Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 10/23/2008

Question
Hi!
I am currently in year 13, thinking of applying for audiology for my undergraduate program. I was just wondering if i graduate from Undergraduate Audiology but want to specialize as an otolaryngologist, would that be possible? Also, what further education must I take in order to become an otolaryngologist? Furthermore, what is the advantage of being an audiologist?

Answer
Hi Anna,
Yes, you can still specialize in ORL (otorhinolaryngology) after undergraduate studies in Audiology.  If this is what you want, you should consult with your academic advisor and try to gear your undergrad studies towards the sciences e.g., organic chemistry, biology, etc. In general, for admission to medical schools, you will need one year of General Chemistry with lab, one year of Organic Chemistry with lab, one year of Biology, one year of Physics and college level math. One thing you can do is check out some medical schools online and see what their requirements for admission are. Then you need to take the MCAT's to get into an actual Medical School.  You will need graduate studies in medicine, a year or two of internship, a year or two of general residency then up to four years of specialization.  It's long and it's hard. As far as Audiology, you will need four years post-baccalaureat to get the Doctor of Audiology degree.  The last of these four years is known as the "Clinical Experience" year in which you actually work in the field under supervision.  You also have to pass an exam to become licensed.  Audiologists are not medical doctors, but we know more about the ear, how it works, and the communication psyche of patients than do ORLs/ENTs (ear-nose-throat doctors). I have a saying, Physicians may "give" the patients their lives, but Audiologists make those lives worth living. Audiologists study less years, make less money, and have less prestige than ENTs. But we do have a little more flexibility. Audiologists can work in just about any setting as an ENT and many of us work side-by side. A good audiologist is a major asset for an ENT and many times we do the actual "diagnosing" of ear disorders, but the ENT gets the credit.  As a last note, I have known several ENTs who have gotten degrees in Audiology as well.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology