Audiology degree gains double accreditation
The BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) degree programme has recently received recognition from two accrediting bodies that will allow dual registration for Audiology students when they graduate.
The degree has been accredited by the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP), which will allow students to become a registered Audiologist on completion of their Audiology degree. The RCCP covers a broad range of competencies and will allow graduates to work as a registered Audiologist within the NHS.
In addition, students starting the programme from 2013 and beyond will now be eligible to register as a Hearing Aid Dispenser with the Health and Care Professions Council. It is a legal requirement in the UK for people wishing to sell and dispense hearing aids privately to be registered as a Hearing Aid Dispenser. This additional accreditation will provide students with a route to setting up their own Audiology business.
The Health and Care Professional Council accreditation has some crossovers with the RCCP and also includes the legalities related to protecting potential customers from miss-selling.
Dr Gary Farrell lead the bids for accreditation and comments: "We are delighted that our new audiology BSc programme has been recognised by both registration bodies as this will enhance graduates' prospects for employment and career development considerably. I would like to thank and congratulate the entire Hearing & Balance Centre team for helping to make this happen."
The BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) programme is also accredited by Medical Education England as part of the government initiative Modernising Scientific Careers.