The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) is an entry-level degree that prepares individuals for professional practice in the area of audiology. The program of study is designed to meet the minimum academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association . The program is also designed to meet the requirements for state licensure, to expose students to basic and applied research, to provide practical and research experience, and to develop skills in the use of evidence-based practice. The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program has interim accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
The program consists of three years of course work and integrated clinical experiences followed by an academic year of focused external practica. Course work includes the study of assessment procedures, amplification systems, aural (re)habilitation, electrophysiological measures, central auditory processing, pediatrics, gerontology, noise, counseling, deafness, and sign language. Classes are small and individual student-faculty contact is maximized. Students participate in a directed research experience and an array of basic and applied research Activities.
Practicum experiences begin within the Department's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Specific experiences include comprehensive auditory assessment including electrophysiological measures and central auditory processing evaluations; hearing aid evaluation, dispensing, and orientation including assistive listening devices; and comprehensive aural rehabilitation including auditory training, speechreading, and speech and language development. Many of these experiences are available with individuals who have severe-to-profound hearing losses. The Clinic also operates an infant hearing screening program at a local hospital.
Students are assigned to special external practicum sites following in-house practicum experiences. All students engage in six off-campus practica during their course of study with placements available throughout the country. These include private audiology practices, hospitals, physicians offices, rehabilitation facilities, and schools. In addition, students are given the opportunity to participate in special Activities such as field clinics, industrial noise studies, and school screening programs.
Areas of focus include:
Upon completing the Au.D. degree, students specializing in Audiology are eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Dr. Joe Smaldino
School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb , IL 60115
(815) 753-1484