Students were asked to read four articles detailing information on the history of the Au.D. degree and audiology's transition to a doctoring profession. They were then required to pass a short quiz on the material before being awarded an otoscope.
Nine students at A.T. Still University/Arizona School of Health Sciences acted as test subjects for this debut program. After incorporating their comments and feedback, the program was opened to all third-year Au.D. students in four-year Au.D. programs.
Seventy-eight NAFDA students participated in the program, and received their otoscopes from AFA Director/Treasurer Veronica Heide, Au.D., during a special presentation at the annual NAFDA luncheon at this year's recent AAA convention. At the same time, the AFA was presented with a "Friend of NAFDA" award in recognition of its support of students.
In addition to NAFDA participation, nineteen other Au.D. students around the country completed the program requirements, and will receive their otoscopes individually or at such events as AFA-sponsored white coat ceremonies.
Funding for the "Clued in to Audiology" otoscope program was provided by the Hal-Hen division of Widex, which supplied over $11,000 in otoscopes in support of the AFA and Au.D. education.
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.
Seventy-eight NAFDA students received otoscopes through the AFA's "Clued in to Audiology" otoscope program at this year's AAA convention.
Catherine Constantine (right), NAFDA secretary, presents the "Friend of NAFDA" award to Susan Paarlberg (left center), AFA Executive Director, and Drs. Eric Hagberg (right center) and Veronica Heide (left), AFA Directors.
