Training to be an Audiologist

 

The British Academy of Audiology is the largest audiology organisation in Britain representing the views of audiologists.  Information regarding BAA can be found on its website www.baaudiology.org

 

What is Audiology?

 

Audiology is a challenging and expanding field of clinical science and technology, involving the study of hearing and balance. As a healthcare profession, audiology also involves assessment, management and therapeutic rehabilitation of people with hearing and balance problems and associated disorders.  This includes patients of all ages from newborns and children through to working adults and the elderly. Currently audiology is a high‑profile profession and is a leader in the NHS modernisation programme.  New and exciting opportunities exist in this expanding field.

 

Employment prospects are good due to a large number of developments that include the provision of digital hearing aid technology and universal newborn hearing screening.

 

Employment opportunities are also available in the private sector.

 

Qualities of an Audiologist

 

·            Ability to communicate well with all types of people

·            Good problem solving skills

·            A scientific educational background

·            Ability to work as part of a team

·            A caring and understanding attitude

·            Good manual dexterity

·            Analytical skills

 

There are currently three routes to becoming a Registered Audiologist:

·         BSc in Audiology

·         MSc in Audiology

·         Fast track conversion Diploma for those with a BSc in other relevant science subject, available at Southampton,  Manchester, UCL, London and Edinburgh.

 

There are currently ten Universities providing the BSc course,

·         Aston – Birmingham,

·         University of Bristol,

·         DeMontfort University - Leicester,

·         University College – London,

·         University of Southampton,

·         University of Manchester,

·         University of Leeds.

·         University of Swansea

·         University of Sunderland

·         Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh

 

BSc in Audiology 

 

Entry qualifications

·         Ideally 3 A levels (or equivalent), which should include a science subject.

·         Consideration can be given to those without the above, such as an appropriate science access course qualification.

·         In addition you should have evidence of ability to effectively work with people of all ages, particularly the elderly and young children.

 

Structure of the Course

·         Years 1 and 2 are university based but may include some time in a clinical placement in an NHS audiology clinic setting.

·         Year 3 is primarily a full-time salaried supervised clinical practice placement, working under the guidance of a qualified audiologist. A national training scheme and logbook is a requirement based on competency assessments.

·         Year 4 is a final year back at university involving the completion of a project, although some advanced clinical practice and assessment may be required.

·         Successful completion of the four-year course and clinical assessments qualifies you to register and practice as an Audiologist.

 

Post Graduate Diploma

Entry qualification

·         Ideally a good [i.e. 2.2] undergraduate degree in a relevant Science degre

Structure of the course

·        One-year university based course followed by a one-year full-time salaried supervised clinical practice placement, working under the guidance of a qualified audiologist. A national training scheme and logbook is a requirement and requires competence-based assessments to be undertaken. The in-service training period is currently under review and may get extend to 3 years.

 

MSc in Audiology

          Entry qualifications

·         Entry requirements are a good relevant science degree [usually 2:1], preferable some knowledge of physics or behavioural science and a proven interest or experience in Audiology. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an interest in direct patient care are also essential.

·         Training posts are via the NHS Regional Scheme www.nhsclinicalscientists.info or www.baaudiology.org. Some NHS Audiology Departments employ trainee clinical scientist directly.

 

Structure of the Course

·        One year full-time MSc in Audiology can be undertaken at Southampton University, University College London or Manchester University.

·        This is then followed by 18-24 months supervised in-service clinical placement   culminating in a written, practical and oral examination to obtain the BAA Certificate of Audiological Competency. Successful completion of the M.Sc practical training also includes a portfolio of clinical training, research and personal development leading to the Association of Clinical Scientists Certificate of Attainment required for Registration to the Health Professions Council.

 

Please contact relevant University direct for details of the fast track course.

Applications can be made direct to the preferred University or via the Clearing System.   Universities in other areas are awaiting accreditation to run the BSc in Audiology – keep checking the website to acquire the latest information.

Version 3.2 29/04/05 Updated for UofSund 190707