A Professional Challenge

A Professional Challenge

Colleen M. O Rourke, Ph.D., CCC-A Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA C. Frederick Britten, Ph.D., CCC-A Ft. Hays State University, Hays, KS Roy Shinn, Ph.D., CCC-A Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA Akilah Heggs, M.A., CCC-A University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA

Audiologists? o In SLP-only program? Speech-Language Pathologists? Others?

Survey of audiologists in SLP-only programs. Discussion of issues facing audiologists in these positions. Recommendations to audiologists and academic programs.

Types of Academic Programs 72% - Undergraduate in CSD & master's in SLP 15% - Undergraduate in CSD, master's in SLP, & Ph.D. program 9% - Master's degree in SLP only 4% - Master's degree in SLP & Ph.D.

Administration (72%) o For most it s <25% of work assignment Teaching graduate courses (82%) o For most it s <25% of work assignment Teaching undergraduate courses (91%) o For most it s 26-74% of work assignment Providing clinical services (83%) o For most it s <25% of work assignment Research, supervision, community out-reach

Dean Assistant or Associate Dean Department Chair Assistant Department Chair Program Director Clinic Director Coordinator of Undergrad or Grad Studies Internship Coordinator

64% - A good way to contribute to the team 45% - Nobody else wanted to do it 31% - I had prior experience doing it 29% - I enjoy it 14% - It pays well Other assigned; part of job description

Clinical Assignments % of Workload n=54 <25% 26-74% >74% I do not have clinical assignments 17% 5% 56% 22%

Clinical Responsibilities (All that apply) n=52 41 27 26 14 3 0 Conduct Hearing Evaluations Conduct Balance Evaluations Fit Hearing Aids Program Cochlear Implants Aural Rehabilitation Other

Audiological features at facility (Select all that apply) 52 54 51 52 52 39 16 9 Clinical Audiometers Portable Audiometer(s) Otoscope(s) Sound Suite(s) Middle Ear Analyzer ABR OAE Other

What is it? Who teaches it?

Undergraduate Teaching % of Workload n=54 <25% 26-74% >75% I Do not teach Undergraduate courses 9% 6% 33% 52%

Graduate Teaching % of Workload n=54 25% 26-74% 75% I do not teach graduate courses 19% 7% 44% 30%

Articulation Fluency Voice and resonance Receptive and expressive language Hearing Swallowing Cognitive aspects of communication Social aspects of communication Other communication modalities

Source: American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (2007)

1. Providing services to individuals with hearing loss and their families/caregivers (e.g., auditory training for children with cochlear implants or hearing aids); speechreading; speech and language intervention secondary to hearing loss; visual inspection and listening checks of amplification devices for the purpose of troubleshooting, including verification of appropriate battery voltage.

2. Screening individuals for hearing loss or middle ear pathology using conventional pure-tone air conduction methods (including otoscopic inspection), otoacoustic emission screening, and/or screening tympanometry.

3. Providing intervention and support services for children and adults diagnosed with auditory processing disorders.

The role of the SLP and the audiologist in AR, screening, and APD is somewhat different. The audiologist teaching the course should align the desired outcomes with the scope of practice of SLP.

A graduate SLP student s undergraduate curricula in a specific CSD program may or may not have included professional coursework in hearing disorders. Aural (Re)Habilitation How to coordinate knowledge and skills in a graduate course with students from various undergraduate programs.

Some state licensure boards require a minimum number of hours of coursework and practicum related to individuals with hearing disorders within the legal scope of practice of SLP in that state.

The National Exam in Speech- Language Pathology includes questions on Hearing Disorders (5%).

In some settings with individuals with hearing loss (e.g., skilled nursing facilities, public schools), there is a greater likelihood of the availability of a speech-language pathologist than an audiologist.

Awareness Foundation of knowledge for graduate study in Audiology Ideas for general education/electives History and lineage Opportunities

42 Regularly Taught Undergraduate Courses (all that apply) n=54 27 21 22 9 5 Introduction to Aural Speech and Anatomy and I do not teach Other Audiology Rehabilitation Hearing Sciences Physiology of undergraduate Speech and courses Hearing

Arthur Boothroyd Mark Ross

Degree and clinical credential in Audiology, SLP, Deaf Ed or related field. 10 hrs. of observation of at least 2 different LSLS certified therapists. 750-900 supervised therapy clock hrs. Work with LSLS mentor for 3 yrs. Pass an exam. For further info, see AG Bell Academy

Teaching assignments within the curriculum Course content: How much to modify Characterized as The Lone Ranger Prioritizing purchases with the program Often the Go To person within the program No substitutes for academic coursework No coverage for clinical assignments

Longevity within a program Make sure the SLP faculty understand your role in the program (academic and clinical education) Stronger justifications needed for expenditures Loss of clinic revenues if equipment not available Develop curriculum to highlight the impact of a hearing loss on speech and language Take on roles of HIPAA coordination, CAA Accreditation, IRB regulations, etc. Departmental representation on University committees

Communication and Communication Disorders Speech Language Hearing 27-03-2012 39

Ph.D. or Au.D. Research Qualified vs. Clinic Qualified Faculty Status for the audiologist Academic Position Clinical Position Make sure the Au.D. is comfortable in teaching academic coursework. Does the university recognize professional degrees for academic positions? Must enjoy interactions with students and understand the limitations of SLP.

The majority of respondents believe they are positively perceived by their colleagues and they experience professional growth and satisfaction in their positions. However, there are some audiologists who do not have this same experience.

Organize Audiology Observations Academic and NSSLHA Advising Independent Studies and Research Assistantships Practicum Placements Community Hearing Screenings

Conventions attended. Interacting with audiology colleagues. Clinical credentials. Reasons for staying in SLP-only programs.

Audiologists serve diverse roles and contribute to SLP-only programs in unique ways Administrative duties Clinical assignments Teaching