Question 1

What are the benefits of the EarTrain program?

Accepted Answer

EarTrain is a fully funded program designed to upskill health workers in ear and hearing health. The program offers a range of benefits:

Flexible Online Learning: Access the program online and work through the content at your own pace.
Practical Skills Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops delivered in local communities across Australia. These sessions are tailored to meet local needs and are suitable for all experience levels—from beginners to those seeking a skills refresher.
Customised Training: Workshops are adapted to suit the specific needs of each community and participant group.
Recognition of Learning:
- Earn digital certificates for completing online modules.
- Receive certificates for practical skills by completing logbooks during in-person sessions.

Question 2

Am I eligible for the EarTrain program?

Accepted Answer

If you are a primary health care professional providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, you are eligible to participate in the EarTrain program.

Question 3

Is there any further information on national ear health programs?

Accepted Answer

Ear Health by the Australian Government - Provides information, initiatives, and resources about ear health in Australia.
Care for Kids Ears - Aims to raise awareness of ear disease and hearing loss in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Offers free resources for parents, carers, teachers, early childhood groups, and health professionals.
PLUM & HATS - Offers simple checklists to help health and early childhood workers ask the right questions about a child’s listening and speaking skills.
Otitis Media Guidelines - The 2020 guidelines support primary health care providers in delivering effective and culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with otitis media (ear infections).

Question 4

Is the EarTrain program available outside of NSW?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the EarTrain program is available Australia-wide.

Question 5

Can teachers and childcare workers enrol in the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, teachers and childcare workers are welcome to register for EarTrain and access the online content. However, please note that the practical skills workshops are not designed for these roles and may not be relevant to their professional needs.

Question 6

How long does it take to complete the online topics?

Accepted Answer

It can take approximately 4 to 31 hours, depending on your job role and the recommended learning. Each topic also features a clock icon indicating the estimated time required to complete it.

Question 7

How long do I have to complete the course?

Accepted Answer

The program runs until 30 June 2026. You may continue studying until the program end date.

Question 8

Can I study the EarTrain program offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. A downloadable mobile app is available for the platform. You can download topics while you're online and access them later when offline. Your progress will automatically sync with the platform the next time you're connected to the internet.

Question 9

Can I attend a workshop without completing the online topics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can attend a workshop without completing the online topics; however, we recommend reviewing the relevant content beforehand to get the most out of the practical experience.

Question 10

How do I know if I meet the eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible to participate in the EarTrain program, you must be a primary health care professional who provides care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Question 11

Are there any costs involved?

Accepted Answer

EarTrain is a fully funded program. While the online training and practical skills workshops are free to attend, participants may need to cover their own travel, accommodation, and other associated costs when attending a practical skills workshop.

Question 12

Do I need to attend a workshop?

Accepted Answer

The practical skills workshops are optional; however, they are strongly recommended for those directly involved in the assessment and treatment of ear health.

Question 13

Will I receive any qualifications from EarTrain?

Accepted Answer

Participants can earn a certificate of completion based on the skills demonstrated during a Practical Skills Workshop.

Question 14

Who can I contact if I have questions about the program or need help registering?

Accepted Answer

If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, you can contact the EarTrain Team at eartrain@tafensw.edu.au.

The EarTrain Program

About EarTrain

Program eligibility

Frequently asked questions