Higher and Degree Apprenticeships / Available Apprenticeships / Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship

What you will study

The modules are delivered through blended learning, combining online modules with practical application in clinical placements and face-to-face lectures. The course is split into two phases:

Phase 1 is delivered online with visits to DMU twice in the first eight months for one week at a time. At the close of the eight months there is a week of clinical examinations at the university.

Phase 2 starts immediately and runs for the next 11 months. Over this period, you will have 8 one week sessions spread over the 11 month period. Five of these weeks will be at the university and the remaining 3 will be live sessions online, so there is not a need to come to the university, but you need to be in an environment that is quiet and distraction free with a PC and internet connection.

Applications must be made at least 12 weeks before start of the course.

Application deadlines are as follows:

  • Deadline for October entry: 1 July 2024
  • Deadline for March entry: 1 January 2025

  • Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Conditions of the auditory system
  • Basic Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
  • Hearing Assessment and Hearing Aids
  • Social and Medical models of disability in the auditory rehabilitation process
  • Professionalism: Ethics, performance and conduct
  • Clinical and practical procedures

  • Advanced Audiometric techniques for assessment and special cases
  • Human biology and chronic disease that affects hearing and balance
  • Research skills: Interpreting and Analysing data, writing scientifically
  • Rehabilitation of the complex patients
  • Advanced and fine-tuning of clinical skills
  • Work-ready skills: time management, legal and financial framework, employability skills and integrated end-point assessment (EPA)

Assessment

The integrated apprenticeship combines on-programme academic and workplace learning and assessment. Apprentices complete a work-based portfolio called the ‘Practical Proficiency Handbook and Record’, capturing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours developed during the course. This contributes to the EPA and enables apprentices to reflect, plan, and evaluate their development. Training on using portfolio software will be provided.

Final Degree Award:

  • Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology from De Montfort University
  • Eligibility to apply for statutory registration with the HCPC under the ‘Hearing Aid Dispenser’ category
  • Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship (Level 5)
  • Eligibility to provide ear cleaning services

Entry Requirements

Applicants over 21 are regarded as mature students and a variation of the entry requirements can be considered - please contact the programme admissions tutor by email at Donna.corrigan@dmu.ac.uk.

The general entry requirements for the apprenticeship are:

  • Minumum 18 years old
  • Have a suitably qualified and experienced educator or supervisor
  • 32 UCAS points from at least one science A level or equivalent
  • Pass at equivalent BTEC courses (BTECs can be taken into consideration alongside, or in place of, GCSEs and A levels)
  • GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or level 2 Mathematics and English equivalent OR you will need to pass functional skills within the first 12 months of the course
  • Have a satisfactory DBS status or equivalent verified by your employer
  • Be in sufficiently good mental and physical health to be able to practise without risk to themselves or others verified by your employer
  • Communicate effectively in spoken and written English

Ready to find out how this programme can benefit you?

Take your next steps

Programme Leader

Rakesh Patel

Rakesh Patel is the Programme Lead for the Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship. In addition to teaching on the programme, with a particular interest in dizziness and diagnostic testing, he is the Deputy Head of the School of Allied Health Sciences.

Case Studies

Mia Churchill, a 23-year-old graduate of the Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship now works for Specsavers Audiologists in Peterborough. The apprenticeship provided her with practical experience in an audiology clinic, allowing her to earn while learning. The course helped Mia gain the confidence and skills necessary to become a full-time Hearing Aid Dispenser/Audiologist and Clinical Lead for two stores. She values the hands-on learning and support from her lecturers and course mates.

Mia Churchill, Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprentice, De Montfort University

Fees and funding

This programme is allocated a funding band of £11,000 by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA).

Take your next steps

If you are an employer

Offering apprenticeships is a great way to attract and retain employees, helping develop their skills and knowledge. If you’re interested in taking on a new apprentice or upskilling existing staff members, contact us to find out more.

If you are an aspiring apprentice

Considering a degree apprenticeship but already employed? Our degree apprenticeships are employer-led, meaning your company invests in your development. Discuss this exciting opportunity with your employer and once you’ve got the go-ahead, contact us to find out more.

If you’d like us to contact your employer on your behalf, just reach out with your employer’s details and permission to contact and we’ll take it from there.

We'll provide clear guidance to both you and your employer, walking you through the application process and everything that comes after.

If you’re not employed you can also find degree apprenticeship vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Service website – it has more apprenticeship vacancies than any other site.

Key facts

Course title

Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship

Award

Level 5

Duration

18.5 months

Entry requirements

32 UCAS points from at least one science A level or equivalent, and GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or equivalent

Fees

Funding Band: £13,000