ATSU’s Doctor of Audiology program provides students with opportunities to learn, and for self-care

ATSU's Doctor of Audiology program provides students with opportunities to learn, and for self-care

Pursuing a Doctor of Audiology degree isn't an easy task. It takes a level of commitment and aptitude not shared by all.

There are some things a program can do, however, to help their students, and that's something that attracted A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Audiology program student Jenna Skare, '27, to the University's Mesa, Arizona, campus.

"I enjoy the schedule that we have. We always have one day off per week," she said. "This allows us to catch up on studying or to take care of personal needs. This schedule encourages me to take care of myself and give myself breaks when needed."

Skare is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has degrees in speech-language-hearing sciences and integrative neuroscience from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. At ATSU, she found a school offering emerging technologies to students, while focusing on clinical education and providing opportunities to work with patients during the first semester on campus.

"I'm not sure what setting I would like to work in professionally, but I hope to be successful in whatever setting I choose," she said. "The faculty members are helping to prepare me for my career by providing different clinical experiences to me in different settings that I'm interested in."

Skare serves as fundraising co-chair for the Student Academy of Audiology and as an ATSU student ambassador.

"I joined the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) because it is a great way to connect with the other cohorts within the program. SAA puts on several events each year to benefit other students at ATSU, as well as the local Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing population. These events include E.A.R. Day and the earmold fundraiser.

"I became an ambassador because I want to be able to share my experience with applicants in hopes that it will give them clarity in what they want in an educational program. I enjoy giving tours and answering any questions that applicants have. It is gratifying to get to be a friendly face for them while going through an otherwise stressful situation."