How To Become An Audiologist Technician
Last Updated on December 14, 2022 by Omoyeni Adeniyi
People communicate through conversation, which is the foundation of all types of relationships, both personal and professional. For those with speech-related barriers to communication, there can be challenges to building these connections. Communication-based impairments are common in the United States; in fact, an estimated 40 million Americans struggle with speech, language, and/or hearing disorders, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Are you interested in being an Audiologist Technician and you need more information regarding How To Become An Audiologist Technician, audiologist assistant jobs, audiologist training Canada, audiology technician job description, audiologist assistant salary in texas, audiologist technician training canada
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audiology technician job description
An audiology technician, also known as an audiology assistant, works under the supervision of an audiologist to help individuals with balance and hearing disorders. While not all states require licensure for audiology technicians, in states that do, licensure requirements determine the level of education needed. While a certificate program may be sufficient in some states, others require a bachelor’s degree. All training programs provide specialized knowledge of speech and hearing pathologies, as well as clinical experience.
What Does an Audiology Technician Do?
An audiology technician provides administrative support to audiologists and other hearing loss specialists. In this role, your responsibilities include performing simple hearing tests, helping patients get fitted for a hearing aid or other equipment for hearing loss, sound sensitivity, or a balance disorder, and making adjustments to the aids. These tests help audiologists determine how severe hearing loss or other hearing issues are so they can pursue the best course of treatment. You also perform administrative duties like answering phones, filling out billing forms, and scheduling appointments. Depending on the size of the clinic, you may serve as a receptionist as well.
how long does it take to become an audiologist assistant
Becoming an audiology technician requires few qualifications. You should have a high school diploma or GED certificate. While some audiology technicians get advanced training at a vocational school or community college, your employer should provide on-the-job training from a senior technician or audiologist. Additional qualifications you may need as an audiology assistant include organizational, communication, and customer service skills and computer literacy. Experience in patient care can be beneficial as well.
Education Requirements
Many states require licensing before one can begin work as an audiology technician, so licensure requirements often dictate the educational path that an aspiring audiology assistant must take. In Texas, for instance, applicants for licensure must hold a bachelor’s degree in audiology. Iowa, on the other hand, requires applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent and some specialized audiology training, although not necessarily a full degree.
Specialized training for audiology technicians is available through the U.S. military and a number of schools. College and university programs generally award a certificate, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in audiology, communication disorders, speech-language pathology or another relevant field. Formal programs for prospective audiology technicians typically include classes in speech and hearing physiology, speech and language disorders, and audiometry, as well as opportunities for direct clinical training and experience. In many cases, additional on-the-job training is administered by practicing audiologists.
What You Need to Know
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.
| Degrees | Associate of Arts or Science in Speech Language Pathology Assistant, Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences |
| Certificates | Certificate of Achievement in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant |
| Courses | American sign language, voice and diction, communication disorders, intercultural communication, language disorders in children, basic audiology |
| Schools | 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities |
Career and Salary Information
An audiology technician assists an audiologist in the care and diagnosis of hearing and balance disorders that arise from physiological conditions of the ears. Audiologist technicians perform basic tasks, such as maintenance and repair of hearing aids and patient preparation, in addition to providing testing assistance. In some cases, technicians perform administrative functions as well. According to PayScale, the annual median pay of audiology technicians was $40,442 as of August 2019.
Audiology technicians assist audiologists with patients with balance and hearing disorders. State requirements vary, and audiology technicians may need a certificate or bachelor’s degree to meet state guidelines.
Trainings to Become an Audiology Technician
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.
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 (www.audiology.org). 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 (www.asha.org).
