Audiologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You can complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme leading to a degree in healthcare science (audiology). This is a 3-year training scheme and includes a mix of on the job training and study.

To work as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser in the private sector, you'll need to do an audiology or hearing aid dispensing foundation degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

Postgraduate course

If you already have a science degree, you could join the postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme . This is a 3-year course in clinical science, specialising in neurosensory sciences.

You could study for the MSc in Audiology with the option to include a clinical placement depending on where you study.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You might be able to do a Hearing Aid Dispenser Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship usually takes 2 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and study. This will qualify you to work independently to test people's hearing and fit hearing aids.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an audiology practitioner or a hearing care assistant and take further study to qualify as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser.

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some experience in healthcare before you apply for a course.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to learn through your work
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers work with children and adults who have hearing loss, tinnitus, or problems with balance.

As an audiologist you could:

• see NHS and private clients in clinics, retail settings or in their own homes
• assess hearing using different tests
• fit, test or repair hearing aids
• advise on ear health and hygiene or remove ear wax
• keep customer records and administration up to date

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £65,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience you could specialise in an area like:

• cochlear implants
• managing tinnitus
• working with deafblind people
• assisting people with learning disabilities

You could:

• lead a clinical team, manage a unit or move into a general management position in healthcare
• become a director of your own retail stores
• move into research or become a higher education lecturer at a university