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Audiologist
This page decribes the work of audiologists, and includes information on entry requirements, training programmes and funding for the degree course.
Working as an audiologist
An audiologist works with patients as part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals. They identify and assess hearing and/or balance disorders, recommending and providing appropriate rehabilitation and management.Audiology is a rapidly developing field, and the need for audiological services is clear. A national study of hearing showed that approximately 16% of the population have a significant hearing loss, indicating that working in this field is an important area of the NHS.
The audiologist's role is both challenging and varied. Audiologists need to be able to communicate with people of all ages. They need to be able to think logically and adopt a scientific approach combined with caring and patient focused attitude to their work.
Many audiologists develop a special interest and expertise in one area of audiology, such as paediatrics or balance.
The main areas of work are:
- paediatrics
- adult assessment and rehabilitation
- special needs groups
- research and development
Some audiologists may operate a referral clinic and may be the only point of contact for the patient. In this case, the audiologist will examine the patient and prescribe the appropriate hearing aid or arrange onward referral for further investigation.There are currently three ways to become an audiologist. These are:
- BSc degree in audiology
- MSc in audiology
- postgraduate diploma in audiology
Entry requirements
The usual entry level for the BSc in audiology is a range of GCSEs (A-C) including English and science/maths with three A levels. At least one A level will generally be needed in a science subject. Important - It is advisable to check entry requirements with the institution of your choice, as entry levels may vary.Many of these universities also offer the MSc and postgraduate diploma. The MSc and postgraduate diploma programmes usually require a science subject at degree level such as biological sciences or physics.
Training programmes
A BSc in audiology is four years in length - the first two years of the four year BSc are spent at university. Students will learn about the science behind tests and treatments that are used in hospitals and acquire the knowledge needed to work with patients in a therapeutic relationship.The third year will be spent on clinical placement in an audiology setting, learning how to carry out some of the procedures a qualified audiologist performs and learning how audiology services work in the NHS.
The final year will be spent back at university learning about more advanced aspects of audiology and completing a dissertation. Students on MSc and postgraduate diploma programmes need to acquire assessed clinical experience as part of their studies or through part-time employment.
Audiologists who have trained through one of the above routes are eligible to apply for registration with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists.
It is also possible for graduates with appropriate science degrees at first or upper-second classs level, to apply for training as a clinical scientist in audiology through the Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. Training initially takes one year leading to an MSc, followed by 18-24 months supervised in-service clinical placement culminating in a written, practical and oral presentation to obtain the BAA Certificate of Audiological competancy. Click here for information about this route.
Clinical scientists in audiology who have successfully completed their training must register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) in order to practice.
For a list of universities offering audiology courses, please visit the British Academy of Audiology website or the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists website
Financial support for students on audiology degree courses
For information about financial support whilst taking a degree course in audiology, please click here.How do I apply?
Applications for degree courses are normally made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).To apply for clinical scientist vacancies, visit the Clinicial Scientist Training Scheme website.
Registration
In order to practice in the UK as a clinical scientist in audiology, you must be registered with the Health Professions Council. Click here for details. For those who trained via the degree route, a voluntary register is currently held by the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists.Further information
For further information on a career in audiology, contact:The British Academy of Audiology
BAA Admin,
Resources for Associations,
Association House,
South Park Road,
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6SH.
Tel: 01625 504066
E-mail: admin@baaudiology.org
Website: www.baaudiology.org
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