Apprentice

Overview

The Hearing Care Provider Apprenticeship Program is designed for individuals interested in becoming a hearing healthcare professional. The Apprentice will complete the HearingLife Apprenticeship Program to gain the skills necessary to become a Hearing Care Provider and obtain the required state licenses. The program includes virtual and in-person classroom learning, hands-on lab learning, and side-by-side learning with a licensed Hearing Care Provider.

Training Program Outline

• Training Permit: Required to obtain a training license for the state of study.

• HHA Clinical Introduction: Begins with Clinical Introduction Week, which builds a foundation of clinical skills. Includes instruction, live demonstrations, self-guided labs, and Preceptor-guided labs.

• In-Clinic Practice with Direct Supervision: Apprentice works hands-on in the clinic with guidance and mentorship from the Preceptor. Skills are verified through a hands-on Clinical Skills Check.

• Distance Learning Program/Virtual Courses: 12-week coursework covering concepts and principals to build a foundation for becoming a Hearing Care Provider. Weekly topics with associated exams validate learnings.

• Clinical Certification: Conducted to ensure mastery of all clinical concepts. Upon passing, the Apprentice is eligible to see Patients independently.

• Licensing and Exams: After completing the HearingLife Clinical Certification, the Apprentice may take state and/or national licensing exams. Each exam may be attempted two times.

• Practical Exam: Hands-on evaluation of clinical skills.

• Written Exam: Depending on the state, the ILE (International Licensing Exam) or state-specific exams are taken.

• Atrt (All The Right Things): Series of classes to support learning of business principles that enhance operational excellence within clinics. Completion is expected within 60 days of licensure.

Responsibilities

• Exhibits friendly and courteous behavior in all customer interactions.

• Builds rapport and develops relationships with Patients.

• Maintains schedule and regular touch points with Patients.

• Maintains active management schedule to prioritize actions and people interactions with timelines.

• Conducts Tympanometry examinations (where within the scope of practice).

• Conducts pure tone air and bone conduction tests with and without masking.

• Conducts speech recognition threshold and word recognition tests with and without masking.

• Makes personalized recommendations for amplification based on patient needs.

• Conducts patient custom ear mold impressions.

• Handles fitting and dispensing hearing instruments.

• Provides follow-up care for amplification including adjustments, troubleshooting, and repairs.

• Provides counseling regarding hearing loss through a positive patient experience.

• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated

• Business Acumen

• Technical Capacity

• Collaboration Skills

• Communication Skills

• Education and Experience:

  • At least 0-2 years of general full-time work experience, preferably in a Patient care or other related hearing or other health-care-focused setting involving direct contact with Patients.
  • Understanding of HIPAA privacy obligations relating to Patient information and records.
  • Minimum of a high school diploma, and a valid driver's license (some states require an Associate’s Degree as a minimum).
  • Functional use of Microsoft Office Suite of products, and some familiarity with customer/Patient relationship management tracking systems.