Overview
Audiologists diagnose, evaluate and treat individuals with peripheral and central hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems. Speech-language pathologists diagnose, assess and treat human communication disorders including speech, fluency, language, voice and swallowing disorders. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are employed in hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care facilities, day clinics, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions, or may work in private practice. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Audiologists
Develop and administer audiometric tests and examinations using specialized instruments and electronic equipment to diagnose and evaluate the degree and type of patients' hearing impairment
Plan and implement habilitation/rehabilitation programs for patients, including selection, fitting and adjustment of amplification devices, such as hearing aids, balance retraining exercises, and teaching speech (lip) reading
Educate and counsel patients and families regarding the nature, extent, impact and implications of hearing loss and treatment
Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
Conduct research related to hearing and hearing disorders
May instruct and supervise audiometric technicians, students and other health care personnel.
Speech-language pathologists
Administer tests and examinations and observe patients to diagnose and evaluate speech, voice, resonance, language, fluency, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders
Develop, plan and implement remedial programs to correct speech, voice, language, fluency, resonance, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders
Establish group and personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
Educate and counsel patients and families regarding communication and swallowing disorders
Conduct research on speech and other communication disorders and on the development and design of diagnostic procedures and devices
May instruct and supervise communicative disorders assistants, students and other health care personnel.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$81,464
$90,724
$135,564
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
362expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Audiologists require a master's degree in audiology.
Speech-language pathologists require a master's degree in speech-language pathology.
Registration with a regulatory body is required for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
Additional information
Progression into management positions, such as chief audiologist or director of speech-language pathology, is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Audiologists and speech-language pathologists in B.C.
- Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Speech-Language Pathologists
- Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Audiologists
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Audiologists and speech-language pathologists in B.C.
- Membership with Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Speech-Language Pathologists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a speech-language pathologist in B.C., you must be registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved through graduation of a recognized education program, meeting the recency of practice/practice competency, and passing the entry-to-practice examination. Refer to the College's website for additional requirements.
Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Audiologists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an audiologist in B.C., you must be registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved through graduation of a recognized education program, meeting the recency of practice/practice competency, and passing the entry-to-practice examination. Refer to the College's website for additional requirements.
Membership with Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist in B.C., you may choose to become a member of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada. Eligibility is achieved through contacting the Speech-Language & Audiology Canada Membership Department.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.