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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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Reflexology is a natural health therapy. It is based on the principle that specific zones and reflex points in the feet, hands, and ears correspond to other parts of the body. Reflexology therapists apply pressure to these specific zones and points to affect changes in the corresponding parts of the body. They 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:
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. Reflexology therapists can also be found in a variety of integrative health clinics. They work alongside other health professionals such as chiropractors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists.
Hours of work vary depending on the therapist’s practice, but generally include evenings and weekends.
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 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 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 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Advise patients on the use of herbs for the treatment of conditions | 25 |
| Work under pressure | 25 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 24 |
| Tasks: Manipulate or apply pressure to various parts of the body, hands and feet | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 23 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 22 |
| Attention to detail | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 21 |
| Tasks: Diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients and treat them | 20 |
There is no standard education for reflexology therapists. Self-employed reflexology therapists may need a municipal business licence, annual police security clearance, 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 settings.
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 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, and the continuing education departments of post-secondary schools offer personal interest courses in reflexology. Some offer certification. 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: 2021-2025 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.
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.
Reflexology therapists’ incomes vary. Earnings depend on experience, training, location, services provided, number of hours worked, and overhead, such as the cost of renting space in a clinic or salon. Most reflexologists are self-employed or work on a contract basis, so their incomes are usually session-based, rather than wage or salary based.
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, 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.