Popular Schools for Audiology Technician Degree
1. Vanderbilt University
School locations:
Tennessee (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at Vanderbilt University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Medical Administrative Services
Medical Residency Programs
Nursing Professions
2. University of Florida
School locations:
Florida (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Dental
Health and Fitness
Medical Administrative Services
Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
Medical Residency Programs
Mental Health Services
Nursing Professions
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
Public Health and Safety
Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
3. Boston University
School locations:
Massachusetts (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at Boston University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Dental
Medical Administrative Services
Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
Medical Residency Programs
Mental Health Services
Nutrition Services
Public Health and Safety
4. University of Louisville
School locations:
Kentucky (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at University of Louisville include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Non-Degree: Certificate
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Dental
Health and Fitness
Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
Medical Residency Programs
Mental Health Services
Nursing Professions
Public Health and Safety
5. Northwestern University
School locations:
Illinois (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at Northwestern University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Non-Degree: Coursework
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Speech-Language Pathology
Dental
Health and Fitness
Medical Administrative Services
Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
Medical Informatics and Illustration
Medical Residency Programs
Mental Health Services
Public Health and Safety
6. The University of Tennessee
School locations:
Tennessee (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at The University of Tennessee include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Speech-Language Pathology
Dental
Health and Fitness
Medical Administrative Services
Medical Residency Programs
Nursing Professions
Nutrition Services
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
Public Health and Safety
Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
7. Western Governors University
School locations:
Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
Areas of study you may find at Western Governors University include:
Graduate: Master
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Medical Administrative Services
8. University of Connecticut
School locations:
Connecticut (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at University of Connecticut include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Dental
Medical Administrative Services
Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
Medical Assisting
Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
Nursing Professions
Nutrition Services
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
Public Health and Safety
9. University of Utah
School locations:
Utah (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at University of Utah include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Speech-Language Pathology
Health and Fitness
Medical Administrative Services
Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
Medical Residency Programs
Mental Health Services
Nursing Professions
Nutrition Services
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
Public Health and Safety
10. James Madison University
School locations:
Virginia (1 campus)
Program Info
Areas of study you may find at James Madison University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Medical and Health Professions
Communication Disorders Sciences
Audiology and Hearing Sciences
Speech-Language Pathology
Health and Fitness
Medical Administrative Services
Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
Mental Health Services
Nursing Professions
Nutrition Services
Audiologist Assistant Programs in in California
Students in audiology assisting certificate programs learn fundamental scientific aspects of audiology and develop patient care skills. Online learning might be an option for these students. Associate’s degree programs in communication disorders focus on the assessment and rehabilitation of hearing and speaking disorders. At the bachelor’s level, students in speech and hearing science programs may learn to diagnose patients who have swallowing or diction disorders. This program includes clinical components that help students develop practical skills in these and other areas.
Applicants to these programs will need an aptitude for mathematics, communication, and the physical sciences. Students interested in enrolling in bachelor’s degree programs might consider taking advanced placement high school coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, and calculus to prepare for program coursework.
These programs cover the practical and theoretical skills used to diagnose, cure, and prevent issues with patients’ hearing. They discuss the methods and technology used to assess patients’ hearing and discover any pathology. Students also learn about amplification technology, such as hearing aids, that are used to treat hearing problems. Some programs that conduct all of their instruction through distance learning allow students to complete practical assignments under audiologist supervision. Classes can include coursework in science, technology, and patient care. Students usually learn about the following:
- Audiometry
- Human ear anatomy and physiology
- Troubleshooting ear amplification devices
- Hearing aid technology
- Tympanometry
Associate’s Degree Programs in Communication Disorders
These programs discuss the skills needed to work as an audiologist assistant. Students learn about speaking and hearing disorders in children and adults, language acquisition, and speech development. Programs cover the scientific and technical aspects of assessment and rehabilitation. They also learn the causes and symptoms of disorders of speaking and hearing. Programs cover language acquisition and speech development in children. The following topics are often taught:
- Developmental psychology
- Abnormal psychology
- Sign language
- Human biology
- Human development
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Speech and Hearing Science
These programs are designed to teach students how people speak, hear, and acquire language. They also discuss how to diagnose and treat patients with swallowing or balance difficulties. They also learn about the technology used to measure speaking and hearing abilities and treat disorders. The subjects below are often discussed:
- Language development
- Diction
- Hearing neurology
- Hearing assessment methods
- Speech disorders
List of Audiology Schools in California
San Diego State University and University of California San Diego
5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92812
San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of California San Diego (UCSD) offer a joint doctoral program (AuD) in Audiology. The AuD Joint Doctoral Program involves faculty from the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in the College of Health and Human Services at SDSU, and from the Division of Surgery (Otolaryngology) in the School of Medicine at UCSD. The joint doctoral program in audiology is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The AuD program is a four-year graduate degree program designed for individuals who intend to specialize in clinical practice and to meet professional standards requiring a clinical doctorate as the entry-level degree for a licensed audiologist.
