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2012 Upper Midwest Audiology Conference: Professional Professional Issues in Audiology


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Audiology Assistants: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Erica B. Friedland, AuD
February 25, 2012       1:00pm - 2:30pm


Session Abstract
While audiology assistants have been used for many decades, attention on their use has increased as the profession faces a limited workforce with greater demands for efficiency in this era of reduced reimbursement rates. We have not reached universal consensus on the appropriate role for assistants, as evidenced by the variable state regulations on the training and potential responsibilities of assistants. This presentation will discuss data on what audiologists believe an assistant should, and should not be tasked with, and the level of supervision needed. The current American Academy of Audiology Guidelines will be reviewed. Different training models will be discussed. The audience will participate in an activity designed to determine the potential impact of use of an assistant on the productivity of their office. Lastly, different state licensure models will be reviewed and the group will discuss the implication of Minnesota currently not having language in their licensure law regarding use of assistants.


About the Presenter
Erica Friedland is Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Audiology at Nova Southeastern University. She received her master’s degree from Vanderbilt University and her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University. Her specialty area is pediatrics and her professional research doctoral project developed and implemented an auditory processing evaluation protocol in children.

Dr. Friedland has been at NSU for over 13 years and primary responsibilities include administration of the Department its programs. She teaches several doctoral courses including Pathologies, Pediatric Audiology, and Neuroanatomy. Clinically, Dr. Friedland precepts students working primarily with children with APD.

Financial interest/personal affiliations: Nova Southeastern (houses an online audiology assistant training program)


Learner Objectives
After this course participants will be able to:

1. Identify the responsibilities of an audiology assistant and level of supervision required,
2. Summarize the American Academy of Audiology guidelines for audiology assistants,
3. Identify how in-office productivity can be increased with an audiology assistant.