Pediatric audiologists diagnose and treat hearing loss and ear-related health issues in children using specialized medical devices. To become a pediatric audiologist, individuals must complete a bachelor’s degree, a Doctor of Audiology degree, clinical internships, and obtain state licensing. The career outlook for pediatric audiologists is positive, with a projected 25% increase in employment between 2008 and 2018.
Pediatric audiologists are specialists who help children deal with hearing loss and other ear-related health issues. People in this career use specialized medical devices, such as audiometers and computers, to diagnose the extent of hearing problems. To become a pediatric audiologist, individuals must complete several years of higher education in addition to a bachelor’s degree and receive specialized healthcare training.
A job as a pediatric audiologist starts in college. Students must attend a four-year college and earn a bachelor’s degree. No specific undergraduate degree is required, but audiologist candidates typically study communication, biology, and other areas related to a career in audiology. Maintaining adequate grades during the first four years of college is important.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, students must enroll in a graduate program in audiology. This program involves another four years of study at a university and results in a professional Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. During the four years of study in this doctoral specialty, future audiologists must take courses such as abnormal development of communications and advanced anatomy.
Students must participate in clinical internships during the final year of the graduate program. During this internship, candidates work with real patients and are supervised by veteran audiologists. To succeed, audiology students must combine clinical knowledge with strong communication skills. The ability to communicate effectively is especially important for audiologists who specialize in working with young children.
An Au.D. the degree alone does not allow an individual to become a pediatric audiologist. Even after eight years of college, audiologists must be licensed by the state. Each state has its own licensing requirements. Typically, pediatric audiologists must demonstrate their knowledge of the profession and enroll in continuing education programs to remain licensed. Some states require a separate licensing process for audiologists to legally dispose of hearing aids.
Certified individuals have multiple career options after completing the rigorous process to become a pediatric audiologist. Some audiologists work in hospitals or clinics. Others work in smaller private offices or start their own practices. Pediatric audiologists with several years of professional experience are eligible for positions supervising other specialists.
The career outlook for qualified pediatric audiologists is projected to be positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2008 and 2018, employment in audiology will increase by 25%. Diagnosis of hearing problems in infants and children is much higher than in the past. As the demand for this specialty increases, so do the opportunities for advancement for pediatric audiologists.
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