About your Hearing Care Assistant Course
Grow your knowledge of clinical practice and client care in under a year with our Hearing Care Assistant Course. Study online with a one week residential on our Cambridge Campus in April. Our course will provide a grounding in basic hearing care, customer services and the potential to start your path to professional registration.
Course highlights
- Develop the confidence and skills to support Registered Hearing Aid Dispensers in clinical practice and client care
- Ideal for Hearing or Optical Assistants and Practice Receptionists who want to be more useful in their practice
- Our course offers the potential to start your path to professional registration
How you'll study
Study online and in Cambridge
Study this course over 9 months
16th September 2024
Fees: £2,650
UK Quality Assured
Course overview
The course is ideal if you’re a Hearing or Optical Assistant, or a Practice Receptionist who wants to broaden the duties of your role and grow your clinical practice skills. You’ll be able to talk more confidently to patients about hearing issues and carry out aftercare services and hearing aid repairs under the supervision of a HAD.
You’ll learn more about the working environment of audiology, and external factors that can affect both your own role and your patients’ treatment journey. During this online Hearing Care Assistant course, you’ll learn how to maximise your role within the practice of audiology and build a full practical and procedural understanding of what you can do to support patients. You’ll also fine tune your administrative skills to aid in the efficient management of your audiology practice.
The one week residential, coupled with a work-based approach, means you’ll not only learn more about the role of a Hearing Care Assistant in theory, but you’ll also have the chance to develop hands-on skills too.
In addition, this course will teach you a range of core skills which will build your professional aptitude. These skills, including communication and IT, are transferable across a variety of roles.
Benefits to you and your employer:
- A better understanding of hearing aid audiology
- Confidence and skills to support Registered Hearing Aid Dispensers in clinical practice and client care.
- Safely perform otoscopy, take impressions and complete screening audiometry.
- Understand the initial fit of a hearing aid and make basic repairs.
- Knowledge to elicit customer history and identify the need for onward referral.
Modules
Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.
Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.
Learning and Skills Development for HE and Work (Audiology)
Develop the learning skills that are essential to success, both on this course and whilst working as a hearing aid audiologist, including communication and IT skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the professional Code of Practice and how to record your development.
Understanding the Work Sector (Audiology)
Develop your understanding of the nature of the work sector and the environments in hearing aid audiology. You’ll explore the impact of political, social, economic and technological factors on hearing aid audiology and consider the legal and ethical frameworks informing hearing aid audiologists.
Practical Procedures for the Hearing Care Assistant
Develop a fundamental knowledge and competency in the clinical skills and procedures that can be legally assigned to you in your role as an HCA. You’ll gain practical skills for safely performing otoscopy, identifying and recognising the findings, eliciting and recording a basic patient history, and communicating the results to assist in client referral or management.
You’ll also be introduced to impression taking and the principles of rehabilitation to assist the HAD. Finally, you will study the generic features of modern hearing aids to assist and advise the customer, and practice first fit procedures.
Assessment
You will be assessed on a module-by-module basis in the form of multiple-choice examinations, together with a portfolio based continuous assessment of practical competencies.
The final assessment for the practical skills will involve a multiple-choice exam and a clinical assessment which will take place on our Cambridge campus at the end of the residential.
Meet your tutors
Dr Eldré Beukes
Course leader
Dr Eldré Beukes is a researcher, senior lecturer, and a clinical scientist in Audiology. She has expertise in auditory pathologies and research interests in digital therapeutics and improving outcomes for people with hearing and vision impairments or dual sensory loss.
Eldré’s research focus is on improving outcomes and empowering individuals with disabilities. Her focus is on improving outcomes for people with hearing and sight difficulties by developing accessible and evidence-based care models. She has also been involved in working with visually impaired athletes. She received the Shapiro prize for her research in three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019, and the 2019 Hallpike Research Prize.
Eldré works as a clinical scientist in audiology and is director of Audiological Specialist Care. She was awarded the Richard May prize following her training.
Srikanth Chundu
Senior Lecturer
Previously a cochlear implant Audiologist at University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service, and a distance learning tutor for the course, Sri joined Anglia Ruskin University on a full time basis in April 2015. He has worked in various settings in Audiology and is currently involved with a number of research projects in collaboration with other Universities, in areas including Cochlear implant rehabilitation, Internet based rehabilitation, Psycho-social aspects of hearing loss and occupational hearing loss.
Sri is a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D), a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Audiology, a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Speech & Hearing: and is registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) as Audiologist.
Dr Robert C MacKinnon
Senior Lecturer
Robert's undergraduate studies for his BA (Hons) in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge gave him a broad scientific background. He specialised in Neuroscience in his final year and his undergraduate project was performed in Professor Brian Moore's lab and focused on cochlear implant simulation, and was subsequently published.
Robert completed his PhD in Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Nottingham. He worked in the National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit (now Biomedical Research Centre). His project focused on the long-term effects of recreational music listening, and used a novel questionnaire and hearing test to test hundreds of participants online over the internet.
Robert trained clinically as a HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist in Audiology at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with an associated MSc (Merit) in Clinical Science (Neurosensory) from the University of Manchester. He has experience in paediatric, vestibular, complex adult, and single sided clinics, as well as routine clinics. Robert is also a HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.
