Navy Clinical Audiologist

***Must be US Citizen***

***Must be a practicing Audiologist or enrolling in graduate school for Audiology***

Sailors’ ears are their livelihood. And as a Navy Audiologist, you’ll ensure that the delicate hearing of our fleet is conserved and protected. You’ll do everything from using state-of-the-art equipment in the latest learning in speech pathology to working in dynamic environments like aboard aircraft carriers, in foreign nations and in best-in-class research facilities. Your audiology expertise is important to our Sailors’ quality of life—become part of the team that takes care of those who serve.

Responsibilities

As a Clinical Audiologist and Officer in Navy clinical care you will provide a wide range of clinical support services for a diverse population. Working within clinical, occupational or educational audiology, you may:

• Perform routine and advanced auditory examinations
• Note any possible changes in hearing and instruct people on how to properly protect themselves from noise exposure
• Diagnose, evaluate and assess the impact of hearing loss on communication
• Enhance communication ability through aural rehabilitative support
• Ensure the auditory combat readiness of Navy and Marine personnel
• Serve as consultant manager of Navy/Marine Corps Hearing Conservation Programs, demonstrating how crews’ earplugs are inserted correctly and ensuring that cranial/earmuffs fit well and are in good condition

Work Environment

Navy Audiologists may serve among aviation, shipboard and U.S. Marine Corps communities stationed throughout the globe – or at any one of more than 250 Navy and medical facilities from Hawaii to Japan, Germany to Guam, and Washington, D.C., to Washington state.

As an Audiologist, you could also work at one of the highly acclaimed national medical centers in Bethesda, MD, Portsmouth, VA, or San Diego, CA. You could provide medical assistance during humanitarian relief operations after natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, while also supporting flight crews aboard one of our two dedicated hospital ships: the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy.

Training & Advancement

Those pursuing an Audiologist position are required to attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI. ODS is a five-week program that provides a comprehensive and intense introduction to the responsibilities of Navy Staff Corps Officers. Here they learn about the military structure of the U.S. Navy, its rich history of traditions and customs, leadership development and military etiquette.

Once that training is complete, you will learn the ins and outs of life as an Audiologist at your first assignment.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.

Post-Service Opportunities

It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

Education Opportunities

The Navy offers generous scholarships, financial assistance and continuing education programs. You can finish your education with little or no debt, and learn to lead others, further distinguishing your career, enhancing your credentials and expanding the boundaries of your expertise. Plus, if you’re a student or resident, you can concentrate on your education or training, with no military/training obligation until after your program is completed.

Students

The Navy may pay for your medical education. You don’t need to attend a military medical school. Attend a school of your choice and you may emerge debt-free. With the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), you may receive 100% tuition coverage during medical school, plus a monthly stipend, reimbursement of expenses and up to $20,000 sign-on bonus. Or, with the Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP), you may receive from $157,000 to $269,000 while attending medical school. This includes a monthly military salary, a housing allowance, and a comprehensive health care benefits package.

Residents

Residents may get supplemental income in medical residency through the Navy Financial Assistance Program (FAP), which may offer you $275,000 or more during your medical residency, including an annual $45,000 grant, a monthly stipend and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.

Practicing Audiologists

Through the Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP), you may be eligible to receive financial assistance to pay down the cost of your graduate education.

All offers have many variables. To get details and find out which offer would benefit you most, request a medical recruiter contact you.

Qualifications & Requirements

A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. You must also attend Officer Training. There may be exceptions to the degree requirements based on extensive service experience. Additional qualifications include:

• Be a U.S. citizen currently practicing in the U.S.
• Master’s degree in Audiology or Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree
• State licensure
• Board certification through either the American Board of Audiology (ABA) or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Be willing to serve a minimum of three years of Active Duty
• Be between the ages of 18 and 41
• Be in good physical condition and pass a full medical examination

You may also be expected to meet certain preferred requirements:

• Interest in clinical, industrial (occupational) or educational audiology
• Ability to work with a diverse population in a variety of medical settings

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you've served before or whether you've never served before.