Australia’s largest optical dispensing trainer has expanded into the hearing care industry, launching a new division called the Australasian College of Audiometry (AuCA).
AuCA has been established by the founders of the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD). It is described as Australasia’s newest training provider delivering quality training and continual professional development to meet the growing demands of the audiometry industry.
Audiometrists are hearing care professionals who primarily specialise in the non-medical assessment and management of communication difficulties caused by hearing loss. They differ from audiologists who must have completed at least the equivalent of an Australian university Masters-level degree in clinical audiology, and work under a broader scope for ear-related issues.
With more 50 years of combined industry and vocational education experience, ACOD directors and senior trainers Mr James Gibbins and Mr Chedy Kalach said they were passionate about leading the new arm of ACOD to focus on providing student-centred training in audiometry.
“Together, they have a wide association of colleagues in industry and have been responsible for the training of thousands of students,” an AuCA statement said.
“James and Chedy are passionate about their work, absolutely love the celebration of student success and graduations, and look forward to providing customised, flexible, and responsive training services in audiometry.”
AuCA has a team of audiologists throughout Australia and a newly hired general manager, Ms Heather Joseph. She comes with years of project and team management experience and will lead the team as AuCA begins teaching the course.
From December 2023, AuCA will be offering the following courses in the Vocational Education and Training sector as a Registered Training Organisation:
- HLT47415 – Certificate IV in Audiometry
- HLT57415 – Diploma of Audiometry
“All courses are customised to suit the needs of today’s dynamic learning environment while aligning to units of competency which support career progressing skills and opportunities,” AuCA said.
“We look forward to developing a long and sustained partnership with the audiometry industry.”
More reading
George & Matilda’s optometry-audiology integration blueprint
Why optometry and audiology are compatible
Optical Dispensers Australia 2023 national conference coverage
