Audiology Doctoral Degree Program Guide

Audiologists are some of the best gift-givers in the world. They give the most priceless things, like the sound of a dog snoring. A baby’s first giggle. Rain on a tin roof.

It’s a career, yes — but also a calling, says audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman. She heard the call for the first time on a New York City subway.

“I sat next to a mother on her way to a cochlear implant evaluation for her one-year-old daughter. She told me all about her fears for her child who was growing up with hearing loss, and how worried she was that the implants wouldn’t help,” said Dr. Reisman. “It was then that I understood the importance of what this technology can do.”

Today, she spends her time treating similar little girls — and countless other patients — who have hearing and balance disorders. “I get to change lives every day,” she said.

If that sounds like the kind of career you want, you should think about earning a doctorate in audiology.

Obtaining your doctor of audiology, or Au.D., is slightly different from obtaining a Ph.D. in audiology. It’s important to consider your career goals when deciding which educational pathway is right for you.

An Au.D. prepares students to become audiology clinicians who work directly with patients in need of support, or for administrative roles managing clinical care. A Ph.D. is best for students interested in pursuing research or teaching. According to researchers at Syracuse University, professors of audiology are needed: Programs in the communication sciences disorder field face a critical shortage of Ph.D. faculty.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of audiologists to grow 11% through 2032, a rate much faster than other occupations. About 900 openings for audiologists are projected each year. The field is growing, especially as the Baby Boomer generation ages and needs more advanced audiological services. The prioritization of early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders in infants and children may be contributing to an increased need for experts.

Most audiologists tend to be content with their job and career choice, according to a 2018 survey done by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The survey showed that 92% of respondents indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their career; 86% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their current job.

Dissatisfaction with a boss or company leadership and a lack of work-life balance were some of the reasons why certain respondents were considering alternate jobs or careers. Some discussed a desire for better pay and benefits, or wanting more opportunities for advancement.

Audiologists are most likely to become hearing science practitioners, administrators, or researchers. They commonly work in university or medical settings, either in research laboratories or with patients, and other medical professionals providing clinical care. Audiologists commonly partner with occupational and speech therapists. They are needed in schools and at developmental learning and treatment centers to help people with intellectual disabilities.

Entering the field of audiology is a major commitment that often requires at least eight years of post-secondary schooling. This is worth it for most practitioners who want to help bring sound, hearing, and communication to people and families who are struggling. Read on to learn how you can become a licensed clinician.

To become an audiologist, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. While no specific major is required, many aspiring audiologists will major in communication disorders, speech and hearing science, or sound engineering. Biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, and device engineering are also relevant undergraduate majors. Make sure to take any prerequisite courses you will need for your graduate program.

Choose the Au.D./Ph.D. program that is best for you. Master’s degree programs in audiology are being phased out due to increased academic and clinical training demands. The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) maintains a state-by-state list of audiology programs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Going to an accredited school will make it easier to obtain licensure later on in your career. ASHA is the main accrediting agency that determines professional standards in audiology.

Graduates of Au.D. programs are qualified to offer clinical services in hearing healthcare sciences, specifically in auditory and vestibular assessment and treatment. Audiologists also engage with research in the field, staying current with best practices in diagnostics and treatment plans. Students who enjoy this scholarship can obtain a Ph.D. and pursue full-time research or professorships.

Some students will pursue both an Au.D. and Ph.D. to increase their qualifications and attract potential employers. The Student Academy of Audiology offers a helpful online guide for students wanting both degrees. You can earn them simultaneously at some schools. Other students will earn their Au.D. first and enroll in a Ph.D. program later to continue their research and deepen their knowledge of the field.

Most audiology degree students spend the first two years acquiring foundational knowledge. Audiology studies at the doctoral level often include the physics of sound, the anatomy and physiology of hearing, speech science, and training on the diagnosis and treatment of auditory disorders and diseases, as well as rehabilitation options and the use of life-changing medical devices.

The second half of your Au.D. studies is typically focused on clinical experience. Students will rotate though placements at hospitals, clinics, and community service agencies to see how audiologists work in the community. This field experience is often necessary for licensure. In California, for example, Au.D. students must complete 300 practicum hours in three different clinical settings, and a final year clinical project, internship, or externship.

Licensure is required in most states to legally practice as an audiology clinician. The AAA maintains a state-by-state list of expectations. The National Council of State Board of Examiners is also a useful resource.

Many states require the Au.D., as well as a commitment to continuing education and a passing board exam score to keep your license up-to-date. The Praxis Examination in Audiology is a common benchmark for certification. States set their own licensing requirements and score standards.

As you seek full-time work as an audiologist, you will want to rely on your networks from your Ph.D. or Au.D. program, as well as the people you meet during your clinical rotations and internships.

Professional organizations like the AAA will often have job boards. State-level licensing and regulatory agencies are also an important resource.

The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is a professional organization dedicated to practitioner excellence, ethical standards, and sound business practices in audiological care. The ADA developed the framework for the Doctor of Audiology, the Au.D. degree now widely recognized as a marker of academic readiness to provide quality clinical care.

The Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology (ARA) is a membership organization focused on clinicians who provide rehabilitative services. It allows audiologic professionals to connect with one another, network, and share resources. The ARA also supports and welcomes audiologic students and funds a research scholarship, the Herbert J. Oyer Award.

The AAA is a professional membership and advocacy organization for practicing audiologists. Members are committed to providing quality hearing and balance health services, and improving patient care through professional development, education, research, and public awareness.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is a group of medical specialists focused on the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They diagnose and treat chronic ear disease, hearing and balance disorders, hearing loss, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnea, allergies, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and tumors, as well as perform aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. The AAO-HNS not only hosts events and shares research with its members but serves as an advocacy organization for doctors in the field.

The American Balance Society (ABS) is a group of clinicians, technicians, researchers, students, and other professionals interested in vestibular and balance sciences. This includes the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patient care for vertigo, dizziness, and impaired balance. The ABA offers its members opportunities to connect and network with one another, and provides information about training, research, and fellowship opportunities.

The Educational Audiology Association (EAA) is an international group of audiologists and related professionals who deliver hearing services to children, particularly those receiving care in schools. It offers members the opportunity to connect and support each other by sharing resources and planning training and events.