Audiology (AuD)
Major: Audiology
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 127.5
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.0202
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1181
About the Program
The mission of the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) curriculum is to graduate competent and caring primary healthcare clinicians who can fulfill an expanding role in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems, as well as co-management of related systemic conditions.
Our distinctive, strong biomedical curriculum offers many benefits to our Audiology students, including:
- emphasis on small-group and problem-based learning
- early clinical experience, beginning in the first term
- singular access to our core program faculty
- state of the art pre-clinical laboratories for the assessment of balance, electrophysiology and hearing
- our state of the art, on campus clinical facility, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute
- outstanding faculty who share a sincere commitment to our students
- access to the best possible patient care practices
- practice management skills and procedures training over all four years
Our strong commitment to early and extensive clinical experience ensures that our students are well-prepared for the duties of their 12-month externships. Our evidence-based practice classes shared with Optometry students emphasize the importance of communicating effectively with other healthcare providers to enhance the overall quality of healthcare patients receive. Our philosophy of compassionate caring prepares our students to not only care for, but to care about their patients.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, contact: ra985@drexel.edu
Admission Requirements
Osborne Audiology Department actively seeks individuals from every state in the nation as well as worldwide who bring diverse life experiences and who desire to become audiologists.
Application Processing & Review
The Osborne College of Audiology, Doctor of Audiology On-Campus Program, accepts applications through the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).
The processing of applications by CSDCAS (csdcas.liaisoncas.com) begins mid-July, one year prior to the year of desired enrollment. Applications must be submitted on or before June 30 of the year of desired enrollment.
• Student application reviews begin when an application is verified by CSDCAS.
• Interviews are scheduled and initiated, beginning in October.
• Candidates meeting the requirements are admitted on a weekly basis until class capacity is reached.
It is to an applicant’s advantage to apply as early as possible to ensure priority consideration for admission.
It is recommended that students with less than a 3.0 grade point average should consult the Office of Admissions prior to applying.
Criteria
To be considered, an applicant must:
• Submit a properly completed application to the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Detailed instructions regarding the completion of the application and the essay are provided on the CSDCAS website.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) directly to CSDCAS.
• Complete admissions prerequisites at the college level with a grade of ‘C-’ or better and a minimum of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of credit from an accredited undergraduate college or university.
• Submit three letters of recommendation. Arrange to have forwarded directly to CSDCAS the following letters of recommendation:
• Two letters must be written by teaching faculty members who have taught you in a course.
• One letter must come from a practicing audiologist.
• A third letter from a teaching faculty member may be submitted in lieu of a letter from an audiologist.
• The references should be from persons familiar with the applicant's academic work, employment record, and/or personal characteristics.
• Observe a practicing audiologist for at least one day (minimum of 7.5 hours) in order to be familiar with the role of the audiologist as a member of the healthcare team.
• Optional: Submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score results.
• If submitting scores, results may be sent directly to Drexel University.
• Completion of the GRE is required within three years of your desired entrance date to the Program.
• International Students, please review any additional requirements below.
• All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
• Students will be required to meet University compliance requirements upon matriculation.
Prerequisites
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of credit from an accredited undergraduate college or university. These credits must include the listed prerequisite courses below completed with a 'C-' or better. An applicant need not have completed all prerequisites prior to filing an application but must be able to complete all outstanding prerequisites prior to enrolling.
• Basic Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics) – 3 credit course
• Physics or Hearing Science – 3 credits
• Mathematics or Statistics – 3 credits (Calculus highly recommended)
• Social Sciences – 3 credits
• English Composition or Literature –3 credits
Prerequisite credits completed ten or more years prior to the anticipated entrance date will be reviewed for approval on an individual basis.
Additional Courses (highly recommended, but not required)
• Hearing Science and Introduction to Audiology
• Anatomy, Physiology and/or Neurobiology
• Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Pre-calculus or Calculus (to include logarithms)
• Psychology and/or Counseling
International Students & Practitioners
International Transcripts
For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information:
• A course-by-course credential review from a NACES recognized agency which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation.
• Recommended agencies include:
• World Education Services
• SpanTran
• An official evaluation may be sent from the agency directly to CSDCAS.
• Instructions for submitting Foreign and French-Canadian transcripts.
English Language Proficiency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Drexel University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client/student safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or education team.
Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
• If submitting TOEFL scores, please use the CSDCAS code of C112.
• If submitting an approved alternate English proficiency exam, please send scores directly to Drexel University, Office of Admissions.
While we recommend that applicants submit TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria*:
1. successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; or
2. successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s program
*Note: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion. Should any exceptions not be accepted toward the English language requirement, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant of an alternative to fulfill it.
Admissions Selection Process
For more information regarding the admissions selection, interview and matriculation process, please refer to the Drexel website.
Technical Standards
The Au.D. degree program at Drexel University is designed to prepare students to enter the profession as a generalist with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to perform successfully all the required functions associated with the scope of practice as an entry-level audiologist.
The Technical Standards of Drexel University OA reflect the essential qualities, abilities and functions that are required of student’s pursuing the “Doctor of Audiology” Au.D degree. Meeting these Technical Standards is required of entering students and must be continually demonstrated throughout the student's progress in the Au.D. degree program.
The following standards were adopted with the awareness that a balance must be achieved between competing interests:
• the rights of applicants and students;
• the safety of students, their co-workers, and patients;
• the significant clinical education component of the College’s curricula;
• the accreditation requirements for the College; and
• the conditions for licensure of our graduates.
The institution upholds a public health responsibility to ensure its graduates are competent; capable individuals prepared to provide benefit to the community in which they practice. Therefore, it is important that the individual student investing their time be fully knowledgeable of the qualities, abilities and functions deemed necessary to succeed in this rigorous educational program.
In keeping with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the University’s philosophy, we are committed to providing students with adequate opportunity to meet these technical standards and equal access to the AuD program. As part of our commitment, the University provides qualified individuals the opportunity to request and receive reasonable accommodations and related services.
Students, with either an identified disability or concern that they may have a disability, that impairs their ability to perform any of the tasks identified as essential to the clinical practice of audiology, are encouraged to seek appropriate University services. If a student wishes to request accommodations, it is their responsibility to identify themselves to the Office of Disability Resources and to follow the accommodations request procedure as explained at new student orientation and specified in the Student Handbook.
The competing interests and requirements of the clinical components of the educational program may prevent some prospective students from progressing through the program if they cannot meet these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. Individuals with visual, auditory, physical and/or psychosocial impairments severe enough to require an intermediary may find that they are unable to meet these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations. During the program, should a student become unable to maintain these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, the student may be required to take a leave of absence from the program or be subject to dismissal.
The intent of this document is to guide students in making an informed decision regarding clinical audiology as a career. To complete the Au.D. curriculum and enter practice as a licensed audiologist, all students must possess abilities and skills in the domains of communication, intellectual-cognitive, motor, sensory-observational and behavioral-social that are consistent with the skill sets of doctoral-level, health care providers.
Students should carefully review this “Technical Standards” document to determine whether or not they can meet these standards (with or without accommodation) before signing below.
Communication Skills (all in Standard English)
Students must possess the ability:
• To communicate effectively (elicit, convey and clarify information) with patients, patients’ support networks, faculty, staff, peers, other health care professionals and the general public, utilizing oral, written and non-verbal communication modes.
• To understand the content presented in the educational program and to adequately complete all assignments in the specified timeframe.
• To complete all assignments in the timeframe specified and to synthesize accurately and quickly large volumes of information presented in different formats.
• To understand and utilize non-verbal communication in order to meet curricular and clinical demands.
• To synthesize and apply course content to patient care through written and oral presentation.
• To modify communication styles to meet the audiences’ communication needs.
• To share, elicit and record information from patients, preceptors, peers and other health care professionals verbally and in a recorded format observing.
• To communicate effectively and professionally in person, over the phone and in electronic format.
The demonstration of sufficient skills in written and spoken standard English may be accomplished by passing the Test of Spoken English (TSE), Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) and The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with scores of 60, 230 and 250, respectively.
Cognitive Abilities
Students must be able to demonstrate higher-level cognitive abilities, including:
• memory and retention
• rational thought and conceptualization
• quantitative measurement and calculation
• ·visual-spatial comprehension
• ·organization, analysis and synthesis
• representation (oral, written, diagrammatic, three-dimensional)
• clinical reasoning, ethical reasoning and sound judgment
Students must possess the ability:
• To participate in a variety of modalities including classroom instruction and group collaborative activities.
