Doctor of Audiology

 

What is an audiologist? 

Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing auditory and vestibular disorders across the entire age spectrum, from birth to elderhood. In doing so, audiologists support people living with these disorders along their journey, helping to enhance their overall health and well-being. 

• Introducing the revised, accelerated AuD program at UNC

  Although UNC has had a longstanding, successful Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program for decades, Summer 2024 marked the launch of our revised, accelerated AuD program. The vision for our revised program was to set a new standard in audiology education, offering a world-class curriculum and high-quality clinical training completed in an accelerated, 3-year timeframe. Our accelerated program prepares students to enter the workforce sooner and reduces the financial burden associated with pursuing a graduate degree.

• Program overview and what makes the AuD program at UNC unique

  From foundational coursework in auditory and neurophysiology and neuroanatomy to advanced studies in pediatric audiology, cochlear implants, auditory processing and cognition, aural rehabilitation, vestibular audiology, practice management, and more, our modernized, student-centered curriculum equips students with the latest scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to enter the workforce as an audiologist.

  Year 1

  What sets our program apart is our commitment to immersive learning right from the start. During the first year of the AuD program, students dive into hands-on clinical experience renowned on-campus Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Clinic—the oldest audiology clinic in Northern Colorado region. Guided by seasoned clinical supervisors, students gain essential experience in providing audiological care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Lab further enhances their training, providing a cutting-edge environment where students hone their skills and master clinical best practices in a safe and supportive learning environment. During the first year, students also develop their Doctoral Scholarly Project (DSP) under the guidance of our esteemed faculty.

  Year 2

  In the second year of the AuD program, our students delve deeper into advanced academic coursework across various sub-specialties and special topics in audiology. Alongside this coursework, our students engage in two transformative off-site clinical internships in an educational and medical setting. These placements include public school systems, hospitals, clinics, and esteemed private practices throughout Northern Colorado and the Denver-metro area, offering unparalleled hands-on clinical training. Students continue to refine their Doctoral Scholarly Project (DSP) through completion by the end of their second year.

  Year 3

  In the third and final year of the AuD program, students embark on a full-year off-site clinical Externship/Residency in Colorado or nationally where they refine their clinical skills and gain additional experience in audiology specialty areas. Examples of local Externships/Residencies our students have completed include Denver Health, UCHealth, Marion Downs Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA, and the Eastern Colorado VA. Examples of out-of-state Externships/Residencies our students have completed include Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale, AZ), Mass Eye and Ear (Boston, MA), and Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH). These prestigious placements underscore our program's success in preparing students to secure highly competitive externships, launching them into successful careers.

• Career placements of our graduates
  Upon graduation, UNC AuD graduates embark on diverse career paths as clinical audiologists, private practice owners, educational audiologists, research audiologists, hearing conservationists, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and more. Equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence, our program prepares students to excel in their professional roles, practice at the top of their audiology license, engage in continual learning, and emerge as true leaders within the field of audiology.
• Job outlook for audiologists

  The job outlook for audiology is exceptionally promising. Ranked #20 in Best Healthcare Jobs by U.S. News, the field is projected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by factors such as an expanding U.S. population, improved survival rates for premature infants, universal newborn hearing screening, and a rising demand for services across medical and private practice settings. With nearly 100% of our graduates securing employment upon graduation, audiology offers a meaningful and rewarding career path.

2024- 2025 Open House

Interested applicants for the next application cycle (cohort beginning Summer 2025) are highly encouraged to attend a virtual or in-person Open House session.

Information Sessions Dates: 

• October 8th at 6:30pm Virtual
• October 30th at 4:00pm Virtual
• November 16th at 11:00am Virtual
• December 10th at 10:00am In Person (Please meet us in the Dean's Office Conference Room (Gunter 1120) in Gunter Hall, 1828 10th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631)  
• January 8th at 2:00pm Virtual

Prospective applicants to the Au.D. Program are encouraged to contact Erinn Jimmerson, Au.D. (graduate coordinator) before applying to the program to learn more about it.