ABA SOUNDING BOARD | Expanding Knowledge and Skills Through Certificate Training

By Meagan P. Lewis

This article is a part of the January/February 2017, Volume 29, Number 1, Audiology Today issue.

The American Board of Audiology (ABA) continues its expansion of services to meet the needs and requests of audiologists. Based on feedback obtained from the profession, the ABA Board of Governors had identified a purpose for targeted assessment-based certificate training for audiologists interested in bridging gaps in their education. Needs assessment surveys of audiologists further revealed the greatest demand for training as preceptors, and also focused training in specialty areas of clinical management. Within a few short years of idea conception for ABA certificate training programs, we completed the preceptor training program and have started our first clinical specialty-focused program. These programs have a strong foundation of high standards and involve a level of expert engagement and validation that is beyond reproach.

CH-AP™

In a previous article (September/October issue of Audiology Today), we discussed the successful 2016 launch of the Certificate Holder-Audiology Preceptor (CH-AP) Training Program. At the time of this writing, 64 audiologists have completed the CH-AP program in full and are now listed in the electronic National Registry of Audiology Preceptors. Achieving the CH-AP designation and being on the National Registry signifies to consumers, students, educators, and other stakeholders that the audiologist is well-trained in the critical role of preceptor. More audiologists are in the CH-AP pipeline, and we anticipate a rapid increase of the National Registry as more audiologists complete all four modules. The National Registry is an invaluable resource to students and educators seeking preeminent preceptors for clinical experiences.

CH-AP is a unique program. No other comprehensive preceptor training program exists for audiologists, let alone for many other health disciplines. The range of material covered in the ABA CH-AP Training Program prepares the individual for the multiple facets of the preceptor role: educator, mentor, coach, and role model. Being a highly competent clinician does not inherently translate to being a good preceptor; instead, any clinician who serve as a preceptor should secure additional training and orientation to the responsibilities of the preceptor.