How to Become an Audiologist

Audiologists assess hearing and balance disorders in individuals of all ages, and recommend treatments ranging from hearing aids to lip-reading instruction. A graduate degree is necessary to work in this field.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• College Catalogs
• Graduate School Catalogs
• Career Counseling
• Online Career Search

1. Visit the Petersons.com or Princeton Review (review.com) educational Web sites. Look for schools offering a bachelor's degree in a communication sciences/disorders program.

2. Maintain at least a B average in college in order to be accepted into a graduate school.

3. Peruse the website of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (asha.org) for a list of accredited schools offering the mandatory advanced degrees in audiology.

4. Send for catalogs and check if your school of choice requires you to take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) for admission.

5. Become familiar with all sections of the ASHA.org Web site. The information given includes steps to take for smooth entry into audiology programs. It also discusses the requirements for receiving ASHA's Certificates of Clinical Competence (CCCs).

6. Be prepared to complete approximately 375 hours of supervised clinical experience during grad school, along with nine months of postgraduate experience, before you can take the national exam for your certification.

7. Contact your state's licensing board for its exact licensure requirements; most states have requirements similar to those of ASHA.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain your interpersonal skills are highly polished. You will probably be dealing with family members of clients on a regular basis.
• Be prepared for some clients to show slow progress, if any. Try not to get too frustrated, or take matters personally.

Who Can Help:

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on 11/29/2005 As of 2003, audiologists are required to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every three years to maintain ASHA certification. Effective 2007, audiologists will have to complete 75 hours of graduate coursework after completing a bachelor's degree. Beginning in 2012, new audiologists applying for certification will be required to hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Au.D.).
-Source: ASHA (available online at: http://www.asha.org/about/membership-certification/certification/aud_standards_new.htm )