California State University at Chico
400 West 1st Street, Chico, California
The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at California State University – Chico offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The MA program is an accredited program by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation. Both B.A. and M.A. programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders are offered, as well as Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential in Language, Speech, and Hearing. The degree requirements also coincide with the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and for licensure in speech-language pathology by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of the State of Californias Department of Consumer affairs.
California State University at East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94542
The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at California State University – East Bay offers a B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology and a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. The Bachelor of Science degree major in Speech Pathology and Audiology provides students with a background in theoretical and clinical areas fundamental to the understanding and management of communicative disorders and serves as the pre-professional training necessary for admission to graduate studies. The Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is offered in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. The objective of this program is the professional preparation of each student, academically and clinically, for state licensure, clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the credential as a public school Speech, Language and Hearing Specialist. This program has developed a reputation for rigorous and balanced professional training and is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
California State University at Fullerton – College of Communications
800 North State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92834
California State University at Fullerton offers a B.A. in Communicative Disorders which is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 1969 and a Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders. The Master of Arts Program in Communicative Disorders has been accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and provides an outstanding foundation for building a career as a speech-language pathologist.
California State University at Fresno – College of Health and Human Services
5310 North Campus Drive, Fresno, CA
CSU, Fresno offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Studies with an emphasis in Audiology, a bachelor of arts degree (B.A.) in communicative disorders with an emphasis in speech-language pathology, as well as a master of arts degree (M.A.) in speech-language pathology.
California State University at Long Beach – Department of Communicative Disorders
1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840
The Department of Communicative Disorders at California State University – Long Beach offers undergraduate (B.A.) and graduate degree (M.A.) programs in Communicative Disorders. These programs are fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students graduating from the Master’s program receive all of the academic and clinical practicum requirements for Clinical Certification by ASHA, licensing by the State of California, and are eligible for the Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential issued by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
California State University at Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330
The Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences at California State University at Northridge offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with options in either Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This degree option leads to fulfillment of the academic requirements for certification as a speech-language pathologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as fulfillment of the academic requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist in California and other states, and academic fulfillment of the requirements for a speech-language pathology specialist credential in the State of California for employment in the public schools. The Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences with the option of Speech-Language Pathology, is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
California State University Los Angeles – College of Health and Human Services
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032
The Department of Communication Disorders at California State University at Los Angeles offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders which will prepare you to apply for a graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology, and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology which will give you the competence to be eligible for a state license and national certification to work as a speech-language pathologist.
Loma Linda University – School of Allied Health Professions
Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350
Loma Linda University offers a Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Bachelor of Science Degree Program (BS), a Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Program and a Speech-Language Pathology Transitional Master’s Program. The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology BS program at Loma Linda University is a two-year track that begins with the fall quarter of the junior year. The LLU undergraduate program is specifically designed to prepare students for further study at the graduate level. Most students continue their education in an MS program in speech-language pathology. Other students complete graduate studies in audiology or in some other field of study. The master’s degree is required to enter the profession in most states, including California. Loma Linda University offers the MS in speech-language pathology. The MS is the entry-level for practice in speech-language pathology in virtually all states, including California. The Speech-Language Pathology Transitional Master’s Program is designed for individuals who have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in a field other than speech-language pathology.
how to become an audiology assistant in california
Requirements
The American Academy of Audiology reports that a high school diploma or its equivalent is required for a career as an audiology assistant. In addition, audiologists are responsible for providing competency-based training for their assistants. Requirements for audiology assistants vary widely state-by-state, so aspiring assistants must take into account the degree, licensure and certification laws in their particular state with regard to educational requirements.
Most audiology assistants receive hands-on training from their employers and are expected to show that they can perform the necessary duties to their employers’ satisfaction. However, audiology assistants who need or wish to obtain additional education can receive training at technical schools, colleges and even from the military. There are also accredited online programs including an Audiology Assistant/Hearing Aid Specialist Certificate of Completion.
