Pediatric audiologists are experts who assist children with hearing loss and other ear-related health issues. The extent of hearing problems is diagnosed using specialized medical devices such as audiometers and computers by people in this profession. Individuals must complete several years of college education beyond a bachelor’s degree, as well as specialized health training, in order to become a pediatric audiologist.
College is the starting point for a career as a pediatric audiologist. Students must complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college. Although no specific undergraduate degree is required, audiologist candidates typically major in communication, biology, or other fields related to audiology. It is critical to maintain good grades during the first four years of college.
Students must apply for an audiology graduate program after completing a bachelor’s degree. This program entails four years of university study and leads to the professional degree of Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.). Future audiologists must take courses like abnormal communications development and advanced anatomy during their four years of doctoral study.
During the final year of the graduate program, students must complete clinical internships. Candidates work with real patients and are supervised by experienced audiologists during this internship. Audiology students must combine clinical knowledge with strong communication skills to be successful. For audiologists who work with young children, the ability to communicate effectively is especially important.
An Au.D. alone does not qualify someone to work as a pediatric audiologist. Audiologists must be licensed by the state even after eight years of college. Each state has its own set of requirements for licensing. To keep their licenses, pediatric audiologists must demonstrate their knowledge of the field and enroll in continuing education programs. To legally dispense hearing aid devices, some states require audiologists to go through a separate licensing process.
After completing the rigorous process to become a pediatric audiologist, certified individuals have a variety of career options. Hospitals and clinics employ some audiologists. Others work in smaller private practices or open their own. Pediatric audiologists with several years of experience in the field are qualified to supervise other specialists.
The job prospects for qualified pediatric audiologists are expected to be bright. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, audiology employment will have grown by 25% between 2008 and 2018. Hearing problems in infants and children are being diagnosed at a much higher rate than in the past. As the demand for pediatric audiologists grows, so will the opportunities for advancement for pediatric audiologists.