The Australasian College of Audiometry (AuCA) has expanded to New Zealand marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the college.
AuCA’s general manager Ms Heather Joseph said the NZ launch occurred at the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) 2024 conference from 12-14 August in Ōtautahi, Christchurch
“As an independently owned college offering a Diploma in Audiometry, we are keen to open the door for more individuals to enter the hearing industry and qualify to work as audiometrists, meeting the community’s needs,” she said.
“The road to better hearing outcomes in New Zealand is on the march and it was a delight to be hosted by the NZAS and the people of Christchurch. Students are enrolling and setting their sights on qualifying as an audiometrist.
“With AuCA now offering face-to-face, in-person workshops in Auckland and multiple cities in Australia coupled with flexible, on-line learning and workshops, there is real opportunity for clinical administrative staff and assistants to upskill into a career as an audiometrist.”
Audiologist, Dr Annemaree Daley, one of the college’s senior trainers was on hand to answer audiology questions, accompanied by Joseph and AuCA CEO, Mr Chedy Kalach.
“We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of business owners eager to offer career pathways to upskill their staff,” Joseph said. “The dedication of charity and regional programs looking to expand the knowledge of their community workers seemed a hot topic as we conversed with members of the 420 plus conference delegation.
“Having the ability to train people within a community is imperative if we are going to make a difference for people accessing hearing health care and is a strength of vocational learning.
“Studying while working gives people access to an education they may not ordinarily afford. The question “Can I study and continue full time work?” is often asked. The answer is yes, especially if there is a flexible and student-focused learning program such as AuCA’s.”
NZ audiometrist changes
Ms Helen Sullivan, NZAS executive director, said significant legislative changes were set to take effect in December 2024, impacting audiometrists in New Zealand.
“The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) consulted on changes to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) treatment provider regulations to include MNZAS (Member of the New Zealand Audiological Society) audiometrists,” she said.
“We advocated for Audiometrist Members to be recognised as ACC treatment providers on the basis that an audiometrist practising within the NZAS Audiometrist’s Scope of Practice could offer the necessary clinical care for some individuals who are eligible for ACC funding.”
Ms Katrina Light, NZAS professional advisor, policy and practice, said the key issue for NZAS was enabling access to a funding stream for a group of members working within their scope of practice.
The conference theme was ‘Hear to care: Advancing client and clinician care in Aotearoa’.
Light said: “A ‘thought exchange, a first for NZAS, was based around four topics: Bicultural practice, scope of practice, code of ethics, and competencies. Attendees gathered in different rooms, with facilitators rotating every 30 minutes, allowing everyone to discuss each topic in depth over a two-hour session.
“This session was for gathering members’ thoughts, not decision-making and outcomes will guide future NZAS work in a strategic refresh.”
Conference highlights included the Christchurch community choir and a silent disco.
AuCA launched in Australia in December 2023 as the hearing industry’s newest training organisation to “meet the growing needs of the audiometry industry”.
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