National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

3 - Health occupations

This broad category comprises specialized middle management occupations in health care, as well as occupations concerned with providing health care services directly to patients (professional and technical occupations in health) and occupations that provide support to health services.

31 - Professional occupations in health

This major group comprises professional occupations in health, including health treating and consultation services professionals; therapy and assessment professionals; and nursing and allied health professionals. These occupations come with Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility (TEER) identified as TEER 1. Occupations classified in TEER 1, as those in this group with a 1 as the second digit of their code, typically require a university degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) or the accumulation several years of experience and expertise in the subject matter knowledge in a related occupation found in TEER 2, when applicable (which includes occupations with a 2 as a second digit in their code).

312 - Therapy and assessment professionals

This sub-major group comprises therapy and assessment professionals, including psychologists; chiropractors; physiotherapists; occupational therapists; kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment; and other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating.

3120 - Therapy and assessment professionals

This minor group comprises therapy and assessment professionals, including psychologists; chiropractors; physiotherapists; occupational therapists; kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment; and other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating. They are employed by hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care and health care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation and recreational centres, and private and social services agencies; educational institutions, and sports organizations; in industry; or they may work in private practice.

31201 - Chiropractors

Chiropractors assess, diagnose, treat and prevent patients' neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spine, nervous system, pelvis and other body joints using corrective manipulation including spinal column adjustments, or other complementary therapies. They are usually in private practice or in clinics with other health practitioners.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • chiropractor

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Chiropractic aide (See 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services)

  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Conduct patient interviews and take medical histories
    • Conduct an examination including postural assessment, range of motion tests, neurological and orthopedic examination, and palpation of joints and soft tissues
    • Prescribe and/or perform X-rays and other imaging and tests as required to diagnose patient's condition
    • Diagnose neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spinal column, pelvis, extremities and associated tissues
    • Define and implement a treatment plan including spinal and joint adjustment or manipulations, soft tissue work and/or the use of complementary therapies; such as electrotherapy, acupuncture, heat therapy and massage.
    • Communicate and collaborate with other health care professionals
    • Advise patients on alternate treatment modalities such as corrective exercises, posture, nutritional and lifestyle counselling, that have positive effects on the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system
    • Refer patients to other health care professionals when appropriate.

  • Employment requirements

    • A minimum of three years of university undergraduate studies or in Quebec, completion of a college diploma in natural science is required.
    • Completion of a four or five year program at an Accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Education Programme is required.
    • Successful completion of the national examinations by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board is required to qualify to become licensed by a provincial or territorial body.
    • Licensing by a regulatory body is required in all provinces and in Yukon.

  • Additional information

    • The scope of practice of chiropractors varies by province.
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