Reston, VA (PRWEB) November 24, 2014

The American Board of Audiology® (ABA) is pleased to announce that six audiologists recently earned national certification by successfully passing its Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC®) exam.

The new PASC holders are:

Anne Davis Dare, AuD, of Chesapeake, VA;

Nicole Duncan, AuD, of Bangor, ME;

Kristin Gravel, AuD, of Minneapolis, MN;

Tricia Nechodom, AuD, of Minot, ND;

Eileen Rall, AuD, of Philadelphia, PA; and

Thomas Wardzala, AuD, of Palos Hills, IL

They join an elite group of audiologist who hold the PASC credential, which recognizes audiologists who have acquired specialized knowledge in the field, met eligibility requirements, and successfully completed a rigorous written exam developed and administered by the ABA, according to Mindy K. Brudereck, AuD, Board Certified in Audiology®, and chair of the ABA Board of Governors.

“These audiologists now can display the ABA PASC mark to show their patients and peers that they hold the required education, expertise, and dedication to staying current in the field of pediatric audiology that the ABA requires of holders to earn this prestigious credential,” said Dr. Brudereck. “We are pleased to welcome doctors Dare, Duncan, Gravel, Nechodom, Rall, and Wardzala to the network of audiologists who hold advanced ABA credentials.”

The PASC testifies to an audiologist’s thorough understanding of what it takes to practice in pediatric audiology today and demonstrates to colleagues, other health-care providers, patients, and employers that he or she has acquired a high level of knowledge in the field of pediatric audiology and are the best option for treating children with audio-vestibular disorders and hearing loss.

To earn the PASC credential, candidates must meet minimum pediatric audiology professional experience requirements and provide evidence of a graduate degree in audiology. Successful applicants must then pass a challenging examination that covers seven pediatric audiology knowledge domains: Laws and Regulations, Hearing and Hearing Loss, Child Development, Screening and Assessment Procedures, Counseling, Communication Enhancement Technology, and Habilitation/Rehabilitation Strategies. Once an audiologist successfully passes the PASC exam, he or she must renew the certification every three years through 60 hours of continuing education, 30 of which must be specific to pediatric audiology.

The ABA will offer subsequent examinations in pediatric audiology, as well as cochlear implants, on the following dates:

March 29, 2015 – San Antonio, TX (applications due Jan. 29, 2015; late registration February 28)

October 3, 2015 – Location TBD

April 17, 2016 – Phoenix, AZ

October 15, 2016 – Cook Childrens Medical Center, Fort Worth Texas

For more information regarding the PASC, ABA Board Certified in Audiology, the Cochlear Implant Specialty Certification (CISC), or the American Board of Audiology, visit http://www.boardofaudiology.org or call the ABA at 1-800-881-5410.

About the American Board of Audiology® (ABA)

An autonomous national credentialing organization, the ABA is dedicated to enhancing audiological services to the public by promulgating universally recognized standards in professional practice. The ABA encourages audiologists to exceed these prescribed standards, thereby promoting a high level of professional development and ethical practice.