Audiologists treat patients with hearing, balance, and related ear problems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[1] , a doctoral degree in audiology is required for licensure in 18 states as well as for certification by the industry's leading credentialing organizations. While a master's degree is still accepted to practice audiology in some states, it is increasingly common to need a doctorate to seek certification and licensure to practice audiology.
Typical costs:
A doctoral degree in audiology typically costs $76,000-$150,000. For example, San Diego State University offers a doctorate in audiology for $77,740. Another public school, the University of Washington[2] in Seattle charges an estimated $149,377 over four years for an audiology doctorate. A doctoral program in audiology typically takes four years to complete and culminates in an Au.D. degree.
A master's degree in audiology costs $15,000-$50,000 and takes about four semesters to complete. At the University of Colorado[3] , a master's degree in speech-language pathology and audiology costs about $16,000 for 30 credit hours. A master's degree in speech pathology and audiology from the University of Iowa[4] costs $17,960 for Iowa residents or $48,680 for non-residents for 38 credit hours. Master's degrees in audiology are often linked to the related field of speech and language pathology.
Board certification for audiologists costs $300-$500 and is administered by two major industry groups. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association[5] is the country's leading credentialing group for audiologists, and charges $455 for certification without membership. The American Board of Audiology[6] certifies audiologists for $200 for one year or $370 for three years. Both groups require applicants to hold a doctorate degree. Applicants may seek certification from one group or the other based on state licensure requirements.
State licensing for audiologists costs $50-$300 and may last one to three years. In California, the two-year license fee is $60, while New York[7] 's three-year licensing fee is $294. Missouri[8] issues a $50 audiologist license, which is valid for two years.
An Au.D. degree should include academic coursework as well as clinical work. The program at The University of Colorado[9] , for instance, includes courses in hearing science, audiology research methods, and a capstone project, as well as a clinical externship at an area hospital for the student's fourth year.
Additional costs:
Housing and food costs may add $10,000-$20,000 per year to a graduate degree in audiology. West Virginia University[10] estimates a cost of $7,800 annually for room and board, $1,200 for transportation, and $2,000 for books, supplies and personal expenses. Northeastern University[11] in Boston estimates $2,500-$6,200 per year for meal plans in annual costs and $2,300 for health services, among other fees.
Discounts:
Some schools offer scholarships to students admitted into an audiology program. For instance, Salus University[12] in Elkins Park, PA, offers scholarships up to $5,000 per year and the University of Iowa[13] offers assistantships that pay graduate students a tuition scholarship of $7,614 per year.
Shopping for audiology school:
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has a searchable database[14] of accredited master's and doctoral programs in audiology.
The American Academy of Audiology lists licensing laws and fees by state[15] .
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