| Description EVALUATION OF PRACTICING AUDIOLOGISTS CAPABILITES (EPAC)
The Evaluation of Practicing Audiologists Capabilities (EPAC) is a scientifically valid and professionally developed practitioner qualifications analysis process. The EPAC documents in a prescribed configuration, the knowledge, skills, training, experience, and practice capabilities of an audiologist. The EPAC's profile scores may be used by an accredited educational institution to determine placement of the audiologist in an Au.D. degree program.
Credentialing Services, Inc. created the process and developed the application forms, and will collect and analyze completed applications. Experienced in statistical/psychometric consulting, Credentialing Services provides continuing education documentation and credentialing for other professions. Involvement of an independent and unbiased professional firm ensures that objective, valid, and reliable psychometric expertise is being applied to the EPAC review process.
EPAC evaluates ten academic/clinical content areas as defined in the model Au.D. curriculum. The areas are:
[1] Auditory and Vestibular Systems
[2] Diseases, Dysfunction and Other Abnormalities, Including Medical/Surgical Aspects
[3] Examination Procedures (Diagnostic Audiology)
[4] Audiological Rehabilitation (Total Patient Care)
[5] Audiological Counseling and Interpersonal Skills
[6] Professional, Business, Personnel and Leadership Skills
[7] Legal, Ethical, Legislative and Forensic Issues
[8] Prevention of Hearing Loss and Conservation of Hearing Capabilities
[9] Audiological Instrumentation and Electronics
[10] Audiological Science and Speech
The parameters for evaluating each of the ten content areas include:
[1] Formal Coursework
[2] Clinical Learning Experiences
[3] Practice Experience
[4] Continuing Education Credits
[5] Supervision and Mentoring
[6] Scholarship (teaching, research, etc.)
[7] Service (to the profession)
EPAC Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must possess:
1. A Masters or Doctoral degree in Audiology
2. State licensure in audiology (or an equivalent registration in states without licensure; Aud-C in Canada)
3. Four years post degree full-time experience in audiology (or part-time equivalent)
EPAC Procedure:
Each school using the EPAC sets its own score requirements based upon its standards. The completed applications will be submitted along with supporting documentation for the portfolio. (CEU certificates, diplomas, letters of recommendation, signatures, and fee). Analysts will work from profiles from each school to award points using the evaluation parameters for each of the content areas.
Once all necessary information has been obtained and reviewed, an applicant will receive his/her profile scores within six weeks. Incomplete applications (e.g. missing references or licenses) will slow the process. A copy is sent to the requested school(s). If required point levels are not reached, the applicant will be advised by the school faculty of areas where more capability or knowledge is needed. The applicant may seek to meet the school’s requirements in order to earn the Au.D. degree.
Why Should an Audiologist Apply for an Au.D degree program?
The use of the Au.D. designator identifies audiology as a doctoring profession and positions audiology for economic growth as it addresses reimbursement issues raised by managed care.
How Long Will This EPAC Option be Available?
The window of opportunity to apply for an EPAC assessment closes when the schools using EPAC decide to close the distance Au.D. program (bridge program) for practitioners.
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