Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship

Become a Hearing Aid Dispenser (Level 5 qualification) through this interactive, blended learning apprenticeship programme approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - which means successful apprentices will be able to work under the protected title of ‘Hearing Aid Dispenser.’ This apprenticeship incorporates the foundation degree (FdSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology and so you can be awarded a science degree upon successful competition as well as develop the clinical skills for this rewarding role. Please visit the course page for the Foundation Degree in Audiology for more information.

What you will study

The modules are delivered through blended learning, combining online modules with practical application in clinical placements and face-to-face lectures. The course is split into two phases:

Phase 1 is delivered online with visits to 51黑料社区 twice in the first eight months for one week at a time. At the close of the eight months there is a week of clinical examinations at the university.

Phase 2 starts immediately and runs for the next 11 months. Over this period, you will have 8 one week sessions spread over the 11 month period. Five of these weeks will be at the university and the remaining 3 will be live sessions online, so there is not a need to come to the university, but you need to be in an environment that is quiet and distraction free with a PC and internet connection.

Applications must be made at least 12 weeks before start of the course.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Deadline for October entry: 1 July 2024
Deadline for March entry: 1 January 2025

Phase 1
Phase 2

Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Conditions of the auditory system
Basic Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
Hearing Assessment and Hearing Aids
Social and Medical models of disability in the auditory rehabilitation process
Professionalism: Ethics, performance and conduct
Clinical and practical procedures

Advanced Audiometric techniques for assessment and special cases
Human biology and chronic disease that affects hearing and balance
Research skills: Interpreting and Analysing data, writing scientifically
Rehabilitation of the complex patients
Advanced and fine-tuning of clinical skills
Work-ready skills: time management, legal and financial framework, employability skills and integrated end-point assessment (EPA)

Assessment

The integrated apprenticeship combines on-programme academic and workplace learning and assessment. Apprentices complete a work-based portfolio called the ‘Practical Proficiency Handbook and Record’, capturing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours developed during the course. This contributes to the EPA and enables apprentices to reflect, plan, and evaluate their development. Training on using portfolio software will be provided.

Final Degree Award:

Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology from 51黑料社区
Eligibility to apply for statutory registration with the HCPC under the ‘Hearing Aid Dispenser’ category
Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship (Level 5)
Eligibility to provide ear cleaning services

Entry Requirements

Applicants over 21 are regarded as mature students and a variation of the entry requirements can be considered - please contact the programme admissions tutor by email at Donna.corrigan@dmu.ac.uk.

The general entry requirements for the apprenticeship are:

Minumum 18 years old
Have a suitably qualified and experienced educator or supervisor
32 UCAS points from at least one science A level or equivalent
Pass at equivalent BTEC courses (BTECs can be taken into consideration alongside, or in place of, GCSEs and A levels)
GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or level 2 Mathematics and English equivalent OR you will need to pass functional skills within the first 12 months of the course
Have a satisfactory DBS status or equivalent verified by your employer

Be in sufficiently good mental and physical health to be able to practise without risk to themselves or others verified by your employer

Communicate effectively in spoken and written English

Programme Leader

Rakesh Patel

Deputy Head of the School of Allied Health Sciences

Rakesh Patel is the Programme Lead for the Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship. In addition to teaching on the programme, with a particular interest in dizziness and diagnostic testing, he is the Deputy Head of the School of Allied Health Sciences.

Case Studies

Mia Churchill, a 23-year-old graduate of the Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship now works for Specsavers Audiologists in Peterborough. The apprenticeship provided her with practical experience in an audiology clinic, allowing her to earn while learning. The course helped Mia gain the confidence and skills necessary to become a full-time Hearing Aid Dispenser/Audiologist and Clinical Lead for two stores. She values the hands-on learning and support from her lecturers and course mates.

Mia Churchill, Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprentice, 51黑料社区

Fees and funding

This programme is allocated a funding band of £11,000 by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA).

Take your next steps

If you are an employer

Offering apprenticeships is a great way to attract and retain employees, helping develop their skills and knowledge. If you’re interested in taking on a new apprentice or upskilling existing staff members, contact us to find out more.

If you are an aspiring apprentice

Considering a degree apprenticeship but already employed? Our degree apprenticeships are employer-led, meaning your company invests in your development. Discuss this exciting opportunity with your employer and once you’ve got the go-ahead, contact us to find out more.

If you’d like us to contact your employer on your behalf, just reach out with your employer’s details and permission to contact and we’ll take it from there.

We'll provide clear guidance to both you and your employer, walking you through the application process and everything that comes after.

If you’re not employed you can also find degree apprenticeship vacancies on the – it has more apprenticeship vacancies than any other site.

Key facts

Course title

Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship

Award

Level 5

Duration

18.5 months

Entry requirements

32 UCAS points from at least one science A level or equivalent, and GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or equivalent

Fees

Funding Band: £13,000

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