• To acquire, comprehend, synthesize, integrate and apply a large body of written and oral information that is sufficient to meet curricular and clinical requirements.
• To think critically, solve complex problems and make sound clinical judgments, all in a timely fashion.
• To identify and utilize resources to successfully improve one’s knowledge and skills.
• To comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.
• To reflect and evaluate one’s knowledge and abilities regarding academic performance and clinical skills for the purpose of identifying strengths, weaknesses, limitations and areas needing improvement.
Motor / Sensory Skills
Students must possess sufficient visual, auditory, tactile and/or motor abilities to allow them to gather information
• from written reference material
• from oral presentations
• by observing a demonstration
• by studying medical images in multiple formats
• by observing a patient and his/her environment
• by observing clinical procedures performed by others
• by observing digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomena
Students must possess sufficient visual, auditory, tactile and/or motor abilities to:
• Perform actions requiring coordination of gross and fine motor movement and equilibrium.
• Demonstrate the physical stamina to meet the demands of the classroom and clinical activities.
• Monitor equipment displays and controls (including hearing aids) used for the assessment and treatment of patients.
• Perceive and identify text, numbers, tables and graphs presented, including those associated with diagnostic instruments.
• Observe a patient’s activity and behavior during assessment and treatment.
• Interpret patient responses.
• Minimize inaccuracies in the flow of information. by possessing a minimum level of hearing acuity.
• Access transportation to academic and clinical locations.
• Adhere to universal precaution measures and to meet safety standards applicable to the clinical settings and educational activities.
• Access and utilize technology for clinical management of patients to include, but not
• limited to, scheduling programs, coding and billing programs, therapeutic programs and general use of computer technology in a safe and efficient manner.
Behavioral - Social Skills
Students must possess the emotional health and management skills (coping mechanisms) or proactively make use of available university resources to:
• prioritize competing demands
• function effectively in stressful circumstances
• tolerate physically taxing workloads
• display flexibility in response to changing circumstances
• demonstrate integrity, respect, compassion, tolerance and acceptance of others
Students must possess the ability:
• To recognize and show respect for all individuals of different age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and intellect.
• To refrain from imposing personal, religious, sexual and cultural values on others.
• To establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships.
• To demonstrate the perseverance, diligence and commitment necessary to complete the educational program requirements as directed within the allotted time.
• To critically evaluate her/his performance, be forthright about errors, accept constructive criticism and respond by modification of behavior.
• To acknowledge conflicts of interests, mistakes and adverse outcomes and cooperate in the resolution of same.
• To demonstrate appropriate behaviors to protect the safety and well-being of others.
• To place professional behavior and duties above one’s own convenience.
• To demonstrate acceptable social skills in professional and social interactions with others.
• To possess and express appropriate compassion, integrity and empathy for others.
An individual with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder may continue in the educational program as long as he or she is able to adhere to these Behavioral – Social Skills standards.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | ||
| AUD 7132 | Cell and Molecular Processes | 1.5 |
| AUD 7201 | Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| AUD 7232 | Systemic Organ Biology | 2.5 |
