Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Do you want to become an Audiologist or Speech Therapist? If yes, you will find this article to be of use! Here, I’ve provided vital details about B.Sc. Audiology and Speech Therapy course. The article covers topics like course details, duration, eligibility criteria, admission process, career prospects and salary details.
What is audiology? Who is an audiologist, what are his/her tasks? What is it like to become an audiologist? You will find answers to these questions in the following paragraphs.
Audiology is a branch of Science that deals with the study of hearing, balance and disorders related to hearing.
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring auditory diseases. They diagnose and treat conditions like hearing problems, balance problems and tinnitus.
Audiologists use various tests (hearing tests and other methods) to assess the hearing condition of a patient. Using the tests, the hearing condition of a patient can be correctly determined by them! Based on their observation, audiologists then suggest or recommend solutions to cure the hearing problem. Solution could be hearing aid, cochlear implants or medications and medical procedures.
Apart from identifying, diagnosing and treating auditory diseases, audiologists are also capable of taking care of rehabilitation (of patients suffering from auditory diseases). They are capable of training and educating patients and patients’ family and thus help them with rehabilitation process.
Speech and language therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the field of communication and swallowing disorders. They are capable of identifying, evaluating and treating such disorders.
B.Sc. in Audiology and Speech Therapy is a professional course that covers both audiology and speech therapy studies. In simple terms, it can be said to be a ‘combo’ course that consists of both audiology and speech therapy sciences!
Let us check out the course details (about B.Sc. Audiology and Speech Therapy) now –
B.Sc. Audiology and Speech Therapy Course Details
Type of course
It is a Bachelor’s Degree course. To be precise, it is Bachelor of Science Degree course. On course completion, graduates will be awarded Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree by relevant University or Institute.
The course consists of a holistic mixture of classroom lectures and hands on practical sessions. Students will deal with patients, as part of practical training. The course covers sciences of audiology and speech therapy.
Course duration
Course duration is 3 years. The academic program consists of 3 academic years.
Eligibility criteria
10+2 passed with Science stream subjects (PCB/M) from a recognized board is the minimum educational qualification required. Minimum aggregate marks required could be anywhere between 45-55% marks. Minimum marks criteria may vary from one institute to another.
Admission process
Most institutes follow merit based admission process. Under this process, marks scored by students in 12th board Science stream examination and relevant entrance test (state-wise, all India level or institute-wise) are taken into consideration. Seats are allotted to deserving candidates on the basis of merit marks scored by them.
PG courses and further studies
B.Sc. Audiology and Speech Therapy graduates may go for relevant M.Sc., PG Diploma as well as PG Certificate programs. PG course can be pursued to specialize in disciplines such as –
- Paediatric treatment
- Balance disorders
- Cochlear implants
- Paediatric rehabilitation
- Neuro audiology
- Speech and Language Therapy
If you are interested in further advanced courses, PhD (relevant) is a good option available in front of you.
Career prospects and job opportunities
Diverse job opportunities are available in front of audiologists and speech therapists. Both private and government sector jobs are available in front of them.
Audiologists usually work closely with patients (young and old) suffering from hearing and balance disorders. They treat such patients using hearing aids, cochlear implants, medications or refer such patients to specialists. They also are known to educate and train patients as well as their families.
Audiologists may find work at setups like hospitals (private and government), clinics, NGOs, rehabilitation centres (for patients suffering from hearing disorders), nursing homes, firms manufacturing hearing aids and implants etc. They may work closely with Physicians or start own patient education and counseling program (depends upon one’s qualifications). They may also start marketing or sales work (hearing aids and implants).
Speech Therapists may work at rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, NGOs as well as hospitals and clinics. STs focus more on rehabilitation and treatment of patients suffering from communication disorders and swallowing disorders.
Also read:
Audiology and Speech Therapy Courses
Rehabilitation Science courses
Completing Master’s education will enable one to take on a lecturer’s (teaching) job post. Pursuing further advanced course (like PhD) will enable one to take on a job in the R&D sector associated with the fields of audiology and speech therapy.
Salary
Starting salary depends on factors like job location, profile of the employer and qualifications of the employee. Depending upon the above mentioned factors, average starting salary could be anywhere between 10-20K Rupees per month. Salary figure will increase with time and work experience.
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.
how much salary in this work
It has been mentioned in the article (average salary).