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Audiology?

i'm also thinking about applying for audiology
what is life as an audiologist like?
whats the pay scale realistically like because i'v seen the websites and my bio teacher thought they don't seem accurate enough?
what exactly is the STP?
Reply 1
Avatar for ayeeel
ayeeel
8
If you work in the NHS, you would start as a band 5 on £22,128. More details on working in the NHS as an audiologist here https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/physiological-sciences/audiology and NHS salaries here https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/about/careers-nhs/nhs-pay-and-benefits/agenda-change-pay-rates.

If you work in the private sector the salary will be different and may be related to how many you sell.

The STP programme is postgraduate, so you would need a relevant first degree before being considered. It allows you to study for an MSc whilst working (and being paid). There is a *lot* of competition for places. Lots more info here: http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme. You can also search TSR for STP and audiology and you'll see lots of posts about the process.

If you are seriously thinking about audiology, it would be really helpful to spend a day with an audiologist either in a hospital or a private practice to see what is involved and whether it appeals to you.
Original post by Hafsahh
i'm also thinking about applying for audiology
what is life as an audiologist like?
whats the pay scale realistically like because i'v seen the websites and my bio teacher thought they don't seem accurate enough?
what exactly is the STP?


Im studying audiology at uni and enjoy it, did few weeks at hospital so got to learn quite a few things that you get to see in practice. Pay wise varies, NHS may start at 21k-25k depending on where you get a postion so some people got offers in their 3rd year and got 25k starting in the NHS. But for better pay which you have to compromise on job satisfaction is the private sector. You can earn 40k+ with your benefits like cars allowance paid for etc. And you could do locum alongside this on the weekend where you get paid £25 p/h outside london give or take. Therefore giving you a few additional hours alongside your mon-friday. So ive spoken to people who are earning alot of money such as 60k+

Others where they are earning 20k, some around 30-40. So it just depends what route you go down and since its new and rising its best to pursue early and establish yourself so when it booms youre there at the peak and start of it with plenty of experience and knowledge.

Any other qs feel free to PM me
Reply 3
Avatar for Hafsahh
Hafsahh
OP
7
Original post by CAPTAINSHAZAM
Im studying audiology at uni and enjoy it, did few weeks at hospital so got to learn quite a few things that you get to see in practice. Pay wise varies, NHS may start at 21k-25k depending on where you get a postion so some people got offers in their 3rd year and got 25k starting in the NHS. But for better pay which you have to compromise on job satisfaction is the private sector. You can earn 40k+ with your benefits like cars allowance paid for etc. And you could do locum alongside this on the weekend where you get paid £25 p/h outside london give or take. Therefore giving you a few additional hours alongside your mon-friday. So ive spoken to people who are earning alot of money such as 60k+

Others where they are earning 20k, some around 30-40. So it just depends what route you go down and since its new and rising its best to pursue early and establish yourself so when it booms youre there at the peak and start of it with plenty of experience and knowledge.

Any other qs feel free to PM me


whys the private sector not as good? and how did they get offers in their third year?
Reply 4
Avatar for ayeeel
ayeeel
8
Original post by Hafsahh
whys the private sector not as good? and how did they get offers in their third year?


I'll leave it to CAPTAINSHAZAM for his thoughts on the private sector.

Many students get job offers from their placement centre during 3rd year. Also many NHS depts are recruiting and there are NHS / medical / healthcare job fairs at unis and other venues. There is a real problem recruiting enough audiologists in the NHS, which is great if you are looking for your first job. (Not so good for the hospitals who often need to use locums to top up their workforce.)
Original post by Hafsahh
whys the private sector not as good? and how did they get offers in their third year?


Private sector is good money wise. But it's the same stuff where a patient comes in and it's the same routine. In the NHS it's varied so much you're seeing a much wider range of people with different problems to solve. So I don't mean it's bad in that sense.

For my uni we got told once you impress on your work placement or apply to other vacancy people were offered jobs straight away i.e if you pass well offer you a job. I think our lecturer even said all students were offered jobs.

Which uni do you plan on going to?
Reply 6
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Hafsahh
OP
7
Original post by CAPTAINSHAZAM
Private sector is good money wise. But it's the same stuff where a patient comes in and it's the same routine. In the NHS it's varied so much you're seeing a much wider range of people with different problems to solve. So I don't mean it's bad in that sense.

For my uni we got told once you impress on your work placement or apply to other vacancy people were offered jobs straight away i.e if you pass well offer you a job. I think our lecturer even said all students were offered jobs.

Which uni do you plan on going to?


well i'm applying for dentistry but i highly doubt ill get in so Audiology is my backup at UoM
Reply 7
Avatar for Hafsahh
Hafsahh
OP
7
Original post by CAPTAINSHAZAM
Private sector is good money wise. But it's the same stuff where a patient comes in and it's the same routine. In the NHS it's varied so much you're seeing a much wider range of people with different problems to solve. So I don't mean it's bad in that sense.

For my uni we got told once you impress on your work placement or apply to other vacancy people were offered jobs straight away i.e if you pass well offer you a job. I think our lecturer even said all students were offered jobs.

Which uni do you plan on going to?


how hard is it getting into the private sector?
Reply 8
Avatar for ayeeel
ayeeel
8
Original post by Hafsahh
how hard is it getting into the private sector?


There are plenty of jobs in the private sector, and the companies are quite hot about contacting students and encouraging them to apply to their company. Have a look at the websites of Boots Hearingcare, Specsavers Hearing Centre, Amplifon, Scrivens Hearing Care, Hidden Hearing to name a few. Lots of jobs going and lots of support for newly qualified graduates.

However the NHS appeals more to some of us - the chances are you will see a wider range of patients and conditions there.
Original post by Hafsahh
how hard is it getting into the private sector?


It isn't hard and if you become a specialist in certain field i.e tinnitus balance you could earn potentially £100 p/h so money and job security is there. It's if u want to do it
Reply 10
Avatar for Hafsahh
Hafsahh
OP
7
Original post by CAPTAINSHAZAM
It isn't hard and if you become a specialist in certain field i.e tinnitus balance you could earn potentially £100 p/h so money and job security is there. It's if u want to do it


if you do a masters in audiology are you seen as more qualified to the NHS? is that a norm amongst undergrads
Reply 11
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ayeeel
8
Original post by Hafsahh
if you do a masters in audiology are you seen as more qualified to the NHS? is that a norm amongst undergrads


Having a masters allows you to work in fields like vestibular / balance and paediatrics that you wouldn't be able to go straight in to with a BSc. It also means you can start at s higher salary band. In my year the majority of people are thinking of either progressing straight to the MSci or doing a separate MSc.
Original post by Hafsahh
if you do a masters in audiology are you seen as more qualified to the NHS? is that a norm amongst undergrads


Technically yes. But careerwise it depends on what jobs are available within each NHS trust. Many people I know that have done the masters are on band 5 after graduation which is the same as a bsc. Bsc graduates can specialise in balance and pediatrics as well, though I assume it may be easier to do so with an msc (though not sure).

It also helps to have a bsc in Audiology alongside the msc because i have seen staff with a masters in Audiology with a different bsc degree working only as band 4 audiologists.

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