The questions on the survey asked audiologists to provide such demographic information as annual income, type of practice, years in practice, and employment status. Audiologists who had an AuD degree were asked what their primary reason was for obtaining the degree and the benefits they perceived to have resulted from having an AuD degree.
Demographics
The majority of respondents, 42 percent, were in private practice. Other types of practice settings included:
Most of the audiologists who responded worked full-time. In terms of years of experience, the vast majority of participants had more than ten years of experience. Only 22 percent of audiologists that responded had less than ten years of experience.
The average annual income of the respondents was $67,150, with AuD graduates reporting an average annual income of $84,317. Audiologists who did not have an AuD degree had an average annual income of $63,533.
Reason for Obtaining an AuD Degree
Those audiologists who were enrolled in an AuD program or planning to enroll were queried about their primary reason for pursuing the degree. Personal satisfaction, a desire to increase their knowledge and increased status with patients were the top three reasons listed by AuD graduates for obtaining the degree. Audiologists who were enrolled in an AuD program or planning to enroll listed increased knowledge, increased status with patients and increased marketability as key motivators in obtaining the degree.
Benefits of an AuD Degree
There were many benefits reported by audiologists who had obtained an AuD degree. Ninety-five percent reported an increase in knowledge. Other benefits included:
Audiologists who were not planning to pursue an AuD degree responded to a question inquiring about the reasons for that decision. While evidence that an AuD degree provides many benefits is strong, approximately ten percent of the audiologists surveyed saw no personal/professional benefit in obtaining the degree. Others chose not to pursue the degree because they were near retirement, had family or other time commitments, and/or already had a PhD degree.