| AUD 7330 | Auditory Biology I | 1.5 |
| AUD 7331 | Auditory Biology II | 1.0 |
| AUD 7400 | Head and Neck Anatomy | 2.0 |
| AUD 7401 | Neurosciences | 2.0 |
| AUD 7501 | Cerumen Management | 0.5 |
| AUD 7503 | Speech & Language Dev & Disorders | 2.0 |
| AUD 7505 | Auditory Processing Disorders | 2.0 |
| AUD 7514 | Hearing Conserv and Industrial Aud | 2.0 |
| AUD 7515 | Management of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis | 1.0 |
| AUD 7517 | Instrumentation | 1.0 |
| AUD 7518 | Calibration | 0.5 |
| AUD 7520 | Otoacoustic Emissions | 0.5 |
| AUD 7523 | Medical Co-Management of AuD Diseases | 1.0 |
| AUD 7524 | Acoustics and Acoustic Phonetics | 3.0 |
| AUD 7525 | Psychoacoustics | 2.5 |
| AUD 7530 | Audiometric Principles I | 1.0 |
| AUD 7531 | Audiometric Principles II | 1.0 |
| AUD 7540 | Vestibular and Balance Evaluation I | 2.0 |
| AUD 7541 | Vestibular and Balance Evaluation II | 2.5 |
| AUD 7542 | Vestibular Rehabilitation | 1.0 |
| AUD 7552 | Hearing Technologies I | 2.0 |
| AUD 7553 | Hearing Technologies II | 0.5 |
| AUD 7554 | Hearing Technologies III | 2.5 |
| AUD 7555 | Cochlear and Brain Stem Implants | 2.5 |
| AUD 7562 | Auditory Evoked Responses I | 1.0 |
| AUD 7563 | Auditory Evoked Responses II | 1.5 |
| AUD 7565 | Inter-Operative Neuro Monitoring | 1.0 |
| AUD 7570 | Pediatric Audiologic Assessment | 1.5 |
| AUD 7571 | Pediatric Intervention and Management | 1.5 |
| AUD 7572 | Educational Audiology | 1.0 |
| AUD 7580 | Patient-Centered Clinical Interviewing | 1.0 |
| AUD 7581 | Psychosocial Aspects of Hear Impairment | 0.5 |
| AUD 7582 | Auditory Rehabilitation | 1.0 |
| AUD 7583 | Aging and Management of Geriatric Patient | 1.0 |
| AUD 7701 | Evidence-Based Practice | 1.0 |
| AUD 7730 | Clinical Problem Solving I | 0.5 |
| AUD 7731 | Clinical Problem Solving II | 0.5 |
| AUD 7740 | Introduction to Clinical Research | 2.0 |
| AUD 7750 | Audiology Grand Rounds | 0.5 |
| AUD 7934 | Ethics for Healthcare Professionals - Audiologists | 0.5 |
| AUD 7936 | Resume Writing and Interview Skills | 0.5 |
| AUD 7937 | Professional Issues in Audiology | 0.5 |
| AUD 7940 | Audiology Practice Management | 2.0 |
| AUD 8630 | CS: Audiometric Principles I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8631 | CS: Audiometric Principles II | 0.5 |
| AUD 8642 | CS: Hearing Technologies I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8643 | CS: Hearing Technologies II | 0.5 |
| AUD 8644 | CS: Hearing Technologies III | 1.0 |
| AUD 8645 | CS: Vestibular and Balance Eval I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8662 | CS: Auditory Evoked Responses | 0.5 |
| AUD 8670 | CS: Pediatric Audiologic Assessment | 0.5 |
| AUD 8851 | Professional Practice I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8852 | Professional Practice II | 0.5 |
| AUD 8853 | Professional Practice III | 1.5 |
| AUD 8854 | Professional Practice IV | 1.5 |
| AUD 8855 | Professional Practice V | 2.5 |
| AUD 8856 | Professional Practice VI | 3.0 |
| AUD 8857 | Professional Practice VII | 5.0 |
| AUD 8858 | Professional Practice VIII | 5.0 |
| AUD 8860 | Clinical Externship | 9.5 |
| AUD 8861 | Clinical Externship | 14.5 |
| AUD 8862 | Clinical Externship | 14.0 |
| Total Credits | 124.5 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| AUD 7132 | Cell and Molecular Processes | 1.5 |
| AUD 7330 | Auditory Biology I | 1.5 |
| AUD 7400 | Head and Neck Anatomy | 2.0 |
| AUD 7517 | Instrumentation | 1.0 |
| AUD 7524 | Acoustics and Acoustic Phonetics | 3.0 |
| AUD 7530 | Audiometric Principles I | 1.0 |
| AUD 7580 | Patient-Centered Clinical Interviewing | 1.0 |
| AUD 7701 | Evidence-Based Practice | 1.0 |
| AUD 8630 | CS: Audiometric Principles I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8851 | Professional Practice I | 0.5 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| AUD 7232 | Systemic Organ Biology | 2.5 |
| AUD 7331 | Auditory Biology II | 1.0 |
| AUD 7401 | Neurosciences | 2.0 |
| AUD 7518 | Calibration | 0.5 |
| AUD 7525 | Psychoacoustics | 2.5 |
| AUD 7531 | Audiometric Principles II | 1.0 |
| AUD 7552 | Hearing Technologies I | 2.0 |
