Becoming a HIS or hearing aid dispenser is one way to get into audiology.
Audiology programs are divided into two different divisions. Becoming a licensed audiologist involves extensive education including an advanced degree, and upon completion you are a professional skilled in all facets of hearing. The other division of audiology is called a hearing aid dispenser license and it's easier to obtain, especially for someone wanting to start out in audiology. Hearing aid dispensers can choose to further their education in audiology after they have completed their license.
Instructions
1. Locate a hearing aid dispenser in your area who is willing to let you train with them as an apprentice. Some hearing aid dispensers may help with costs of fees and books while you are in a program, along with paying you a wage if you are willing to stay with them after you become licensed.
2. Find online hearing aid dispensing programs and choose the best one for your situation. Fees would cover enrollment and purchase of required workbooks and any other resources that are suggested.
3. Sign all the required applications and apprentice documentation and send back to the state hearing aid dispensing licensing division in your state. The hearing aid dispensing application requires a felony background check.
4. Start course work after your application has been accepted and send in the distance learning course work as required.
5. Maintain a passing grade and then take the final exam with a test proctor in your area.
6. Complete the full course and the one-year apprenticeship as required by the state before taking the final state level licensing test. After completion of the hearing aid dispensing license the person can then further their education in audiology if they desire.
Tags: hearing dispensing, hearing dispenser, course work, education audiology, further their