Changing Seasons, Growing Careers

Even though summers are much warmer and winters are milder, in Minnesota the seasons continue to change—despite global warming. As much as I love summer and time on the lake, I do look forward to the cooler weather, and I enjoy preparing for winter. There’s the more physically challenging work of putting my gardens to bed, raking the leaves, putting antifreeze in the lawn tractor’s gas tank (yup, that’s a thing) and then there are the cozy tasks of putting pumpkins on the front porch, swapping out my light weight blanket for a down comforter and making sure the fireplace works for those cool mornings and chilly nights. Then I trade my shorts and windbreakers for down vests and jeans, double check my snow shoe straps, and I’m ready to hunker down!

I think careers have seasons as well. Just like antifreeze and a down comforter, the ABA credentials portfolio can help audiologists in every season of their career. For early career professionals the ABA Certified (ABAC) credential can help expedite state licensure and demonstrate to employers a dedication to professional excellence. Certificates in Educational Audiology (CH-EdAud) and Tinnitus Management (CH-TM) provide additional training for audiologists looking to expand their skill set. For mid-career professionals, specialty board certification in pediatric audiology (PASC) and vestibular audiology (VASC) as well as the audiology preceptor certificate (CH-AP) create opportunities to establish professional expertise as well as improve opportunities for compensation and advancement in rank. The new Leadership Excellence in Audiology Professionals series (LEAP) microcredential, in partnership with Tulane University, is designed for audiologists at all career stages to build practical, relevant leadership skills for clinical, academic, and private practice settings.

The latest ABA credential: General Audiology Board Certification (GABC) was created for all audiologists, regardless of practice setting. Like board certification in other health care professions, the GABC demonstrates expertise, advanced knowledge, and commitment to clinical best practices and exceptional patient outcomes. Early career professionals with the ABAC can apply with only 3 years of clinical experience. More seasoned audiologists are eligible with at least 5 years of experience. Established professionals are encouraged to consider the credential to create professional differentiation and improve career opportunities and compensation. 

As the song goes, to everything there is a season and October is the season for ABA welcomes and farewells. Vienet Sharpe, AuD, has rolled off the ABA Board after six years. Vienet has been instrumental in establishing the new BC-VA credential, and we thank her for her time, efforts, and expertise. The ABA welcomes two new board members, Emily McMahan, AuD, in Alaska and Liz Ramos Fernandez, AuD, in Georgia. We are excited to have new board members and look forward to working with you both!

In every season, the ABA is working to create credentials designed to improve your skills, deepen your expertise, and enhance career opportunities. Wherever you are in your career, I hope you’ll consider an ABA credential to help you prepare for your next season as an audiologist.   

Carrie Meyer, AuD
American Board of Audiology Certified