Academic Catalog

Advanced Studies Certificate Programs

The Advanced Studies certificate programs are designed to expand the knowledge, improve the clinical skills, and promote general expertise in the delivery of audiology services.

The courses of study will bring the professional up to date on the state of the science in diagnosis and treatment of specific auditory disorders.  They consist of six to eight graduate-level courses that require nine to twelve months of study. To support international participation, course delivery is wholly online in an asynchronous mode. Students who successfully complete the program receive graduate-level certificates in Advanced Studies from Salus University Osborne College of Audiology.

These programs are open to college degree holders (BS, MS, AuD, MD, PhD, etc.) of audiology or audiology-related professions in the United States and other countries. Current audiology clinical doctoral (AuD) students who are in the clinical externship phase of their program are also eligible to apply. A letter of support is required from the program director.

Students have the option to apply to enroll in the entire course of study, or to take individual courses as a non-matriculated student. Courses are taught in English

Admissions

The Osborne College of Audiology accepts applications to the Advanced Studies Certificate Programs online through the MySalus portal.

Applications to the Advanced Studies Certificate Programs are accepted on a rolling basis. Entrance into these programs occurs each Fall (August) or Spring (February), provided that a minimum number of 10 seats are filled. The Admissions Committee review and selection begins after applicants have sent all the necessary documents to the Office of Admissions.

Once the class is filled to capacity, applicants may be placed on a waiting list for the next start date. To receive priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply and complete the application requirements as soon as possible.

Criteria

To be considered an applicant must:

Complete the following two-step application process:

1. Submit an online application to the certificate track of your choice, along with the non-refundable application fee of $100 (USD). Within the application, you will be asked to do the following:

   Complete a Personal Goal Statement – Submit a brief (750 word maximum) goal statement, describing your professional background and interest in your advanced study of choice (Cochlear Implants, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, or Vestibular Sciences and Disorders). Please address the following questions within your response:

   Are you currently working in the field of cochlear implants, tinnitus and hyperacusis, or vestibular sciences and disorders (please focus on the field of advanced study to which you are applying)?

   If so, where and in what capacity? If not, what is motivating you to pursue advanced studies cochlear implants, tinnitus and hyperacusis, or vestibular sciences and disorders?

   What are your professional goals?

   How do you see the certificate program advancing your professional goals?

   If you are applying for the available Faculty Scholarship (see more details below), state so in the Personal Goal Statement and also provide a separate letter of support from your AuD program director.

   Arrange for two letters of evaluation to be submitted on your behalf by supplying the name and email address of two people who will provide the University with a reference. References will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and provided with an evaluation form.

   The references should be from persons familiar with the applicant's academic work, employment record, and/or personal characteristics and who not related to the applicant.

2. Submit the following documents to the Office of Admissions:

   Curriculum vitae or resume of work experience, along with a copy of license, registration, or the equivalent to practice audiology, if applicable. This may be emailed to admissions@salus.edu.

   Arrange for an official copy of transcripts indicating confirmation of a college degree (BS, MS, AuD, PhD, MD, etc.) from an accredited institution in audiology or an audiology-related profession (e.g. physicians, speech-language pathologists, or teachers of the hearing impaired who may be part of the interdisciplinary management team for cochlear implant candidates and recipients). Current audiology clinical doctoral (AuD) students who are in the clinical externship phase of their program are required to also submit a letter of support from the program director.

   Official transcripts must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions, not to the student. A transcript marked "issued to student" is not acceptable, even when delivered in a sealed envelope.

   An international student whose degree was completed outside of the U.S. will be required to submit a document-by-document credential review from a NACES recognized agency, which evidences all post-secondary studies completed.

   Recommended agencies include:

   World Education Services

   SpanTran

   Please consult agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation. An official evaluation must be sent from the agency directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.

   Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.

   A recommended score for the TOEFL iBT is 70 or above (or its equivalent if taking an approved alternate exam).

