some provide mobile services where they travel directly to clients. Hours of work vary depending on the therapist’s practice, but generally include evenings and weekends.
Reflexology therapists need:
They should enjoy working with people and studying information to determine suitable techniques.
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 19 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 29, 2022 and Feb 01, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Work under pressure | 10 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients and treat them | 10 |
| Tasks: Provide other alternative forms of health care to patients | 10 |
| Diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients and treat them | 9 |
| Holism | 9 |
| Tasks: Diagnose illnesses and treat them by administering, in chemical or herbal form, a small dosage of the illness itself | 9 |
| Manipulate or apply pressure to various parts of the body, hands and feet | 8 |
| Diagnose illnesses and treat them by administering, in chemical or herbal form, a small dosage of the illness itself | 8 |
| Provide other alternative forms of health care to patients | 8 |
| Advise patients on the use of herbs for the treatment of conditions | 7 |
There is no standard education for reflexology therapists. Self-employed reflexology therapists may need a municipal business licence, annual police security clearance or CPR and First Aid training.
See the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada website for education and insurance opportunities and information.
Before enrolling in a reflexology course or program, prospective reflexology therapists should discuss their training options with several practising reflexology therapists who are working in different types of environments.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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 reflexology is not regulated in Alberta. However, reflexology therapists must be registered with a recognized professional association for their clients to be reimbursed for the cost of reflexology services through extended health-care benefits plans. Registration with a professional association requires certification.
A variety of agencies (such as private vocational schools, school boards, the continuing education departments of post-secondary schools) offer personal interest and certification courses in reflexology. Courses are advertised in continuing education brochures and newspapers. However, not all courses or programs are recognized or approved by professional associations.
See the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC) website for more information on the Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT) designation and the Continuing Education Credit and Professional Development program.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Many reflexology therapists are self-employed, work part-time and offer additional services (such as reiki or iridology).
They may work in:
Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of building a larger client base.
Reflexologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3232: Midwives and practitioners of natural healing. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3232: Practitioners of natural healing occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Reflexology therapists’ incomes vary. Incomes depend on the number of hours they work and their overhead costs (such as the cost of renting space in a clinic or salon).
Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association website: www.nhpcanada.org
Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC) website: www.reflexologycanada.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 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.