You can complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme leading to a degree in healthcare science (audiology). This is a 3-year training scheme and includes a mix of on the job training and study.

To work as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser in the private sector, you'll need to do an audiology or hearing aid dispensing foundation degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Postgraduate course

If you already have a science degree, you could join the postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme. This is a 3-year course in clinical science, specialising in neurosensory sciences.

You could study for the MSc in Audiology with the option to include a clinical placement depending on where you study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You might be able to do a Hearing Aid Dispenser Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship usually takes 2 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and study. This will qualify you to work independently to test people's hearing and fit hearing aids.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start as an audiology practitioner or a hearing care assistant and take further study to qualify as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser.

You'll find it helpful to get some voluntary experience in healthcare before you apply for a course.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As an audiologist you could:

• see NHS and private clients in clinics, retail settings or in their own homes
• assess hearing using different tests
• fit, test or repair hearing aids
• advise on ear health and hygiene or remove ear wax
• keep customer records and administration up to date

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic.

You may need to wear a uniform.