   While we recommend that applicants submit and hold at least the recommended minimum scores for TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria*:

   successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; or

   successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s program

   *Note: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion. Should any exceptions not be accepted toward the English language requirement, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant of an alternative to fulfill it.

   Entrance examinations are not a requirement for acceptance into these programs. However, if you have taken a test such as Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or ETS PRAXIS and would like to include them in your admissions file, your test results may be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

   All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.

Non - Degree Seeking Students

Refer to the Non-degree Seeking Student section in the catalog.

Admissions Selection Process

For more information regarding the admissions selection and matriculation process, along with Technical Computer requirements please refer to the Salus website.

Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants

The Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants program is designed to expand the knowledge, improve the clinical skills, and promote general expertise in the delivery of cochlear implant services.

Cochlear Implants Program

The Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants certificate program is ideal for the following:

Practicing professionals who have an audiology or audiology-related degree with an interest in cochlear implants, as the program of study is designed to expand their current level of experience in cochlear implants, while focusing on the core cochlear implant competencies;
Employees of cochlear implant companies who have an audiology or audiology-related degree and need a broader view of the sciences and clinical skills involved in provision of successful cochlear implant services; and
College faculty who have an audiology or audiology-related degree and who teach cochlear implant courses and desire additional and updated information.
The purpose of offering the Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants graduate certificate program from the Salus University Osborne College of Audiology is to fill the need that the advancing technology has created in the body of knowledge surrounding cochlear implants.  Most cochlear implant clinicians have completed an Introduction to Cochlear Implants class as part of their degree program, but have not been exposed to the depth of science underlying cochlear implants. 

All three cochlear implant manufacturers offer technical-training courses to those that use their products, but this process generally does not include the broad scientific knowledge base that is essential for clinicians to generalize the information and make evidence-based decisions based on scientific principles. This online program will offer both depth and breadth of instruction, emphasizing materials and methods to provide the framework for best practices in the provision of cochlear implant services.

The course of study will bring the professional up to date on the state of the science in cochlear implant technology and methods of treatment.  The outstanding faculty for the program, from both Canada and the USA, are experts in cochlear implant science, technology, and clinical protocols. 

The program is an 18-week, six-course, online course of study.  Students who complete the program will receive 9 semester (academic) credits and receive a graduate certificate in Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants from Salus University Osborne College of Audiology. 

This program is open to college degree holders (BS, MS, AuD, MD, PhD, etc.) of audiology or audiology-related professions in the United States and other countries.  Current audiology clinical doctoral (AuD) students who are in the clinical externship phase of their program are also eligible to apply. A letter of support is required from the program director.

Students have the option to apply to enroll in the entire course of study, or to take individual courses as a non-matriculated student.  With the limited enrollment for the program, certificate students will have priority in admissions over non-matriculated students. Courses are taught in English. 

Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants

CIM-5000Neuroscience of Cochlear Implantation

1.5

CIM-5001Behavioral Assessment Issues in Cochlear Implants

1.5

CIM-5002Programming Cochlear Implants

1.5

CIM-5003Objective Measures in CI

1.5

CIM-5004Aural (Re)habilitation for Cochlear Implant Recipients

1.5

CIM-5008Emerging Issues and Case Studies

1.5

Total Credit Hours: 9.0

Advanced Studies in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

The program will provide a framework for best practices in the assessment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

The 9.0 semester credit online Advanced Studies in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Certificate Program is designed to:

•   Provide specialized training to expand clinician’s knowledge of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hyperacusis (hypersensitivity to sound).

•   Enhance the skills and expertise necessary to obtain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the pathology and consequences of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

•   Bring the professional up to date on the contemporary evidence that provides scientific support for treatment decisions for those with tinnitus and hyperacusis.

This Advanced Studies Certificate Program is intended for those professionals who are currently working with, or expect to work with, this distinct population of patients, and who would like to augment their professional skills and earn credentials to advance their career in the specialized fields of tinnitus and hyperacusis. The comprehensive curriculum covers the following areas:

•   The Neuroscience of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis.

•   Assessment Techniques in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis.

•   Rehabilitation and Management of the Tinnitus Patient.

