Audiology Technician Training Programs and Schools

<p>Audiology technicians are commonly referred to as audiology assistants. Many schools offer certificate through bachelor's degree programs to prepare you to meet requirements to practice in your state. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees</b> </td><td> Associate of Arts or Science in Speech Language Pathology Assistant, Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certificates</b> </td><td> Certificate of Achievement in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> American sign language, voice and diction, communication disorders, intercultural communication, language disorders in children, basic audiology</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td> 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatDoAudiologyTechniciansDo">What Do Audiology Technicians Do?</h3> <p>Audiology technicians work under a supervising audiologist and perform routine tasks in order to enhance productivity and keep costs of the clinic down. A typical workday for an audiology technician might include duties like equipment upkeep, preparing patients for assessments, hearing aid repair, stocking supplies and assisting audiologists with screening. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedTrainingToBecomeAnAudiologyTechnician">Do I Need Training to Become an Audiology Technician?</h3> <p>There is a large variance in the training requirements for the profession; you should review your state's requirements prior to seeking employment or educational programs. Regardless of your state's standards, you will most likely need to complete either formal educational training via a collegiate program or receive on-the-job competency training with a supervising audiologist. </p> <p>At minimum, audiology technicians typically possess a high school diploma or GED. According to the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), only one third of states regulate the profession, but most require state registration, and several have licensure requirements (<i>www.audiology.org</i>). Through the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), students can voluntarily earn an associate category for support personnel. This affiliation gives associates career development sessions and workshops, resources and networking opportunities (<i>www.asha.org</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---WhatProgramsAreAvailable">What Programs Are Available?</h3> <p>Depending on your state's regulations, you can pursue educational programs at multiple levels. Training and certificate program opportunities in areas like audiology assistance or speech-language pathology may take as little as six months to complete. Associate and bachelor's degree programs are also available in subjects like communication sciences and disorders, audiology and speech-language pathology. </p> <p>Some schools that offer degree and non-degree programs in audiology or speech pathology assistant include: </p> <ul><li>Metropolitan State University of Denver </li><li>University of Northern Colorado </li><li>Mitchell Community College </li><li>Kent State University </li><li>Cerritos College </li><li>Fayetteville Technical Community College </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>In many programs, you will likely take coursework in developmental psychology, anatomy and communications. Other courses contained in a speech pathology assistant program include: </p> <ul><li>Hearing disorders </li><li>Phonetics </li><li>Speech/language disorders </li><li>Assistive technology </li><li>Articulation disorders </li></ul><h3 id="section---AreOnlineEducationalOpportunitiesAvailable">Are Online Educational Opportunities Available?</h3> <p>Online opportunities may exist for lower-level options like training and certificate programs, or at the master's or doctorate level in audiology and speech pathology. However, online programs could require that you already have access to an audiology work site for hands-on experiences. </p> <h3 id="section---HowCanIChooseASchool">How Can I Choose a School?</h3> <p>When considering schools, you should be sure that the college you're considering offers the appropriate programs for both your professional and academic goals. If you're considering continuing your audiology education to the graduate level, you may prefer a school that offers these programs so you can make a smooth transition from your undergraduate studies. </p> <p>If you live in a state that regulates audiology assistance, you should be sure that your school meets the requirements of the state and prepares you for any examinations or licensure procedures you'll have to pass. To gain better experience in the field, you might consider a program that has access to modern audiology equipment or that has an on-campus audiology laboratory for greater exposure to the field.</p>