Doctor of Audiology Program at Arizona School of Health Sciences Flourishes During First Year

Following the launch of its Doctor of Audiology degree program last year, Arizona School of Health Sciences (ASHS) reports demand for the distance education program is burgeoning. ''More than 150 students have enrolled as of December 2000,'' says Tabitha C. Parent-Buck, Au.D., audiology department chair. ''Students can apply at any time and are enrolled in classes on a quarterly basis. Our March quarter is filled and when our June enrollment reaches capacity, we'll begin to conduct interviews for the September 2001 class.''

Arizona School of Health Sciences, a division of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, is regionally accredited by the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. ASHS students complete individualized, yet academically rigorous curriculum plans to ensure graduates meet competency-based requirements and doctoral level standards.

''Our students report that they are challenged by our courses and are excited about their accomplishments and new knowledge,'' says Dr. Parent-Buck.

The Au.D. program curriculum contains 44 courses (modules) which cover the broad scope of audiologic care, including topics such as neuroanatomy, tinnitus, central auditory processing, advanced hearing aid technology, hearing conservation and business courses. Average program length is 9-16 credits over 9-16 months. Current statistics for the ASHS Au.D. students show an age range of 28-76 years ''young'' with 4 to 40 years of audiology experience.

Twenty-five students have earned their Doctor of Audiology degrees since the program's inception. The majority of these students participated in the first Au.D. graduation ceremony at ASHS in August 2000, though many of them had a few modules of coursework to complete after the summer. Because ASHS only holds one ceremony per year, students were able to walk in the ceremony closest to their anticipated completion dates and receive their diplomas later. More than 50 Au.D. graduates are expected for August 2001.

Tuition for the entire Doctor of Audiology program is $3,500. Although tuition is subject to change each academic year, there are no additional per credit or per course fees.
In addition to the Doctor of Audiology distance education program, ASHS is also developing a residential program, which will be offered at the school's new Mesa, Arizona campus.

Au.D. program information, including the curriculum guide, faculty list, and application are downloadable from the school's web site at www.ashs.edu or by phone at (602) 589-1002.