Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Cochlear Implants

Certificate Level: Graduate
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 9.0
Instructional Delivery: Online
Calendar Type: Semester
Expected Time To Completion: 6 months
Financial Aid Eligibility: Not aid eligible
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 51.0202
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1181

About the Program

Cochlear implants represent one of the most transformative advances in modern hearing healthcare—restoring access to sound, spoken language, and connection for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. As technology evolves and candidacy expands across the lifespan, audiologists must possess advanced, evidence-based expertise to ensure optimal outcomes. The Advanced Studies Certificate in Cochlear Implants is designed to meet this need through rigorous, clinically grounded, graduate-level education.

Offered online through Drexel University Osborne Audiology, this certificate enables practicing audiologists to refine their knowledge, stay current with scientific and clinical developments, and expand their professional expertise. Taught by subject matter experts and grounded in a philosophy that integrates scientific innovation with evidence-based care, the program prepares clinicians to excel in today’s complex and dynamic healthcare environments.

The six-course sequence provides an in-depth, comprehensive examination of cochlear implantation. Students begin with the biomedical foundations of implantation, exploring anatomy, physiology, imaging, device design, ethical considerations and the principles of auditory system plasticity that support clinical decision-making. Technical mastery follows with focused study of cochlear implant hardware, sound processing, electrical stimulation strategies, activation protocols and programming approaches—including bilateral, hybrid, and bimodal configurations. Assessment is addressed through dedicated coursework in both objective and behavioral measures. Participants develop expertise in electrophysiological and other objective tools for device optimization, alongside behavioral evaluation of candidacy, performance, psychosocial factors and speech recognition outcomes across pediatric and adult populations. Emphasis is placed on data interpretation, clinical application and critical appraisal of current research. Recognizing that technology alone does not guarantee success, the program also emphasizes aural (re)habilitation. Students gain practical strategies for fostering auditory skill development in infants, children, adults, and special populations, while learning to engage families and educators as collaborative partners in intervention. The curriculum culminates with an exploration of current trends, including emerging technologies, special populations, vestibular considerations, auditory brainstem implants and future research directions.

Optional hands-on and online workshops further solidify clinical skills through case-based learning, programming practice, standardized patient interactions, and applied decision-making.

Graduates emerge prepared to deliver sophisticated, patient-centered cochlear implant care that translates technological innovation into meaningful communication outcomes.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet the following application requirements:

• At least a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university (official transcripts of all post-secondary studies must be submitted directly to Drexel University).
  • Applicants whose degrees were completed outside the US will be required to submit a document-by-document credential review from a NACES-recognized agency.
• For professionals, proof of eligibility to provide audiological services (copy of license, certificate or other documentation) -- not required for current students.
• For current students, support from their program (submit letter of support from program director or department head).
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic work, employment record and/or personal characteristics, and not related to the applicant.
• Personal goal statement (up to 750 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of why the applicant is choosing this program of study, how their background and work experience has prepared them for success in this program, and their plans upon achievement of the certificate.
• For international applicants, English language proficiency (provide official TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo scores; some exemptions available).

Program Requirements

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Optional workshops require additional time, tuition and fees

²

Basic workshops are typically delivered in-person.

Plan of Study

¹

Optional workshops require additional time, tuition and fees.

²

Basic workshops are typically delivered in-person

Additional Information

For more information about this program, contact Osborne Audiology -- Distance Education (salus_ocade@drexel.edu).