Apprentice

This is a paid apprenticeship program designed for individuals who want to become hearing healthcare professionals. The program combines virtual and in-person classroom learning, hands-on lab training, and side-by-side mentorship with a licensed Hearing Care Provider. Upon completion, apprentices will be fully licensed and transition into a permanent Hearing Care Provider role.

About the Program

• Training Permit: Apprentices must obtain a state training license at the start of the program.
• Clinical Introduction Week: Foundational training including instruction, live demonstrations, self-guided labs, and Preceptor-guided labs, culminating in a hands-on skills assessment.
• In-Clinic Practice with Direct Supervision: Apprentices work hands-on in clinics under Preceptor guidance until they pass the HearingLife Clinical Certification. Weekly logs (minimum 18 hours) and summaries are required, along with monthly skills development tracking.
• Distance Learning/Virtual Courses: A 12-week course covering core concepts, with weekly topics and exams. Additional virtual courses may be assigned to prepare for licensing exams.
• Clinical Certification: A final assessment to ensure mastery of clinical skills. Passing allows independent patient care (per state laws).
• Licensing and Exams: Apprentices may take state/national exams (two attempts allowed). Transition to a permanent role depends on obtaining licenses.
  • Practical Exam: Hands-on evaluation (state-dependent; not required in all states).
  • Written Exam: Most states use the ILE (International Licensing Exam); exceptions include PA, NY, MI, CA, AK, VT, and DC, which have independent exams.
• Hearing Health Academy: Post-licensure training on business principles and patient care, including:
  • Attending assigned sessions with full engagement.
  • Completing pre-work and applied learning submissions.
  • Active participation in discussions and role-play scenarios, culminating in a live certification (Professional Sales Presentation).

Program duration averages 6 months but may extend up to a year based on state requirements. Apprentices must be willing to relocate within Minnesota or Wisconsin upon licensure.

Responsibilities

• Exhibit friendly, courteous behavior in all customer interactions and build rapport with patients.
• Maintain a schedule with regular patient touchpoints and prioritize tasks to meet role expectations.
• Conduct clinical procedures, including:
  • Tympanometry and otoscopic examinations (where within scope of practice).
  • Pure tone air/bone conduction tests (with/without masking).
  • Speech recognition threshold and word recognition tests (with/without masking).
• Make personalized amplification recommendations based on patient needs.
• Perform custom ear mold impressions and handle fitting/dispensing of hearing instruments.
• Provide follow-up care, including adjustments, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Counsel patients on hearing loss through a positive experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Willingness to relocate within Minnesota or Wisconsin upon licensure.
• 0–2 years of full-time work experience, preferably in patient care or healthcare settings.
• Understanding of HIPAA privacy obligations.
• High school diploma (minimum); some states require an Associate’s Degree.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with patient relationship management systems.

Skills

• Self-motivation
• Business acumen
• Technical aptitude
• Collaboration
• Communication