5 - Program of Study
Table 1 shows the three-semester program of study for the AGC. Training begins with two courses and a clinical practicum offered in an 8-week accelerated semester during the second half of the summer semester. These courses provide the foundational training for clinical audiology while the clinical practicum offers training in direct patient service activities. Coursework in audiometry and hearing aid fitting is completed in the fall as well as advanced patient services training. In the spring semester, students select one or two courses from several options according to their professional interest (pediatrics, adults) and continue patient service activities. Total credits must equal 18.
Due to the nature of clinical audiology, instructional methodologies are necessarily in-person.
Two courses include laboratory training (CA-710 & 730). These courses also include formative practical exams at mid-term and at the end of the semester.
A total of 500 hours of required patient service experience is acquired through one day of clinical practicum each week in the summer and two or three days each week in the fall and spring. The practicum experience for AGC students involves patient service activities under the supervision of one or more licensed audiologists. Training will begin in the IHP audiology clinics and then transition to supervised training in clinics throughout Boston. Student performance during clinical placements is tracked by the preceptor to document proficiencies demonstrated during the training. As in the academic courses, these assessments are used to evaluate learning outcomes.
The program has a single entry- and exit-point each year. Students requiring additional time to complete the program can do so, however any deviation from the program of study may require an additional year to earn the certificate.
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Table 1. AGC Program of Study
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Summer Term 2 (Jun-Aug)
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CR
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CA-710 Auditory Assessment - Behavioral Measures
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4
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CA-760 Clinical Preparation and Observation
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1
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CA-761 Clinical Practicum 1 (100 hours)
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1
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Fall
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CR
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CA-712 Auditory Assessment - Objective Measures
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3
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CA-730 Hearing Technology 1 - Hearing Aids
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4
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CA-763 Clinical Practicum 2 (220 hours)
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1
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Spring
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CR
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CA-714 Pediatric Audiology (example elective)
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3
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CA-765 Clinical Practicum 3 (220 hours)
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1
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Total
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18
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5.1 Academic Performance Minimums and Transfer Options
Students in the program learn alongside students in the AuD program. Because both groups will have the same undergraduate preparation, performance in shared courses is expected to be similar. However, the AGC students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA each semester throughout their program while AuD students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
AuD students who fail to meet the academic standards of the doctoral program have the option to transfer to the AGC program.
Likewise, ACG students who earn a 3.0 GPA or higher in all semesters, may request automatic enrollment in the AuD program in the next academic year or within 3 years of completing the certificate program. AGC students may apply 13 of their 18 credits toward the 85-credit AuD degree.
5.2 Pathway to MA Licensure
The AGC program prepares students for ASHA certification which is required for MA state licensure. Currently, ASHA requires all applicants for certification to complete three 1-hour online courses in ethics, universal safety precautions, and patient confidentiality. These courses are provided by ASHA for a nominal fee. Also, applicants must pass ASHA’s Assistants Certification Exam (Appendix A) which is comprised of 100 multiple-choice questions. Finally, applicants with a bachelor’s degree in CSD must complete 500 patient services hours with an ASHA certified audiologist. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a non-CSD major are required to complete 1000 patient services hours. A third option is available for military veterans or active-duty personnel.