Chiropractors

(NOC 3122)

in All Health

Chiropractors diagnose, treat, and help patients prevent problems with the spine, muscles, bones, joints, and nervous system. Chiropractors are concerned with the care of the entire body and are trained in physical diagnosis, including the use of x-rays and laboratory analysis. They provide hands-on treatments like manipulating or adjusting the spine. Chiropractors are usually in private practice or in clinics with other health practitioners.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Health

Estimate 3550 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 6335 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$32,572

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Health

Hourly Pay

$16.70

Minimum

$26.60

Median

$43.30

Maximum

Annual Pay

$10,740

Minimum

$43,853

Median

$88,944

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Chiropractors:

Take patients' case history, conduct examinations, observe patients, and perform X-rays and other tests to diagnose patient's condition.
Diagnose neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spinal column, pelvis, extremities, and associated tissues.
Treat health disorders in a natural manner through adjustments or manipulations and complementary treatments like electrotherapy, acupuncture, heat therapy and massage with special attention given to the spine.
Advise patients on alternate treatment modalities like corrective exercises, posture, lifestyle, and nutrition that have positive effects on the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system.
Refer patients for medical care when appropriate.

Sample job titles

chiropractic doctor
chiropractor
doctor of chiropractic (DC)

Skills

To work in this field, you should be interested in the health and well-being of others. An interest in science, especially anatomy and physiology, is also important. You must be patient, tolerant, and sensitive to the needs of others. Good coordination and manual dexterity are necessary. Physical stamina may be needed as well.

Job requirements

A minimum of two years of university undergraduate studies in sciences and completion of a four- or five-year program at an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Education and completion of the examinations of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and of the provincial licensing body are required.
Licensing by a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia.

Other considerations

Chiropractic training is not available in Nova Scotia and students must leave the province to study. Chiropractors are often self-employed and administer their services through private practices. Some share clinics with massage therapists, physiotherapists, or family doctors.

By the numbers

Quick look

155

employed in 2016

71.9%

employed full-time

78.1%

self employed

56.3%

43.7%

41.3

median age

Compared to: All Health

36,515

employed in 2016

75.7%

employed full-time

9.6%

self employed

83.6%

16.4%

43.5

median age

Where will I likely work?

69.0%

Halifax

N/A

10.3%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

10.3%

Southern

N/A

10.3%

Cape Breton

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

100.0%

Health care and social assistance

What is the age of Employment?

44.0%

35-44

22.0%

25-34

19.0%

45-54

9.0%

55-64

6.0%

65+

Compared to: All Health

24.0%

25-34

23.9%

45-54

21.9%

35-44

18.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

38.7%

Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry

$52,915 median annual income

29.0%

Doctorate

N/A

12.9%

Bachelor

N/A

9.7%

College Diploma

N/A

6.5%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Health

38.4%

College Diploma

$40,033 median annual income

27.1%

Bachelor

$61,668 median annual income

8.7%

Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry

$81,191 median annual income

6.8%

High school

$24,829 median annual income

5.1%

Master

$69,296 median annual income

Education & training

Chiropractic (DC)

University Program

These programs prepare students for the independent professional practice of chiropractic, a health care and healing system based on the application of non-invasive treatments and spinal adjustments to alleviate health problems caused by vertebral misalignments affecting bodily function as derived from the philosophy of Daniel Palmer. They include courses in the basic medical sciences, chiropractic theory and science, postural and spinal analysis, diagnostic radiology and ultrasound, adjustment technique, patient counselling, professional standards and ethics, and practice management.

There are no schools in Nova Scotia offering this program.

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Chiropractor

Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.

Regulating body:

Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors

Halifax, NS

inquiries@chiropractors.ns.ca

Website