Reston, VA - January 12, 2012 - The American Board of Audiology® is pleased to announce the 13 audiologists who recently earned the Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) credential. A listing of the Class of 2011 PASC certificants can be found below.
Arlene Balestra-Marko, AuD - Syracuse, NY
Charlene E. Cordes, MA - Ft. Wayne, IN
Virginia M. Corley, PhD - Sumter, SC
Darcia M. Dierking, AuD - Chicago, IL
Susan G. Dreith, AuD - Denver, CO
Brian J. Fligor, ScD - Boston, MA
Melissa A. Garafalo, AuD - Palo Alto, CA
Deborah Hayes, PhD - Centennial, CO
Kimberly C. Keane, AuD - Utica, NY
Patricia M. Mauceri, AuD - Boston, MA
Jessica R. Stich-Hennen, AuD - Boise, ID
Sheetal S. Vyas, AuD - Miami, FL
Jamie C. Zerr, AuD - Denver, CO
To earn the PASC credential, candidates must first submit an application satisfying professional experience and education requirements. Successful applicants must next pass a challenging examination that covers seven pediatric audiology knowledge domains: Laws and Regulations, Hearing and Hearing Loss, Child Development, Screening and Assessment Procedures, Counseling, Communication Enhancement Technology, and Habilitation/Rehabilitation Strategies. Only those who are able to achieve the designated examination score earn the PASC credential. Once earned, the certification must be renewed every three years through 60 hours of continuing education, 30 of which must be specific to pediatric audiology.
Launched in 2011, the PASC was developed to elevate professional standards in audiology, enhance individual performance, and recognize those professionals who have acquired specialized knowledge in the field of pediatric audiology. An esteemed group of pediatric audiologists served as subject matter experts and worked in conjunction with a nationally recognized measurement consulting firm, Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO), to develop the new specialty program under the auspices of the American Board of Audiology®.
"The PASC is a mark of professional distinction and reflects an individual's thorough understanding of what it takes to practice in pediatric audiology in today's environment," said Gail Whitelaw, Chair of the American Board of Audiology. "These individuals are to be commended for their commitment to the audiology profession and their drive to continue to pursue knowledge needed to make them effective pediatric audiologists in their practices."
The ABA will offer subsequent examinations in pediatrics on April 1, 2012, in Boston, MA, and on October 13, 2012, in Denver, CO. To apply for the Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification, visit www.americanboardofaudiology.org or contact Keri Murphy, Certification Manager, at 703.226.1057, kmurphy@audiology.org.
About the American Board of Audiology®
The American Board of Audiology® (ABA), an autonomous organization, is dedicated to enhancing audiologic services to the public by promulgating universally recognized standards in professional practice. The ABA encourages audiologists to exceed these prescribed standards, thereby promoting a high level of professional development and ethical practice. The Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) is a voluntary certification program administered by audiologists for audiologists by the ABA.
