Audiologist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Although humans don’t often think about it, one’s quality of life is extremely dependent on the ability to utilize our senses to the fullest. This means that when something goes wrong and negatively affects our ability to see, hear, smell or taste, we will be quick to visit a specialist doctor that can diagnose and treat the problem. An audiologist is a trained medical professional that examines, tests, evaluates, and treats patients of all ages that are experiencing abnormalities with their ability to hear or maintain their balance. Audiologists are the professionals responsible for diagnosing hearing and speech disorders and recommending technology that can help to alleviate or eliminate the condition. The audiologist must be comfortable working with doctors, therapists and specialists to ensure that the patient received the proper treatment and rehabilitation.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$50,900
Salary Range
$46,300 - $59,600

Work Environment

It is common for an audiologist to work in hospitals, hearing and speech focused clinics, speech therapy organizations and research laboratories in the hearing industry. However, positions also exist at colleges and universities, nursing homes and assisted living communities, government agencies, and private practices.

High School Preparation

Students who are considering pursuing a career as an audiologist should focus on biology, physics, chemistry, geometry, algebra, and English while they are in high school. It is always helpful to pursue an additional course work that is available with relation to psychology, computer skills, health occupations/medical professions education, sociology, social studies, and speech as well.

Requirements

Students who think that they would like to achieve a position as an audiologist in the future will have to first complete high school with satisfactory grades and successfully enroll in a liberal arts program at an accredited college or university. Although there is no required undergraduate degree, it is helpful to pursue a pre-med or medical professions degree. In order to obtain a license as an audiologist, it is necessary to obtain a master’s degree as well. In addition to the master’s degree, students must obtain one year of experience, and pass a national exam in order to become certified.

Career Outlook

For the next couple of years, it is expected that the demand for licensed audiologists will increase faster than the national average for all other occupations. Although humans are living longer than ever due to increasingly sedentary lifestyles, this will soon result in a drastic increase in the elderly population, many of whom suffer from hearing loss or hearing related medical complications. It is important to have an adequate supply of certified audiologists to keep up with the demand for hearing and speech expertise.

Professional Organizations

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (888) 321-ASHA
www.asha.org