I thought hard about this, because when you're self-employed you can call yourself whatever you like. RHAD is a protected title, but there are those who bestow 'Consultant Audiologist' (dubious) and 'CEO' on themselves, which doesn't work for me.
However, it's now been 10 years since I saw my first patient, and I decided to promote myself to Senior Audiologist. Well done me(!) No pay rise, but I did get a box of chocolates.
Joking aside, I have got to a stage where others are seeking me out for advice, and where I would be confident in getting the Senior band if I were still in the NHS. Although I don't have a Junior I do miss having colleagues who are still in training. My door is open to those who want to understand what the role entails before deciding to apply for their own degree.
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