Thank you for your interest in the 4^th year Audiology Externship Program at the Hearing & Balance Center, University of Colorado Hospital (UCHealth)!

We have a busy Audiology practice seeing a wide variety of patients ranging in age from newborn to 100+. We currently have 16 audiologists on staff, most of whom practice on the Anschutz Medical campus in Aurora. We have satellite clinics in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch (South of Denver), Cherry Creek, Longmont, and in Boulder (west of Denver).  The majority of our patient load is adults; however, we do see a good number of pediatric patients. We provide full spectrum of audiological services including adult/pediatric diagnostic testing, adult/pediatric amplification, adult/pediatric vestibular function assessment, tinnitus assessment/management, adult/pediatric cochlear implants, bone conduction hearing aids, and newborn hearing screening and follow-up. We have 4 neurotologists on staff and also work collaboratively with the ENT clinic adjacent to our own.

Most externs begin their placement in June, depending on their academic schedules. Externs typically work 4/10 hour days with a day off during the week. We can take up to three externs. Our 4th year placement is designed to provide a well-rounded clinical experience in all aspects of audiology including adult diagnostics and amplification, tinnitus consultations, pediatric diagnostics and amplification, adult and pediatric cochlear implants and adult and pediatric vestibular evaluations. From day one, externs will be rotating through all of these specialties. Externs are always paired with an audiologist; however, the amount of supervision will depend on the extern’s level of independence and the type of visit.  Medicare requires that all externs are supervised 100% of the entire visit regardless of skill level/independence.

On the first Thursday of every month, we have 4th Year Grand Rounds. Externs present case studies based on the clinical experiences/patients they have seen during their rotations. We also offer a number of outreach programs to the community including a monthly Saturday clinic and Adult Aural Rehab classes throughout the year.  Externs are encouraged to attend (and even present at!) local and national Audiology conferences.  We also have numerous amplification and cochlear implant in-services throughout the year. 

We are looking for highly motivated students who are excited about learning.  Before beginning their 4^th year rotation, externs will need a solid foundation of adult diagnostics (especially masking and tympanometry/acoustic reflex testing) and an good understanding of hearing aid technology.  The best fit for this type of placement is an extern who wants to gain experience in all areas of audiology and who is open to working with a variety of preceptors. We do not specifically offer just a pediatric focus or just a cochlear implant focus, etc. Rather, externs will have exposure and gain experience in all areas.  That being said, toward the end of the 4^th year, externs will naturally find their own specific “niche” (i.e., adult diagnostics/amplification, pediatrics, cochlear implants, vestibular).  Also, around this time, externs begin to apply for audiology positions in these areas.  Because of this, for the last couple months of the externship, we typically tailor the extern’s schedule to help make for a smooth transition into the audiology workforce.

Unfortunately, at this time, we do not offer compensation/stipend for the 4th year rotation. However, the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has an audiology endowment award ($4000). This award requires a diversity initiative to be carried out. Accepted UCH externs are eligible to apply for this award.

 
Application deadline is September 22^nd, 2024.  Please email the following to Audiology@uchealth.org:

• Letter of Intent
• Resume
• Graduate Transcripts (official or unofficial)
• 3 Letters of Recommendations

 If you are interested in speaking with our current 4^th year externs and hear about their experiences, please mention so in your email correspondence.  Our externs are always happy to chat with potential students.

Thank You! We look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you better.