Aptitude Test in Hearing Aid Dispensing (Short Course)

To be eligible for this course you must be registered as either:

• A Clinical Physiologist (Audiology) with Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP).
• A Healthcare Science Practitioner (Audiology) with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).
• A Clinical Scientist (Audiology) with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Or have completed training, in one of the following courses, but have yet to be registered:

• An audiology Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) – e.g. BSc Audiology/BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology).
• Scientist Training Programme (STP).
• Equivalent programme accredited by the RCCP, AHS or HCPC.

In addition, you will be required to:

• Hold Maths and English at GCSE Grade 4 (C) or equivalent.
• Complete an online enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to the start of the course and this must be renewed as required throughout the duration of the course. An enhanced DBS check covers all previous convictions, including spent ones.
• Undertake a confidential online Health Check prior to the start of the course; further occasional health assessments may also be required.
• Demonstrate a minimum of one month’s work experience in an Audiology setting.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

The course covers all the components required to meet the eligibility criteria to apply for registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD) with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It aims to give you the background knowledge and a detailed understanding of the skills and requirements of a practising HAD.  The programme comprises the following 6 sub sections:

1. Professional registration and regulation and the role of professional bodies/societies
2. Consumer protection and marketing
3. Business planning
4. Quality control and audit
5. Health and safety and safeguarding
6. Hearing aid technology update

The programme is assessed via a multiple choice exam paper which will examine all sub sections of the module and an academic forum which to assess your application of these areas in practice.

Lectures will provide the theoretical knowledge that is required for you to effectively carry out the role of a Hearing Aid Dispenser. You will assess, appraise, interpret and prioritise information to inform best practice across the patient journey. You will work in the best interest of service users, protecting their confidentiality, privacy and safety including record keeping. You will provide effective time management and comply with regulatory standards.