Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship
The Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship is a level 5 qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and allows successful apprentices to work under the protected title of ‘Hearing Aid Dispenser’.
De Montfort University (DMU) is the first provider to offer this apprenticeship which incorporates the foundation degree (FdSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology. First validated at DMU in 2007, the foundation degree has been constantly developed to meet needs of employers and to ensure growth of the highest quality clinicians.
This programme is aligned to the level 5 Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship standard, designed by employers and in partnership with the Health and Care Professions Council. It is allocated a funding band of £11,000 by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA).
The apprenticeship is designed to provide a rich experience utilising a range of interactive, stimulating online learning that is intended to be used across many platforms and be accessible. It is a programme that does centre on learning and contact in which discussion and debate are central to learning.
Who the apprenticeship is for
The apprenticeship is suitable for employed professionals with a suitable background that want to practice as ‘Hearing Aid Dispenser’. All applicants need to be employed by an Apprenticeship Levy paying organisation who will support the individual’s participation in the entire programme. This includes a Practice Educator who is HCPC registered and has a minimum of two years’ experience.
Entry criteria
Entry onto the Foundation Degree will be supported by an employer, however all students may be required to attend for interview at which the appropriateness of their previous individual experience and learning will be considered prior to being allocated a place.
- GCSEs Grade C or grade 4 in Maths, English (or Equivalent to Level 2 Qualifications)
- Be aged 18 years or above on entry to the programme.
- Be sponsored and supported by an employer
- 32 UCAS points from at least one science A level or equivalent (Alternative relevant educational experience will be considered for mature students.)
- Have a satisfactory DBS status or equivalent
- Be in sufficiently good mental and physical health to be able to practise without risk to themselves or others
- Communicate effectively in spoken English adapting to varied listeners and settings
- Communicate effectively in written English
- Applicants who have qualified outside of the UK, whose first language is not English, need to be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to level 7 of the International English Language Testing System, with no element below 6.5.
Reasons to study this apprenticeship
- The foundation degree programme is well established being the longest-running in the UK. Satisfaction from students is consistently high and the course has developed through a strong partnership with students and employers.
- The Audiology facilities have the latest equipment, teaching aids and tools to develop apprenticeship learning. All facilities are designed to deliver the best learning experience possible.
- Teaching staff have a clinical background and are experts in their field. Many of the staff are involved in external bodies that develop standards, improve the profession, and develop policy.
Delivery model
An innovative blended learning approach is used to provide flexible learning that embraces a diverse and adaptable learning style. The apprenticeship fully incorporates the foundation degree, providing a strong theoretical foundation that is applied in clinical practice.
The initial phase of the programme is delivered online. Apprentices then visit DMU twice in the first six months of the apprenticeship for one week each time to reinforce the learning. At the close of this six months there is a week of clinical examinations at DMU.
Across the next 11 months of the programme apprentices will attend DMU nine times for one week of learning at a time.
Programme content and structure
| PHASE ONE | PHASE TWO | CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIP |
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Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Conditions of the auditory system
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Advanced Audiometric techniques for assessment and special cases
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Fine tuning of clinical skills including de-waxing
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Basic Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
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Physics in Audiology
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Hearing Assessment and Hearing Aids
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Cells to body systems and diseases that affect hearing
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Social and Medical models of disability in the rehabilitation process
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Research skills: Interpreting and Analysing data, writing scientifically
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Work ready skills: time management, legal and financial framework, employability skills
Integrated End Point Assessment (EPA)
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Professionalism and Patient cantered care
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Rehabilitation of the complex patients
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Foundation degree completion and eligibility of registration with HCPC
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Assessment
This is an integrated apprenticeship which incorporates on-programme academic and workplace learning and assessment. The foundation degree is designed to enable apprentices to apply the academic theory to their own organisation and role. All apprentices are required to complete a work-based portfolio called ‘Practical Proficiency Handbook and Record’ which will capture the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed on the programme and in the workplace. This will contribute to their EPA and enable apprentices to reflect, plan and evaluate their development. Portfolio software will be used to capture all information and training will be provided to all apprentices on how to use the software.
This will contribute to their evidence of learning and enable apprentices to reflect, plan and evaluate their development. Portfolio software will be used to capture all information and training will be provided to all apprentices on how to use the software.
Final degree award
All successful apprentices will achieve:
- Foundation degree (FdSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology from De Montfort University
- Eligibility to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council under the ‘Hearing Aid Dispenser’ category
- Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship (level 5)
Successful completion will allow the candidates to also provide ear cleaning services.
For more information, contact us by completing our online enquiry form.