How to Become an Audiologist

Out of the many high-paying career opportunities in the healthcare industry, the job of an audiologist is an important one. An audiologist is an expert in the medical field who is responsible for examining and treating hearing problems.

Along with diagnosing hearing complications, the audiologist job description also includes guiding in the assessment and selection of hearing aids. Aspiring audiologists most importantly need to have the skill of listening to people and understanding their problems.

Also remember that audiologist education requirements may differ from country to country, which is why you need to do a lot of research regarding the same.

The first and foremost requirement for entering the audiology field is to have good listening and interpersonal skills. A person thinking about audiology as a career should be prepared for long-term medical training, in both theoretical and practical aspects.

It is better that you start well in advance in high school with obtaining acceptable GPA and SAT score, and good performance in other similar examinations. The UK generally has a requirement for different degrees to get into the field, whereas in Australia, a master of clinical audiology degree of two years duration is a standard requirement.

While in high school, concentrate more on specific subjects such as chemistry, biology, and physics; since an excellence in these fields would help you gain admission to a good graduate school.

The next step would be to try and gain admission into a graduate school for audiology studies. You can opt for degrees like communication sciences, or other fields of sciences. Just ensure that you choose subject specifications which will help you further to do good in the master's degree.

Now you need to move on to the master's degree in audiology which is usually of two-year duration. A master's degree is a standard requirement to become an audiologist, however, as of 2012, a doctorate in audiology will be required.

Currently, there are over 70 audiology doctorates available in the States. This highly rewarding doctorate is referred to as Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.). Before you move on to the licensing, you will be asked to gain about 300 to 375 hours of full-time training experience in a professional audiology work setting.

Besides, you will also be required to gain a minimum of nine months of clinical experience. The next step in the process will be to sit for a national board exam known as Praxis exam, which is administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS).

For practicing in this medical job as a professional audiologist, you will need to obtain appropriate licensure from your respective state. Remember that the licensing requirements may vary from state to state, so it is suggested to get in touch with your respective state medical authorities.

In few states, professional certifications from reputed institutions may cover up a part of the licensing requirements. The certifications need to be renewed from time to time, usually for a three-year duration.

For those thinking of audiologist assistant requirements, a high school diploma is generally what you would need for most positions. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and American Academy of Audiology are just a few sources which can be used for obtaining information regarding all aspects of entering the field.

If you are thinking how long does it take to become an audiologist, you require a doctorate and relevant work experience which may take about eight years. Being from the health care industry, the audiologist salary range is decent, from around $60,000 to $120,000 approximately.