About us

Our not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to advancing the field of audiology through expertly crafted courses designed for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and further training.

Improving education for other audiology professionals

The NWSA is an independent training group facilitated by a committee of senior healthcare scientists within the province of Audiology. The focus of this committee is to deliver & improve education for other professionals, working within the field of audiology.

Developing and delivering bespoke training for non-degree practitioners

Historically the NWSA was formed in 1990 under the auspices of BAAT (British Association of Audiology Technicians), as a provider of education for Trainee Audiologists delivering the BAAT Part 1 certified programme, when non-degree level entry education funding had ceased. With the advent of the Audiology degree we have continued to augment and develop this course to meet the needs of non-degree practicing health care practitioners within the field. In addition to this, we develop and deliver bespoke training for qualified audiology professionals, including wax removal courses.

0
combined years of experience and expertise
0
years of running courses throughout the North West
0
specialised course areas
0
Total number of delegates (in the last 15 years)

The Northwest School of Audiology are proud members of The CPD Certification Service

Our 7 principles of delivery

  • To determine the training needs of NHS and non-NHS professionals, outside that of mainstream, HEI lead courses.
  • To provide training, service support and consultation within industrial, medical legal and healthcare environments.
  • To investigate audiological based problems as appropriate.
  • To promote safe practice.
  • To support individuals within the profession.
  • To embed new and current practices within the field of Audiology
  • To provide a forum to discussion.

Our 7 principles of delivery

  • To determine the training needs of NHS and non-NHS professionals, outside that of mainstream, HEI lead courses.
  • To provide training, service support and consultation within industrial, medical legal and healthcare environments.
  • To investigate audiological based problems as appropriate.
  • To promote safe practice.
  • To support individuals within the profession.
  • To embed new and current practices within the field of Audiology
  • To provide a forum to discussion.

Find out about the courses we offer

Our courses include dewaxing, irrigation and microsuction, Aural Care and Assistant Audiology

View all of our course materials

All our courses are accompanied by a full set of course material to support your chosen course.
Our course material is password protected and will be supplied to individuals attending the specific course.
This area is password protected for course delegates.

Get in touch with us today

To find out more about The Northwest School of Audiology or any of our specialist courses, please get intouch.

Meet the Team

Chairperson: Ian Whiston

Held positions within NHS including Clinical Scientist and Head of Hearing and Balance Services and Clinical Director of Head and Neck Services. Worked on national government projects within Audiology and ENT.  I have previously undertaken the role of national education and training chair, including monitoring of audiology facilities, and currently chair the NWSA. I am also involved with United Kingdom Accreditation Service as a technical IQIPS assessor.

Secretary: Mrs Kath Lewis

Have worked in the NHS Audiology with a short term in the private sector, for many years, having been Head of service in 2 sites in the Northwest for the past 24 years. I have worked and still involved at national level on projects and have been President of the British Academy of Audiology. My teaching and tutoring roles have been at Manchester University, MMU and on many other courses related to Audiology. My secretarial position with the North West School of Audiology started in 1991. I am a National assessor for the Scientist Training Programme (STP) and have trained clinical scientists for the past 15 years. My enjoyment comes from developing, delivering and direct involvement in training programmes and seeing our trainees developing in themselves.

Treasurer: Mrs Kath Woolley

Worked in NHS in Senior/Management positions around Lancashire and Cheshire for over 30 years. I have been involved with North West School of Audiology since its inception and hold the position of Treasurer. I have supported and delivered ad-hoc training for many years and am passionate about contributing towards raising standards within the profession.

Education Officer: Dr Greg Nassar

Has worked across the North West within the NHS and privately for many years and I have been involved in teaching and supervision of clinical scientists and audiologists throughout my career. I have been Education Officer with the NWSA since 2012 and held a position with the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) as Chair of Audiology Supply Group (ASG) for NHS hearing aid technology from 2014-2022. In my current role as Head of Service at Trafford hospitals began in 2010 and since then we have successfully merged into a much larger Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT).

Testimonials

I feel very well informed on Aural care and much more confident to try wax removal in clinic

Aural Care Delegate

The ATO course exceeded my expectations in every way. The tutors were not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable, making complex concepts easier to understand. The blend of theory and hands on practice helped me build both skill and confidence. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to complete their ATO training to ensure they’re trained to the highest professional standards.

ATO Course Delegate

Lovely team. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

Aural Care Delegate

The course, whilst extensive in the volume of work to be covered and learnt, was incredibly well structured, organised and lectured in a very clear and understandable style.  Throughout the course the lecturers had a very relaxing, engaging and patient approach to explaining the most complex topics and modules.
Studying the ATO course with the North West School of Audiology was excellent and I would highly recommend anyone thinking of attending the same course.  I would like to finish by saying a huge thanks to Greg Nassar, Kath Wooley, Kath Lewis, Martin Anderson and Jonathan Proffit for supporting me and guiding me through the course.

ATO Course Delegate

Fantastic course. Really enjoyed it.

Aural Care Delegate

I enjoyed using the equipment. It was good trying on real patients. I found the microscope and otoscope really easy to use.

Aural Care Delegate