•   Clinical Models for the Management of the Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Patient.

•   A Critical Review of Research in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis.

•   Public Health and Professional Issues Linked to Tinnitus.

The program will provide a framework for best practices in the assessment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis. The program is composed of six courses, taught sequentially. Students will be required to complete and pass all six courses to earn the Graduate Certificate. This online program will offer both depth and breadth of instruction, emphasizing materials and methods to provide the framework for best clinical practices in the provision of tinnitus and hyperacusis services.

The comprehensive curriculum covers the neuroscience of tinnitus and hyperacusis, principles relating to tinnitus and hyperacusis assessment, detailed review of evidence-based rehabilitation and management issues, models and procedures to set up a specialized tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic, review of literature relating to controversies, pitfalls and prospects for progress relevant to tinnitus and hyperacusis and public health and medical issues in the management of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

Advanced Studies in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

THY-5000Neuroscience of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

1.5

THY-5001Assessment Techniques in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

1.5

THY-5002Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: Rehabilitation and Management

1.5

THY-5003Professional Issues: Setting Up a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic

1.5

THY-5004Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: Controversies, Pitfalls and Prospects for Progress

1.5

THY-5005Public Health and Medical Issues in the Management of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

1.5

Total Credit Hours: 9.0

Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders

The Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders certificate program is designed to expand the knowledge, improve the clinical skills, review current research trends and best practices based on current evidence and promote general expertise in the delivery of services in the area of Vestibular and Balance disorders.

Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders certificate program

The 9 semester credit online Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders (ASVSD) certificate program is designed to:

provide specialized training to expand clinician’s knowledge of vestibular and balance disorders,
enhance the skills and expertise necessary to obtain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of normal and abnormal vestibular function and consequences of  vestibular disorders, and
bring the professional up to date on the current best available evidence that provides scientific support for treatment decisions for those with vestibular and balance dysfunction.
This program is intended for those professionals currently working with, or who expect to be working with, the distinct population presenting with vestibular and balance disorders.  The course of study is specifically for those who would like to augment their professional skills and earn credentials to advance their career in the specialized field of vestibular sciences and disorders. The comprehensive curriculum covers the following areas:

Anatomy and Physiology of the Vestibular System
Pathologies of the Vestibular System
Basic Vestibular Diagnostics 
Advanced Vestibular Diagnostics
Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Therapy
Pediatric Vestibular Assessment and Treatment
The course of study will bring the professional up to date on the state of the science in Vestibular and Balance disorders, diagnosis of related disorders and methods of treatment.  The outstanding faculty for the program, from both Canada and the USA, are experts in Vestibular and Balance disorders and clinical protocols. 

The program is a six-course, 18-week, online course of study.  Students who complete the program will receive 9 semester (academic) credits and a graduate certificate in Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders from Salus University Osborne College of Audiology. The program of study will provide a framework for best practices in the concentration of Vestibular Sciences and Disorders (VSD) assessment and management.  Students will be required to complete and pass all six courses to earn the Advanced Studies Graduate Certificate.

This program is open to college degree holders (BS, MS, AuD, MD, PhD, etc.) of audiology or audiology-related professions in the United States and other countries. Current audiology clinical doctoral (AuD) students who are in the clinical externship phase of their program are also eligible to apply. A letter of support is required from the program director.

Students have the option to apply to enroll in the entire course of study, or to take individual courses as a non-matriculated student.  With the limited enrollment for the program, certificate students will have priority in admissions over non-certificate students. Courses are taught in English.  The Advanced Studies in Vestibular and Balance disorders program utilizes the Salus University Black Board portal to deliver web-based instruction to students.

Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders

VSD-5000Anatomy & Physiology Vestibular System

1.5

VSD-5001Pathologies of the Vestibular System

1.5

VSD-5002Basic Vestibular Diagnostics

1.5

VSD-5003Advanced Vestibular Diagnostics

1.5

VSD-5004Pediatric Vestibular Assessment

1.5

VSD-5005Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Therapy

1.5

Total Credit Hours: 9.0