Apprentice

This is an apprenticeship program designed for individuals who want to become hearing healthcare professionals. The program provides complete hearing healthcare through patient assessment, education, and hearing loss treatment. The Apprentice will complete the HearingLife Apprenticeship Program to gain the skills necessary to become a licensed Hearing Care Provider.

About the Program

The program combines virtual and in-person classroom learning, hands-on lab training, and side-by-side mentorship with a licensed Hearing Care Provider. The Apprentice will follow an established curriculum and receive coaching from an assigned Preceptor. The program typically takes 6 months to complete but may extend up to a year depending on state requirements.

• Training Permit: The Apprentice must obtain a training license for the state of study at the start of the program.
• HHA Clinical Introduction: A foundational week of instruction, live demonstrations, self-guided labs, and Preceptor-guided labs, culminating in a hands-on Clinical Skills Check.
• In-Clinic Practice with Direct Supervision: After passing the Clinical Introduction Skills Check, the Apprentice works hands-on in the clinic under the guidance of a Preceptor until passing the HearingLife Clinical Certification. A minimum of 18 clinical hours per week is required, with weekly logs and summaries submitted.
• Distance Learning Program/Virtual Courses: A 12-week course covering foundational concepts and principles, with weekly topics and exams. Additional virtual courses may be assigned to prepare for clinical practice and licensing exams.
• Clinical Certification: Upon mastering clinical skills, the Apprentice undergoes a Clinical Certification to demonstrate proficiency. Passing this allows independent patient care as permitted by state laws.
• Licensing and Exams: After Clinical Certification, the Apprentice may take state and/or national licensing exams (each exam may be attempted twice). Transition to a permanent Hearing Care Provider role depends on obtaining the necessary licenses.
  • Practical Exam: Hands-on evaluation of clinical skills (state-dependent).
  • Written Exam: Most states use the ILE (International Licensing Exam), except PA, NY, MI, CA, Alaska, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, which have independent exams.
• Hearing Health Academy – All The Right Things (ATRT): A series of classes on business principles for best-in-class patient care. Providers must enroll within 60 days of licensure and complete all sessions, pre-work, and role-play scenarios, including a final live certification in the Professional Sales Presentation (PSP).

Requirements

• Must be willing to relocate within the state of Illinois once licensed.
• Minimum of an Associate’s degree (required in Illinois).
• 0–2 years of full-time work experience, preferably in patient care or a related healthcare setting.
• Understanding of HIPAA privacy obligations.
• High school diploma or equivalent; valid driver’s license.
• Functional use of Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with patient relationship management systems.

Responsibilities

• Exhibit friendly and courteous behavior in all customer interactions.
• Build rapport and maintain relationships with patients.
• Manage scheduling and regular patient touchpoints.
• Prioritize actions and interactions to meet role expectations consistently.
• Conduct tympanometry and otoscopic examinations (where within scope of practice).
• Perform pure tone air and bone conduction tests with and without masking.
• Conduct speech recognition threshold and word recognition tests with and without masking.
• Make personalized recommendations for amplification based on patient needs.
• Take custom ear mold impressions.
• Fit and dispense hearing instruments.
• Provide follow-up care, including adjustments, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Counsel patients regarding hearing loss through a positive experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

• Self-motivation
• Business acumen
• Technical proficiency
• Collaboration and communication skills

Pay

$20–$23 per hour.