The Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium (NOAC) is a Doctor of Audiology(AuD) professional training program in Northeast Ohio. Professionals who have an AuD are considered audiologists, specialists who provides evaluation and treatment for hearing and balance impairments. NOAC is a collaborative program between the University of Akron,[1] Kent State University,[2] and Cleveland Clinic.[3] It is the largest AuD program in the US (as measured by student enrollment). NOAC is a nationally recognized graduate audiology program due to its unique collaborative nature. Students are given the opportunity to complete coursework at both Kent State University and the University of Akron campuses. Clinical experience is offered at both universities through in-house clinics, the Cleveland Clinic, or other off-site placements.
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The mission of NOAC is to provide Ohio with a pool of independent and competent professional audiologists. The consortium seeks to:
The NOAC AuD curriculum is a continuous 48-month post baccalaureate course of study. All students attend full-time and take courses in an ordered sequence. This program was created to successfully integrate classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
Students must meet the following degree requirements to complete graduation:
The Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
The NOAC program and faculty have been nationally recognized within the profession of audiology.[6] In 2006, NOAC was awarded the Excellence in Education Award by the Audiology Foundation of America. NOAC program coordinator Dr. Sharon Lesner and faculty member Dr. Kristina English have both received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Academy of Audiology. Clinical Coordinator Dr. Erin Miller was awarded the Honors of the Academy from the Ohio Academy of Audiology in 2008.
In addition to their teaching responsibilities, several NOAC faculty are actively engaged in research collection and publication. Many faculty members are also active in local, state, and national professional organizations.
Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium students have had a pass rate of 100% on the audiology Praxis exam since the first class in 2005. Also, 100% of NOAC graduates have been able to find employment in the profession post graudation.[7]