| AUD 7730 | Clinical Problem Solving I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8631 | CS: Audiometric Principles II | 0.5 |
| AUD 8642 | CS: Hearing Technologies I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8852 | Professional Practice II | 0.5 |
| Credits | 13.5 | |
| Summer | ||
| AUD 7201 | Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| AUD 7501 | Cerumen Management | 0.5 |
| AUD 7503 | Speech & Language Dev & Disorders | 2.0 |
| AUD 7520 | Otoacoustic Emissions | 0.5 |
| AUD 7553 | Hearing Technologies II | 0.5 |
| AUD 7581 | Psychosocial Aspects of Hear Impairment | 0.5 |
| AUD 7934 | Ethics for Healthcare Professionals - Audiologists | 0.5 |
| AUD 8643 | CS: Hearing Technologies II | 0.5 |
| AUD 8853 | Professional Practice III | 1.5 |
| Credits | 8.5 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AUD 7540 | Vestibular and Balance Evaluation I | 2.0 |
| AUD 7554 | Hearing Technologies III | 2.5 |
| AUD 7562 | Auditory Evoked Responses I | 1.0 |
| AUD 7570 | Pediatric Audiologic Assessment | 1.5 |
| AUD 8644 | CS: Hearing Technologies III | 1.0 |
| AUD 8645 | CS: Vestibular and Balance Eval I | 0.5 |
| AUD 8662 | CS: Auditory Evoked Responses | 0.5 |
| AUD 8670 | CS: Pediatric Audiologic Assessment | 0.5 |
| AUD 8854 | Professional Practice IV | 1.5 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| AUD 7541 | Vestibular and Balance Evaluation II | 2.5 |
| AUD 7555 | Cochlear and Brain Stem Implants | 2.5 |
| AUD 7563 | Auditory Evoked Responses II | 1.5 |
| AUD 7571 | Pediatric Intervention and Management | 1.5 |
| AUD 7582 | Auditory Rehabilitation | 1.0 |
| AUD 7731 | Clinical Problem Solving II | 0.5 |
| AUD 7936 | Resume Writing and Interview Skills | 0.5 |
| AUD 8855 | Professional Practice V | 2.5 |
| Credits | 12.5 | |
| Summer | ||
| AUD 7523 | Medical Co-Management of AuD Diseases | 1.0 |
| AUD 7542 | Vestibular Rehabilitation | 1.0 |
| AUD 7572 | Educational Audiology | 1.0 |
| AUD 7740 | Introduction to Clinical Research | 2.0 |
| AUD 7937 | Professional Issues in Audiology | 0.5 |
| AUD 8856 | Professional Practice VI | 3.0 |
| Credits | 8.5 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AUD 7505 | Auditory Processing Disorders | 2.0 |
| AUD 7514 | Hearing Conserv and Industrial Aud | 2.0 |
| AUD 7750 | Audiology Grand Rounds | 0.5 |
| AUD 7940 | Audiology Practice Management | 2.0 |
| AUD 8857 | Professional Practice VII | 5.0 |
| Credits | 11.5 | |
| Spring | ||
| AUD 7515 | Management of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis | 1.0 |
| AUD 7565 | Inter-Operative Neuro Monitoring | 1.0 |
| AUD 7583 | Aging and Management of Geriatric Patient | 1.0 |
| AUD 8858 | Professional Practice VIII | 5.0 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| AUD 8860 | Clinical Externship | 9.5 |
| Credits | 9.5 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AUD 8861 | Clinical Externship | 14.5 |
| Credits | 14.5 | |
| Spring | ||
| AUD 8862 | Clinical Externship | 14.0 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 124.5 | |
Program Level Outcomes
The mission of the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) curriculum is to graduate competent and caring primary healthcare clinicians who can fulfill an expanding role in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems, as well as co-management of related systemic conditions.
Our distinctive, strong biomedical curriculum offers many benefits to our Audiology students, including:
• emphasis on small-group and problem-based learning
• early clinical experience, beginning in the first term
• state of the art pre-clinical laboratories for the assessment of balance, electrophysiology and hearing
• our state of the art, on campus clinical facility, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute
• outstanding faculty who share a sincere commitment to our students
• access to the best possible patient care practices
• practice management skills and procedures training over all four years
Our strong commitment to early and extensive clinical experience ensures that our students are well-prepared for the duties of their 12-month externships.