Aaron Johnson, a practicing audiologist with ENT Associates of Alabama, received a $1,000 scholarship through funding provided by Widex. Johnson started the distance education Au.D. program at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, School of Audiology (PCO) this spring. His current position allows him to be involved in various audiological services, with a special emphasis in hearing aid dispensing."I'm looking forward to completing the Au.D. program in order to broaden my knowledge and skills in audiology to better serve the community," said Johnson.
In addition, Denise S. Brantley, manager of audiology and software technical support services at Widex Hearing Aid Company, received an AFA $1,000 scholarship. She was the winner of a drawing at the ADA Convention in 2005. Brantley has more than 25 years of experience in clinical, managerial and teaching positions and will attend the Arizona School of Health Sciences. Brantley holds a master's of science degree in audiology from Vanderbilt University, as well as a master of public health degree from Columbia University.
The AFA plans to award various other Au.D. scholarships during 2006, totaling over $70,000. These opportunities will be announced on the AFA website throughout the year.
The AFA is a non-profit foundation founded in 1989 to lead audiology's transition to a doctoring profession with the Au.D. as its unique designator. Its vision includes the goal of changing state licensure to incorporate the Au.D. as the basic criteria for practice.
