George Brown College (GBC), located in Toronto, Canada has a long history of supporting hearing healthcare initiatives. During the last ten years hearing instrument programs have been on the rise, and today GBC offers a three-year degree in hearing health sciences.
The first set of students is slated to graduate in June. Second-year student
Bob Panagiotopoulos said, “I would highly recommend George Brown’s
program. The staff and faculty make all the difference. It is a very special
place of learning where students develop both personal and professional relationships.
It feels like this is my second home.”
The process of earning a degree from GBC involves the study and development of clinical skills that teach students to test hearing, select appropriate instruments and dispense hearing aids. Learning theory, hearing aid technology and laboratory experiences are also included as part of the overall degree program. Graduates are required by the Ministry of Health to complete a 1,000-hour internship and a 3,000-hour internship is required to open a business.
“I truly love what I am learning and I can’t wait to apply it in a clinical setting. For my internship I plan on working in a private clinical setting to earn the required 1,000 hours,” said Panagiotopoulos.
The courses are taught by a combination of experienced hearing instrument specialists, audiologists, manufacturers and guest speakers.
“There are so many wonderful things about the hearing instrument program that it is hard to choose just one. However, if I had to choose, it would be the professionals from the hearing industry that teach the program. What the faculty brings to the classroom is current and experienced knowledge which will be used by students in their practical application,” said third-year student Edmond Ayvazyan.
An advisory committee meets quarterly to review and discuss issues regarding the hearing instrument program that include program curriculum and governmental policies that may affect future students and graduates.
The GBC program is constantly evolving and tentative plans for the near future include a clinic with public access to hearing testing that will provide case studies for the students.
To learn more about the program call the Faculty of Community Services and Health Sciences at 416.415.4543 or visit www.georgebrown.ca. THP
