Audiology

AUDIOLOGIST:  An audiologist is a professional skilled in evaluating both auditory and vestibular (e.g., balance) disorders, using specialized equipment and software. Audiologists use various tools to diagnose ear problems including hearing difficulties and balance problems. They develop and implement courses of treatment to help their patients adjust to these problems, sometimes working with other medical professionals. 

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SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST:  A speech-language pathologist, or speech therapist, helps people who have difficulty communicating. Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat a variety of communication and cognitive disorders in patients ranging from infants to geriatric. Speech-language pathologists improve communication skills through vocal exercises and cognitive therapies.  Speech-language pathologists have a sincere interest in helping others. 

DEAF INTERPRETER (GENERALIST/SPECIALIST: Deaf interpreters are very skilled at communicating information to deaf people, and they usually work together with hearing interpreters.  

While in the past audiologists had to have only a master's degree, a doctoral degree is increasingly becoming the requirement for licensure in the U.S. As of 2009, 18 states required an Au.D. or Doctor of Audiology degree and this number will increase over the next few years. It usually takes four years of graduate school to earn an Au.D.  

A speech-language pathologist required a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accredited speech and language program.  Before working as a speech-language pathologist you must be certified.  To apply for certification you must complete a clinical fellowship training period and a certification exam.  A strong liberal arts foundation is a great option for an undergraduate major. Coursework in linguistics, behavioral science, anatomy, psychology, math, and general science is recommended. 

To become a Deaf Interpreter you must attend a certified deaf interpreter program.  There are two types of certifications, a “generalist” and a “specialist”.  Certificates classified as generalist signify skills in a broad range of general interpreting/ transliterating assignments.   Certificates classified as specialists signify skills in a particular area or specialty of interpretation. 

Utah Earning Potential Averages For Audiologists: (Jobs.Utah.Gov) 

Utah Earning Potential Averages For Speech Therapists: (Jobs.Utah.Gov)