How to Study to Become an Audiologist
Studying to be an audiologist could be a wise decision. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of new jobs for audiologists should increase by about 25 percent between 2008 and 2018. The bureau also notes that the top audiologists in the nation made more than $98,880 as an annual salary. Audiologists are health professionals who assess and diagnose hearing loss in individuals. They also prescribe plans to treat these deficiencies. Audiologists undergo extensive education and training in order to embark upon their careers.
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Instructions
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Obtain a bachelor's degree. In order to become an audiologist you will eventually need to obtain your doctorate degree in the audiology field, but the only way to do that is to first obtain a bachelor's degree. Your undergraduate education can be in just about any field of study. However, if you wish to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to become an audiologist, you can start by pursuing a degree in a related field that emphasizes biological science. Degrees in biology or kinesiology that emphasize human anatomy and physiology can be helpful.
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Complete your doctor of audiology (Au.D.) degree program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a doctorate in audiology is necessary to become an audiologist. Most doctorate programs in this field take about four years to complete. When choosing a program to pursue your studies, ensure that it is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, which is the accrediting body of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Many of the courses you take during your first two years of study will be in the basic sciences, such as anatomy and physiology of hearing, auditory science and hearing and speech. During the final two years of study, you will take more advanced courses and even conduct research.
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Download or request the study guide from your state's licensing department. Each state has its own licensing requirements for audiologists, but you can generally expect to complete a licensing exam as part of the process. The exams may differ as well, but many will include a written and a practical component.
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Study for the written portion of the examination. The state of Wisconsin's Department of Licensing and Regulation breaks down its licensing study guide into various "critical tasks" that audiologists can be expected to perform. Studying for this part of the exam should be simple because of your education, but reviewing key tasks will be helpful on your licensing exam. Review the process of consulting with a client while staying within legal guidelines, the process of ear examination, testing clients to determine their impairment, how to fit ear molds and utilize instruments and sound physics.
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Prepare for the practical component of the exam. The state of Wisconsin requires that you bring a willing volunteer human subject to take this portion of the exam. You will need to brush up on your understanding of how to make an ear mold and fit a hearing instrument. You will also need to study the basics of completing an audiometric examination. This component may vary by state.
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References
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