Audiological scientist
Audiological scientists assess, diagnose and manage patients who have hearing, balance and tinnitus problems. They administer and interpret diagnostic tests to patients. They may also be called clinical scientists (audiology).
They have a direct clinical role working with patients, who are often very young children or elderly people. The job gives the opportunity to combine direct patient care and academic training with research activity.
Once a trainee audiological scientist has undergone a period of on-the-job training and passed a formal assessment, they are able to register with the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) and with the Health Professions Council (HPC) to practise as an audiological scientist.
Many audiological scientists develop clinical expertise in a specific area of audiology, such as:
Typical work activities include:
The post involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including:
There are two main points of entry to the profession:
The majority of graduates who undertake an MSc in Audiology intend to practise as audiological scientists. The one-year, full-time MSc route is only the first step towards achieving registered audiological scientist or clinical scientist (audiology) status.
The main entry route for MSc graduates is through an NHS regionally funded training programme, the British Academy of Audiology Higher Training Scheme, where they will undertake on-the-job training on a 30-month fixed-term contract (although some are funded for four years through to state registration).
In England and Wales, recruitment is via the NHS Clinical Scientists Recruitment Scheme . Before applying, speak to other audiological scientists and arrange to visit a department to get a feel for the job.
Relevant degree subjects include physical/mathematical/applied science, life and medical science, and engineering. In particular, the following degree subjects may increase your chances:
A good honours degree is usually necessary for entry to postgraduate courses, with at least a 2:1 for MSc programmes. Entry to the MSc is sometimes possible with an HND, if a candidate has relevant professional experience. There is some competition for postgraduate course places, and more for NHS trainee posts.
A BSc (Hons) in Audiology is a four-year degree, introduced in 2002. The third year is spent on full-time placement in an audiology clinic, the salary funded by the National Health Service (see NHS Careers ). Registration as an audiological scientist or clinical scientist (audiology) would require further qualifications.
Pre-entry experience is not needed, but experience working with children and the elderly is useful. Completing the British Sign Language (Stage 1) course gives an insight into deaf culture and deaf issues.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
After completing an MSc, trainee audiological scientists must successfully complete a period of hospital-based, in-service training. This includes written and practical examinations and leads to registration as an audiological or clinical scientist through the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) Higher Training Scheme. There is no timescale for completion. However, the required skills and knowledge must be up to date.
It is possible to study for an MSc without being an NHS trainee. Ask course providers for more information about funding. The clinical training period can also be self-funded, and some healthcare trusts have funded positions outside the national trainee scheme. Alternatively, MSc holders could work part time as an audiologist to fund this period.
After completing clinical training and gaining up to two years' experience, trainee audiological scientists produce a portfolio demonstrating clinical science competences and attend an hour-long interview. They are then awarded the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) Certificate of Attainment, which can be used to gain registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) . They can then apply for permanent posts. Further training takes place on the job.
There are currently proposals for major changes affecting healthcare science careers in the NHS as a result of the new proposals outlined in 'Modernising Scientific Careers'. For more information, see the Modernising Scientific Careers website or the British Academy of Audiology .
Entrants begin as trainee audiological scientists or clinical scientists (audiology). After clinical training through the British Academy of Audiology Higher Training Scheme, they complete a portfolio leading to the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) Certificate of Attainment, required for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) .
If they were employed on a 30-month NHS training contract, they must secure a permanent position before they are eligible to start work on this portfolio. Trainee audiological scientists are eligible to apply for state registration with the HPC provided they have all the necessary qualifications and a minimum of four years' experience as a trainee. After registration they can use the title audiological or clinical scientist.
There are two consultant grades for audiological scientists: the consultant grade on bands 8c and 8d, and the consultant director grade on band 9. Grade 9 is the highest level for all clinical scientists and is equivalent to medical consultant status. Audiological scientists on a consultant grade would usually manage a large department or a major departmental section. A doctorate is becoming increasingly important to access these bands.
Audiological scientists are expected to take responsibility for their own continuing professional development (CPD) and to conduct ongoing research. The British Academy of Audiology offers a programme of CPD.
The most rapid career progression requires geographical mobility. Candidates are judged on their track record as well as on the basis of evidence, such as:
The National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS Careers ) employs the majority of audiological scientists in hospitals and community health settings. Many now work with, or are linked to, higher education institutions. Some are employed by private hospitals. Research and teaching posts are available in universities and the Medical Research Council (MRC) .
There are limited openings for audiological scientists in industry, for example working with companies who develop and manufacture hearing technology.
Some locum work is available through agencies such as Mediplacements , typically for roles at audiologist level.
The need for expansion in the training of audiology professionals is urgent due to the Department of Health (DH) recent initiative based on a national modernisation programme to modernise hearing aids and introduce newborn hearing screening. The increased demand for professionals in audiology will be largely met through the BSc entry route.
It is sometimes worth approaching audiology departments on a speculative basis.
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies for audiological scientist positions, although some offer locum work for audiologists e.g. Mediplacements and Labmed Recruitment .
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