Students to begin program in fall
By Mercedes Deutscher, News Editor
The demand for more health workers only increases as the large baby-boomer population continues to age. Post-secondary institutions across the country continue to educate an increasing number of nurses, doctors, and other specialized healthcare workers.
Now, the opportunities for students interested in audiology are increasing, particularly at Douglas College. Douglas students can now start applying for a spot in the Hearing Instrument Practitioner Diploma program, set to open its classes in the Fall 2017 semester. All classes will be held at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam, which houses many of Douglas’ specialized programs.
“Hearing loss is becoming more of an issue, and with the baby-boomer population aging, there will be an increased need for hearing healthcare professionals in the near future,” said Wayne Mullen, an instructor with the Faculty of Science and Technology, in a press release.
All students interested in the program are not only encouraged to attend the April 18 information session on the program, but required to in order to be admitted into the program. They must also pass a criminal record check and participate in an interview.
“Students are given the flexibility to do a portion of their studies online, with a significant hands-on applied component, ensuring they will have the practical skills needed to be successful in the field,” said Brian Chapell, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, in a press release.
Aside from a single communications course, the program introduces over a dozen new courses. In addition to the 15 required courses, the program also requires its students to complete 3 practicums. After the program is complete, students should be in an ideal place to take the required provincial licensing exams needed to become a qualified hearing instrument practitioner.
The program is the first of its kind in BC. Currently, there are no other hearing instrument practitioner programs available in a BC public post-secondary institution. For the time being, this will ideally mean that audiology students will flock to Douglas.
