Pediatric Audiology Externship

Program Overview

The Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Audiology Externship offers advanced clinical training in diagnostic audiology in a pediatric hospital-based setting with a strong emphasis on early hearing loss identification, complex case management, and inter/multidisciplinary collaboration. This immersive experience is designed for doctoral audiology students seeking to build specialization in pediatric diagnostics during their final year of training.  Externs will receive 1:1 clinical and professional mentoring from a CH-AP and ASHA certified audiologist.

Program Objectives

• Advanced Clinical Exposure: Engage with inter/multidisciplinary teams on complex pediatric audiology cases including early intervention, diagnostics, recommendations and parent education and counseling.
• Specialization in Pediatric Audiology: Develop clinical expertise in pediatric screening, diagnostic assessments, and acute and critical care evaluations.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Observe and assist seasoned pediatric audiologists across clinical and inter/multidisciplinary environments.

Program Structure

Duration: 10 to 12 months (beginning in the Summer before the extern's final year in an Au.D. program)

Supervision: One-on-one mentorship and supervision by experienced pediatric audiologists

Clinical Experiences Include:

• Pediatric Audiology Clinic
• Craniofacial Clinic
• NICU, PICU, and CICU
• Acute Care Units
• Universal Newborn Hearing Screenings
• Professional Development Opportunities: Participation leadership development activities

Externship Highlights

• Will gain hands-on experience with newborn hearing screenings and comprehensive diagnostic auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluations, including natural sleep, sedated, outpatient and inpatient evaluations.
• Audiological testing of diverse and medically complex pediatric populations (such as patients with developmental disabilities, neurodivergent, intellectual and developmental disabilities, etc.,)
• Parent/caregiver/patient counseling and education
• Collaboration with audiologists, physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals

Clinical & Professional Skill Development

Clinical Competencies:

• Evidence-based pediatric diagnostic protocols
• Electrophysiologic and behavioral testing
• Case history taking
• Pediatric counseling and family-centered care
• Inter/multidisciplinary team collaboration

Professional Growth:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ethical and professional decision-making
• Team-based care
• Practice management and documentation

Application Process

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited Au.D. program and entering their final year.
• Students applying for the externship should be enrolled in an Affiliated School with Nicklaus Children's Hospital. (see our affiliated institutions.

Required Application Materials:

• Statement of interest outlining motivation and goals in pediatric audiology
• Three letters of recommendation:
  • One from academic faculty.
  • One from a clinical supervisor.
  • One personal or professional reference.
• Selection Criteria:
  • Exceptional academic performance
  • Clinical proficiency and professionalism
  • Demonstrates interest and commitment to pediatric audiology
  • Interview

Program Deadlines