Audiologists need to have a sound understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to manage healthcare appropriately. The Australian Society of Audiology provides this awareness by mandating that Audiologists complete a tertiary qualification in Audiology or Allied Health Science.
Audiologists are required by law in Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales to be registered with their respective regulatory body before practising independently. This includes both complete registration and restricted registration for special purposes. Regulations differ among other states in Australia but are all based on the guidelines set out by ASHA USA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).
In New South Wales, Audiologists must first complete a Bachelor of Audiology and Bachelor of Science in Audiology with an emphasis in audiological sciences. This will include two years of full-time supervised clinical practice as an Audiologist.
In Queensland, AUHSI registration is necessary to conduct private Audiologist clinical practice under the supervision of a registered clinical audiologist or speech and language pathologist. In Tasmania, Audiologists are registered with the Health Practitioners Registration Board (HPRB).
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has recently revamped their Healthcare Practise Framework via the design and rollout of new guidelines on the regulation of Speech Pathologists, Audiologists and Occupational Therapists (OT). Under the new framework, the independent scope of practice is a minimum of one year of supervised clinical experience in addition to the formal qualification.
The Australian Society of Audiology has outlined the professional responsibilities for Audiologists, including; Audiologists have been able to receive their qualifications in Australia since 1945. Today there are two educational training pathways approved by ASHA USA as an entry-level qualification for Audiology; The Bachelor Semester System and The three-year Doctorate Degree System.
- Bachelor Semester System
The Bachelor Semester System consists of a three-semester, first-degree undergraduate program with a Bachelor of Science in Audiology (BS) degree. The first semester involves the application and writing of a one-year thesis. In contrast, the second and third semesters involve other audiological competencies such as research, science, clinical lectures, and examinations.
- Three-year Doctorate Degree System
The three-year Doctorate Degree System (DDS) is an exclusive Doctorate level programme that starts with an initial Master's degree in Audiology. After finishing two years of doctoral studies, the student receives a DDS degree in Audiology and can consider obtaining their certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Attune Hearing clinics have qualified audiologists certified by the state and have followed all the set regulations. Therefore they will conduct a qualified hearing test and ensure you are treated accordingly. Visit their website to book an appointment or learn more about their services.
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