Doctor of Audiology
Encyclopedia
The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) is a first professional degree
for an audiologist. The Au.D. program is designed to produce audiologists who are skilled in providing diagnostic, rehabilitative, and other services associated with hearing, balance, and related audiological
fields. There is an emphasis on the clinical learning experience, though most programs also have a research component. As of 2007, the Au.D. has replaced Masters-level audiology programs as the entry-level degree in the United States. Other countries, such as Canada, still offer the Masters Degree. In the United States, after an Au.D. is obtained, states may require a license before practicing audiology clinically. The audiology training program can typically be completed in 4-years if the student has a background in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology/Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students without a background will generally have to complete a second-bachelor's program although some schools are beginning to introduce a 5-year program for students without a background in the field.
First professional degree
A professional degree prepares the holder for a particular profession by emphasizing competency skills along with theory and analysis. These professions are typically licensed or otherwise regulated by a governmental or government-approved body...
for an audiologist. The Au.D. program is designed to produce audiologists who are skilled in providing diagnostic, rehabilitative, and other services associated with hearing, balance, and related audiological
Audiology
Audiology is the branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders. Its practitioners, who treat those with hearing loss and proactively prevent related damage are audiologists. Employing various testing strategies Audiology (from Latin , "to hear"; and from Greek , -logia) is...
fields. There is an emphasis on the clinical learning experience, though most programs also have a research component. As of 2007, the Au.D. has replaced Masters-level audiology programs as the entry-level degree in the United States. Other countries, such as Canada, still offer the Masters Degree. In the United States, after an Au.D. is obtained, states may require a license before practicing audiology clinically. The audiology training program can typically be completed in 4-years if the student has a background in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology/Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students without a background will generally have to complete a second-bachelor's program although some schools are beginning to introduce a 5-year program for students without a background in the field.