Dr Eldré Beukes
Course leader
Dr Eldré Beukes is a researcher, senior lecturer, and a clinical scientist in Audiology. She has expertise in auditory pathologies and research interests in digital therapeutics and improving outcomes for people with hearing and vision impairments or dual sensory loss.
Eldré’s research focus is on improving outcomes and empowering individuals with disabilities. Her focus is on improving outcomes for people with hearing and sight difficulties by developing accessible and evidence-based care models. She has also been involved in working with visually impaired athletes. She received the Shapiro prize for her research in three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019, and the 2019 Hallpike Research Prize.
Eldré works as a clinical scientist in audiology and is director of Audiological Specialist Care. She was awarded the Richard May prize following her training.
Dr Saima Rajasingam
Lecturer in Audiology
Following her graduation with a BSc (Hons) in Audiology from University College London, Saima obtained her PhD in Auditory Perception at Aston University.
She is a RCCP-registered Audiologist and HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, with experience in the NHS and private sector. She maintains her clinical practice as a Consultant Audiologist at Cubex Audiology and is a Fellow of the British Society of Audiology (FBSA).
Saima’s research interests include auditory stream segregation, speech-in-noise perception in individuals experiencing hearing loss, the role of healthcare communications in promoting help-seeking behaviour for hearing loss, remote audiological care and hearing technologies for communication in ‘noisy’ environments.
Saima leads ARU's Applied Hearing Research Hub (Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre).
How you'll study
Our Hearing Care Assistant Univ Cert is delivered in a blend of online learning and a block residential to provide a flexible, practical and career-enhancing learning experience. You’ll have the flexibility of supported distance learning for the majority of the course and spend one week on our Cambridge campus in April. This residential will include your clinical assessments and your final multiple-choice exam.
Please note that accommodation for the residential (should you require it), transport costs and other personal expenses are not covered by the course fees.
You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.
On successful completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.
Supported distance learning
We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your Hearing Care Assistant course online, and that’s natural.
To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist hearing science tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.
Once you start your Hearing Care Assistant course, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet your peers in person during the block residential and further strengthen your relationships.
Contact us to talk through any questions or concerns or visit our support page for more information about the support services available.
Gold-standard education
We're proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.
Why we're rated Gold
Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.
We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:
- student engagement in learning
- learning environment and academic support
- learning resources
- student engagement in improvement
- approaches to supporting student success
- intended educational gains
- approaches to supporting educational gains.
What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.
It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
This rating was awarded in September 2023, and lasts for four years.
Be part of the University of the Year
We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023.
The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.
Careers
What can Hearing Care Assistant courses do for my career?
Through this university certificate level programme, you will gain a better understanding of hearing care and the hearing aid work sector. In turn, that will enable you to feel more confident talking to patients and provide an enhanced customer service experience.
What job roles can I consider with a Hearing Care Assistant course?
This course is designed for existing and aspiring Hearing Care Assistants. For students interested in progressing their career further in the field of hearing care through further training and qualifications, possible job roles include:
- Hearing Aid Specialist
- Audiology Assistant
- Hearing Screener
- Hearing Aid Dispensers
What skills will I get from a Hearing Care Assistant University Certificate to help my career?
Choosing to study a Hearing Care Assistant University Certificate will give you many transferable skills including developing key skills in communication, numeracy, problem solving, using IT effectively, and working with others. You will also develop an understanding of managing and developing your own professional development.
What can I study after a Hearing Care Assistant course?
Depending on your long-term goals and interests you may decide to explore a related Foundation Degree or BSc (Hons) degree qualification such as a FdSc in Hearing Aid Audiology, Hearing Sciences (top-up) BSc (Hons) or Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons).
Careers Advice Service
Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you at whatever stage of your career, whether that’s landing your first dream job or the next progression step.
To help you land your dream job, our Employability Service will work with you throughout your time at ARU and after you graduate.
We offer:
- careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
- help with your CV, job searches, applications, and interview preparation
- an online portal packed with useful careers resources
- our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.
Entry requirements
- Passes at grade C or above in subjects at GCSE level or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science, OR;
- Demonstration, through documentary evidence, that the required level of knowledge and skills has been achieved in other ways e.g. experiential learning
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
- You must have a suitable audiology employer and supervisor in order to gain practical experience. Your primary supervisor must have been registered with the HCPC (or equivalent body eg. RCCP).
You will need to provide evidence that a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance has been undertaken.
If you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more within the last 5 years then you will need to provide a police check from the country/countries previously resided in
If you are completing placements overseas you will be required to obtain a police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country
As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.
Fees & funding
Fees
The full tuition fee for our Hearing Care Assistant course is £2,650.
Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.
Please note that accommodation and personal travel to and from the residentials is not included in the tuition fees.
Funding
Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. These are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.
We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.
For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.
For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.
What our students say
I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is working with hearing aids or even has an interest in hearing. You can get a highly sought after qualification and expand your own knowledge on the subject.
James
I have learnt and developed so much and would encourage others to benefit from the same opportunity. I would highly recommend a course with ARU.
The online information, facilities and resources are modern, easy to navigate and are continually up-to-date. They positively reflect the University’s commitment to students who learn off campus.
Maggie
I have left with a newfound confidence, resilience and enthusiasm for distance learning and study. My experience has been such a positive one and has shaped me for future study and given me skills for life, both personally and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next application deadline:
16th September 2024
