Audiologists Achieve Prestigious Pediatric Audiology Certification; Demonstrate Expertise and Knowledge in Field

January 14, 2013 (PRLEAP.COM) Health News
(Reston, VA) - The American Board of Audiology® is pleased to announce that 22 audiologists from across the United States successfully passed the exam for its Specialty Certification in Pediatric Audiology (PASC®) credential. The PASC recognizes audiologists who have acquired specialized knowledge in the field of pediatric audiology, enhances their individual performance through exam preparation and recertification, and elevates professional standards in the field of pediatric audiology.

Today, 66 audiologists hold the PASC, which testifies to their expertise in pediatric audiology and demonstrates to their colleagues, other healthcare providers, patients, and employers that they have acquired a high level of knowledge in the field of pediatric audiology and are the best option for treating children with audio-vestibular disorders and hearing loss.

Recent successful PASC credential recipients include:

  • Meghan M. Anthony, AuD - Denver, CO
  • Rebecca S. Nelson Awad, AuD - Denver, CO
  • Katrina Bruemmer Balvance, AuD - Rosemont, MN
  • Jennifer Brooke Barnes, AuD - Arvada, CO
  • Becky L. Braun, AuD – Washington, IL
  • Rachel A. Cooper, AuD - Jackson, MS
  • Allison L. Cunningham, AuD - Peyton, CO</li>
  • Debra Draus, AuD - Littleton, CO
  • Wendy Levesque Framel, AuD - Boston, MA
  • Jennifer F. Ivinson, MA - Highlands Ranch, CO
  • Sandra L. Johnston, AuD - Louisville, CO
  • Jennifer A. Kolb, MS - Aurora, CO
  • Casey E. MacArthur, AuD - Denver, CO</li>
  • Emily E. Nightengale, AuD - Lakewood, CO
  • Kathryn L. Pegan, AuD - Aurora, CO
  • Sanya K. Richardson, AuD - Parker, CO
  • Lisa M. Rider, MS - Highlands Ranch, CO
  • Catherine E. Roper, PhD - Lafayette, CO
  • Christie M. Ruddy, MA - Highlands Ranch, CO</li>
  • Ericka L. Schicke, AuD - Denver, CO
  • Tamara M. Scott, AuD - Westminster, CO</li>
  • Kathleen Zawistowski, AuD - Aurora, CO

  • To earn the PASC credential, candidates must meet minimum pediatric audiology professional experience requirements and provide evidence of a graduate degree in audiology. Successful applicants must then pass a challenging examination that covers seven pediatric audiology knowledge domains: Laws and Regulations, Hearing and Hearing Loss, Child Development, Screening and Assessment Procedures, Counseling, Communication Enhancement Technology, and Habilitation/Rehabilitation Strategies. Once an audiologist successfully passes the PASC exam, he or she must renew the certification every three years through 60 hours of continuing education, 30 of which must be specific to pediatric audiology.

    "The PASC is a mark of professional distinction and reflects an individual's thorough understanding of what it takes to practice in pediatric audiology in today's environment," said Angela Pond, AuD, chair of the American Board of Audiology Board of Governors. "These individuals are to be commended for their commitment to the audiology profession and their drive to continue to pursue knowledge needed to make them effective pediatric audiologists in their practices."

    The ABA will offer subsequent examinations in pediatric audiology, as well as cochlear implants, on April 7, 2013, in Anaheim, CA, and October 5, 2013, in Cincinnati, OH. To apply for ABA board certification or a specialty certification, visit www.americanboardofaudiology.org or contact Keri Murphy, Senior Manager, Credentialing and Compliance, at 703.226.1057, kmurphy@audiology.org.

    About the American Board of Audiology®
    An autonomous organization, the ABA is dedicated to enhancing audiologic services to the public by promulgating universally recognized standards in professional practice. The ABA encourages audiologists to exceed these prescribed standards, thereby promoting a high level of professional development and ethical practice. The Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC®) is a voluntary certification program administered by audiologists for audiologists by the ABA.