Au.D. Growing Faster Than Expected

The National Association of Future Doctors of Audiology (NAFDA) recently completed a study on the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) programs in the U.S. The study determined the number of students currently enrolled, those beginning in the Fall, 1999, and projected enrollments through 2004.

Currently eight universities are offering on-campus, four-year Au.D. degrees. One of these programs- South Florida, began accepting Au.D. students this Fall. Ball State University, Central Michigan University, the University of Florida, Gallaudet University and the University of Louisville already have Au.D. students enrolled.

Five Programs Offer Distance Au.D. Degrees
Five accredited institutions presently offer distance learning Au.D. degrees for current Audiology professionals. They are Central Michigan University/Vanderbilt University; the University of Florida; Nova Southeastern University; Pennsylvania College of Optometry, School of Audiology; and Arizona School of Health Sciences.

Enrollment Increasing Fast
Current enrollment in four-year residential programs is 132. There are 473 students enrolled in distance learning programs. An estimated 87 additional Au.D. students are expected to enroll in the new four-year and distance learning programs this Spring, bringing the total Au.D. enrollment to approximately 692.

There are now 23 Au.D. graduates out in the profession. In May 2000, there will be 149 graduating Doctors of Audiology; 21 residential graduates and 128 distance learning graduates.

Using estimated enrollment requests and new program arrivals, minus the graduates, the Fall 2000 enrollment is expected to reach 212 for the 10 residential programs and 882 for the distance-learning programs.

The projected number of 2001 Au.D. graduates is 506. At this time it is expected that nearly one-third of masters level audiologists will either be enrolled in an Au.D. program or have graduated with the degree. It is estimated that by 2002 there will be approximately 2000 practicing Doctors of Audiology.

Projections and estimates were calculated from information gathered by NAFDA from universities offering the Au.D. degree (with some updating in Spring 2000 from the AFA). These estimates only take into account the 10 Au.D. programs that presently have students enrolled, so there will likely be an increase with the addition of the Arizona School of Health Sciences and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's School of Audiology.

Thanks to the National Association of Future Doctors of Audiology (NAFDA) for much of this information.