How to Become an Audiologists' Assistant

An audiologist's assistant performs tasks related to the assessment and treatment of auditory disorders. Such tasks may include assisting the audiologist in testing, keeping records, maintaining equipment, repairing hearing aid devices, training patients in the use of hearing aids and screening infants. Assistants may create impressions for hearing aid shells and ear molds. State laws regulate what tasks an audiologist's assistant may perform.

Instructions

1. Decide if this is the right career for you. An online career inventory or an informational interview with an audiologist or a member of an audiologist's staff might prove helpful.

2. Obtain training. Although a high school diploma will suffice for many audiologist's assistant job openings, you will have more opportunities and enhanced future career prospects with specialized training. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer the training. Some schools, including Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska, offer online training programs. Check Peterson's Online for a listing of schools.

3. Become registered and/or certified. In most states, audiologist's assistants must register, and several states require certification. Requirements for certification vary by state, so check with the board of health for the state in which you plan to work.

References

• Bellevue University: Certificates of Completion
• Peterson's
• AudiologyOnline: University Undergraduate & Graduate Programs