I first heard about ATSU’s entry-level AuD program by researching accredited programs through ASHA after completing a communicative disorders assistant program in 2015. I was looking to become an audiologist over being an assistant. The post-bachelor certificate helped introduce me to audiology and speech pathology, and was the stepping stone into grad school. 

Before starting the program, I had 14 weeks of full-time experience as an audiology assistant and was exposed to the environment. I enjoyed the patient interactions and helping people find solutions to concerns. Unlike going to the doctor who gives vague responses or a generalized plan of care, I was actually able to find solutions for hearing loss and balance issues! I was drawn to the idea that regardless of the level of hearing loss, there was a solution for the patient.

Before becoming an audiologist, I was originally looking at occupational therapy and interviewed with Creighton University; that experience opened my mind to a doctoral degree and the advantages of extended education and the well-rounded results. Being from Canada, which only requires a master's degree to practice audiology while the U.S. requires a doctoral degree, I decided to go with the doctoral degree because it would help me be better qualified for either country, in case future plans change.

Grad school is a lot of money. I looked at other schools in the country to make sure tuition was fair and understood that it was necessary and an investment into my future. I used FAFSA and tried to keep interest down while attending school. 

ATSU’s residential Audiology program is excellent. During my interview, I was struck by how interested the professors were in me as a person, and not just a number to be passed through the curriculum. I felt like they had my personal best interests at heart, as they explained the process and how they as professors would support and guide students to succeed in the program. 

I had many clinical placements where the preceptors were impressed with the well-rounded knowledge that I came into the clinic with, and how it is better than other schools they have seen. Vestibular training is a particular skill several clinical placements commented on. Additionally, ATSU starts clinic placements right away with outside placements which offers great diversity in experiences, office management skills, and presents a broader experience of career opportunities. Additionally, I was attracted to the fact that there is no thesis with the AuD program at ATSU. 

Between the hands-on experience while in class, the professors willing to work one-on-one, and the variety of clinical opportunities, I feel like the program prepared me to experience all opportunities, allowed me to explore my interests, try different locations, and feel confident in my career choices because I had experience in private practice, hospital settings, ENT offices, school districts, etc.  I got to try my hand and see in real life hearing tests, cochlear implants, BAHAs, surgeries, vestibular testing including rotary chair, evoked potentials, and all facets within the scope of audiology. I left feeling prepared to enter the workforce, without worrying about a mid-life crisis change.

ATSU exceeded expectations in helping me attain my doctoral degree in audiology. The atmosphere was always friendly, and despite the many many obstacles and changes throughout the 4 years that affected both students and professors, everyone was always collaborative. It was a safe space to ask for assistance where needed. 

I was happy to be accepted into the program and am happy to get started in a good career. Before attending ATSU, I looked forward to the warm weather, smaller class sizes, and no thesis project! I also really looked forward to vestibular training. It was intriguing and continued to be a favorite of mine throughout school. I currently see vestibular patients on a regular basis in addition to hearing patients in the ENT office I currently work at.