Individuals who are interested in becoming an audiology assistant can complete a certificate or associate degree program in this field. Although only a high school diploma is required by some audiologists, postsecondary education increases audiology assistants' employment opportunities. Certificate programs typically last about one year, while associate degree programs are two years long. These programs are available at community colleges or vocational/technical schools and usually require students to have their high school diploma or GED. Some audiology assistant programs are available online as well.
Classes in an audiology assistant training program cover topics such as offering post-exam instructions to patients, handling and equipment care and assisting with hearing exams. Students also learn how to make ear molds and hearing aid shell impressions, as well as clean and fix hearing aids. In addition, students study clerical duties such as recordkeeping and billing, according to EduChoices.org. They learn how to perform regular screenings for neonatal patients as well. They also might learn how to perform clinical research, reports the American Academy of Audiology.
Audiology assistant training programs teach students how to perform otoscopic inspections, which are inspections of the outer ear, according to Nova Southeastern University. Students additionally learn how to handle infection control duties and even distract patients during immittance testing, which provides information on eardrum mobility and middle ear function in children, reports ChildrensMemorial.org. Courses also cover how to prepare patients for special exams such as auditory brainstem response testing used to diagnose hearing problems.
Audiology assistant training prepares students to find work in a variety of settings such as rehabilitation centers, clinics and hospitals. They also can land jobs in schools or private doctor's offices. Training additionally prepares students to seek licensure, with requirements for licensing varying by state. State license laws determine what tasks audiology assistants are able to perform.
The demand for audiology assistants remains strong as the population continues to grow and age. Audiology assistants are particularly valuable because their office and clinical work allows licensed audiologists more time to focus on evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients, thus keeping an office running efficiently. The average audiology assistant salary in 2010 was $39,000, according to SimplyHired.com.