West Lafayette, IN-- 'I highly recommend that every audiologist attend an Au.D. program.' 'It is the best investment I ever made'. 'The Au.D. is the only ticket to the future.' These are just a few, of the many positive comments received when the Audiology Foundation of America surveyed graduates, in the Fall of 2000, regarding the benefits of obtaining an Au.D. degree.
Respondents felt the greatest benefit of receiving their Au.D. degree was improved status with patients. 'The perception of patients based on an introduction using the title 'Dr. Jones, the audiologist', is vastly different than, 'I'm Jim Jones, the audiologist', stated one of the respondents.
Increased self-image was also highly rated, with 94% of the practitioners indicating their self-image had improved. 'Obtaining my Au.D. degree has been one the most rewarding things I have done personally and professionally.'
Other benefits included increased marketability, improved status with colleagues, a gain in referrals and the ability to expand services.
The results, from a salary standpoint, are encouraging. Of those surveyed, 33% indicated an increase in income. Salary data from NAFDA and ASHA surveys indicate the 1999 median income, for new practitioners with an Au.D. degree, to be approximately 90% more than the income of a new audiologist with a Masters degree.
'The Au.D. is for the PATIENTS, the PROFESSION, and the PROFESSIONAL.' For more detailed information regarding the survey, refer to the Winter, 2001 AFA 'Torchbearer', issue ##56.
The AFA plans to survey graduates again in 2001.
If you would like more information about obtaining your Au.D. degree and the programs available, visit the AFA's website, www.audfound.org.
