Chiropractors (NOC 3122)
Description
Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spine and other body joints by adjusting the spinal column or through other corrective manipulations and adjunctive therapies. Chiropractors are usually in private practice or in clinics with other health practitioners.
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Example Titles
- chiropractic doctor
- chiropractor
- doctor of chiropractic
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Classified Elsewhere
- Chiropractic aides (in 3414 Assisting Occupations in support of Health Services)
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Duties
Chiropractors perform some or all of the following duties:
- Take patient history, conduct examination, observe patient and perform X-rays and other tests to diagnose conditions
- Diagnose neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spinal column, pelvis, extremities and associated tissues
- Treat health disorders without drugs or surgery through adjustments or articular manipulations and complementary treatments such as electrotherapy, nutrition, light and massage with special attention given to the spine
- Advise patients on corrective exercises, posture, lifestyle and nutrition
- Refer patients for medical care when appropriate.
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Skills
Chiropractors need the following skills and abilities:
Essential skills:
- ability to relate well to a wide range of people and gain their confidence,
- ability to work independently and as a member of a team,
- good problem-solving and decision-making skills,
- emotional stability, maturity, integrity, reliability, and realistic self appraisal,
- ability to cope with stressful situations,
- physical stamina and manual dexterity,
- good listening and observational skills,
- good verbal and written communication skills,
Technical skills:
- supervisory skills in directing and instructing staff may be required,
- administrative skills such as basic accounting, human resources and materials management may be required for chiropractors operating their own offices
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Employment Requirements
- completion of a four- or five-year program at an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Education is required.
- completion of the examinations of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and of the provincial licensing body are required.
- A license from the Manitoba Chiropractors' Association is required.
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Terms & Conditions
Chiropractors commonly work indoors. They usually keep normal office hours, but may have to adjust their work schedule to meet client needs.
Chiropractors regularly use x-ray equipment as a diagnostic tool, and may be exposed to harmful radiation if equipment is not used properly, or if not enough protection is applied. They also need to be physically fit, with multiple limb coordination and enough strength to adjust or manipulate the human spinal column. The majority of Chiropractors in Manitoba are self-employed (85%).
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Earnings
$60,100 per annum - starting
$97,400 per annum - average
$154,100 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
Two post-secondary institutions in Canada offer chiropractic programs of study:
- The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario, offers a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. An interview and an essay are required to be considered for admission. The college offers a Continuing Education Program and Certificate programs which allow graduates to gain advanced knowledge and training in specific areas of practice. http://www.cmcc.ca/
- The Universite du Quebec in Trois Rivieres, Quebec (instruction in French) offers a 5-year Doctorat en chiropratique. An interview and a signed letter from a practicing chiropractor stating you have spent at least a half-day observing in a private chiropractic clinic is required to be considered for admission. https://oraprdnt.uqtr.uquebec.ca/pls/public/gscw030?owa_no_site=679
- The Council of Chiropractic Education of Canada requires that all applicants must successfully complete a minimum of three years of study at a Canadian University or its equivalent before entering a chiropractic course of study. This can be in any discipline but basic undergraduate courses with labs in organic chemistry and biology, a half course in introductory psychology, and at least one and a half courses in humanities or other social sciences are highly recommended.
- All Manitoba universities offer the basic undergraduate courses recommended.
- The Special Pre-Medical Studies Program at the University of Manitoba is a two to four year program preparing Aboriginal students for entrance into medical and dental schools or other health-related faculties.
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Career Paths
New graduates often join existing practices and work as associates. Experienced chiropractors may operate proprietary private practices. Chiropractors may or may not have administrative responsibilities, depending on the practice.
Some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for chiropractors are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. In 2010, there were approximately 365 chiropractors in Manitoba.
An ag
ing population means a greater demand for health care services in general, and especially for services to help spinal function and mobility. Another factor driving demand for chiropractic services is the increasing popularity of alternative medicine and the inclusion of these services in medical insurance plans. As chiropractors emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles, preventive care, and do not prescribe medication or perform surgery, chiropractic treatment is becoming more appealing to a health conscious public.
A proportionately larger number of chiropractors are located in Winnipeg. All chiropractors in Manitoba work in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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