How to Become an Audiologist: Education, Training, Salary, and Career Outlook

Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in audiology? Audiologists play a vital role in healthcare, helping patients diagnose, manage, and treat hearing and balance disorders. Yet, many people are unclear about what audiologists actually do, how the field differs from ENT (ear, nose, and throat) medicine, and what training is required.

This guide breaks down the path to becoming an audiologist in the U.S., from education and certification to career outlook and salary potential.

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What Does an Audiologist Do?

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), audiology is the healthcare field dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating hearing and balance disorders.

Audiologists work with patients across the lifespan, from children with congenital hearing loss to adults with age-related conditions. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting hearing and balance assessments
• Diagnosing hearing loss and related disorders
• Recommending and fitting hearing aids or cochlear implants
• Providing hearing rehabilitation and counseling
• Preventing further hearing damage in at-risk patients

Unlike ENTs, who are physicians specializing in surgery and medical management of ear and sinus conditions, audiologists focus specifically on hearing and balance care through non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation.

Steps to Becoming an Audiologist

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Your first step is completing a bachelor’s degree. While you don’t need to major in audiology, you’ll need a strong foundation in sciences like biology, anatomy, physiology, physics, and mathematics. Some students major in communication sciences, speech-language pathology, or psychology to align their coursework with graduate school requirements.

Clinical exposure at this stage is highly recommended. Participating in pre-health internships abroad gives you hands-on experience, shadowing opportunities, and patient interaction that strengthens your graduate school applications.

Step 2: Earn a Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Audiologists in the U.S. must complete a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program, typically lasting four years. Unlike medical school, an AuD program does not require the MCAT. Admission requirements usually include:

• A completed bachelor’s degree
• Prerequisite courses in biology, physics, and social sciences
• Letters of recommendation
• An interview and admissions essay
• Relevant clinical or shadowing experience

AuD programs combine classroom learning with extensive clinical training. The first two years focus on foundational coursework, while the final years emphasize hands-on patient care in supervised settings. Some programs also allow specialization, such as pediatric audiology, cochlear implants, or balance disorders.

Step 3: Pass the Praxis Examination in Audiology

After completing an AuD program, graduates must pass the Praxis Examination in Audiology, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This national exam evaluates your ability to apply clinical knowledge in real-world scenarios and is a key requirement for certification.

Step 4: Obtain State Licensure

Every U.S. state has its own licensing requirements for audiologists. While most require passing scores on the Praxis exam, specific rules—such as continuing education credits or supervised practice hours—vary by state. Prospective audiologists should review their state’s healthcare licensing board for exact requirements.

Step 5: Complete Professional Certification

Beyond state licensure, many audiologists pursue national certification to demonstrate advanced competence. Options include:

• ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A)
• American Board of Audiology (ABA) certifications, including Pediatric Audiology or Cochlear Implant specialties

These certifications are not mandatory but strengthen your credibility and career prospects.

Audiologist Salary and Job Outlook

Audiology is a stable and rewarding career. According to recent data:

• Average U.S. salary: about $78,950 per year
• Top 25% of earners: over $99,000 annually
• Top-paying states: North Dakota, California, Oklahoma, Delaware, and Maryland

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for audiologists will grow by 10% over the next decade—double the national average for all occupations. With an aging population and rising awareness of hearing health, the need for qualified professionals is only expected to increase.

FAQs About Becoming an Audiologist

#1. Do audiologists attend medical school?

No. Audiologists complete a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree rather than medical school.

#2. Can audiologists be called “doctor”?

Yes. While not physicians, audiologists earn a doctoral degree (AuD) and may be addressed as “doctor.”

#3. How long does it take to become an audiologist?

On average, 8 years after high school: 4 years of undergraduate study + 4 years of AuD training.

#4. Is audiology a good career?

Yes. Audiology offers competitive pay, professional flexibility, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in patients’ quality of life.

#5. Are audiologists in demand?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, especially in pediatric and geriatric audiology.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an audiologist requires years of education and training, but it leads to a fulfilling healthcare career with strong demand and solid earning potential. If you’re passionate about improving people’s quality of life through hearing and balance care, audiology may be the right path for you.

For students in the early stages, building clinical experience is key. A healthcare internship abroad through Go Elective provides hands-on learning in diverse healthcare systems, helping you stand out as a future AuD applicant while deepening your understanding of global health challenges.

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Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 12, 2025