Audiologists diagnose and manage patients who have problems with hearing or balance, including fitting and evaluating hearing aids. Audiologists work closely with physicians, referring clients to appropriate practitioners for medical or surgical care when needed. They are found working in hospitals and clinics, private hospitals, schools, and nursing homes, and work with patients of all ages (newborns to the elderly).
There are also opportunities working in hearing aid manufacturing industries. The field of audiology will require a clinical doctorate (Doctor of Audiology, AuD), which requires four years of full time study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Visit the American Academy of Audiology for more information. Use the following link for a list of schools that offer the AuD degree: www.audiology.org/education-research/education/doctoral-programs-audiology
Typical Prerequisites for audiology programs include these courses (must be completed with a “C” grade or higher):
- 1 year of English
- 1 year of college math or calculus (preferred)
- 1 course in statistics
- 1 year each of biology, chemistry, and physics
- 2 courses in social science
- Courses in speech, communication, and American Sign Language are recommended
- Satisfactory completion of a graduate entrance exam: MCAT, GRE, OAT, or DAT
- A letter of recommendation from a practicing audiologist
- Requirements vary from program to program – check the requirements for each individual school