Site:
Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (NW Arkansas/SW Missouri)

Location:
1100 N College St.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
United States

Description:
VHSO main campus is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Audiology services of VHSO spans two states, Arkansas and Missouri. The externs will be based either at Fayetteville (AR) or Springfield (MO) with possible travel to other locations.

NW Arkansas and SW Missouri are located in the Ozarks. This area is an incredible geographical landscape to live in, with not only the amenities of an urban-like environment but also a rural charm and the ability to access outdoor activities in our abundant lakes, parks, walking/hiking trails, and beautiful clear rivers. Fayetteville is the number one destination for mountain biking. Springfield is home to the original Bass Pro and a world class aquarium. This region also boasts 4 distinct seasons.

Number of externship positions:
2

Funding is assigned by the Office of Academic Affairs and may not have been determined by the application deadline. OAA funding is announced nationally at the same time which should allow sites to know funding at approximately the same time. Historically, our site: has been awarded 2 funded externships for 2025-2026. These positions not only are paid, but also commonly have generous benefits including vacation time, sick leave, paid federal holidays, health benefits, and will count toward federal time in service for future employment.

Clinical opportunities provided during the externship:

• Audiologic evaluation
• Immittance measures
• Otoacoustic emissions
• Hearing aid selection
• Hearing aid fitting
• Assistive listening devices
• Vestibular evaluation
• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Electrophysiology evaluation
• Tinnitus management
• Cochlear Implant evaluation
• Cochlear Implant management
• Auditory Processing evaluation
• Auditory Processing management
• Cerumen Management
• Telehealth program

Externship site expects the extern to have mastered these skills before they begin their clinical externship:
Basic audiometric evaluation including immittance testing and masking techniques. Basic hearing aid fitting techniques, real ear measurement.

Externship site expects the extern to learn/demonstrate these skills during their clinical externship:
Vestibular evaluations including rotary chair, posturography, VEMPs in addition to VNG.
Cochlear implant evaluation, activation, and follow-up
Advanced hearing aid programming skills and troubleshooting techniques
Cerumen management
Auditory processing evaluation and management

Number of audiologists at site:
12

Number of staff at site:
7

Audiologists holding CCC-A certification:
4

What level of supervision is provided:
100%

Number of patients seen per year:
14,000

How many students per year both interns and externs:
4

Continuing Education opportunities:
Onsite manufacturer updates, opportunity to travel to manufacturer trainings, regional and national conferences.

Travel to satellites required?:
Yes, transportation provided

Are there interdisciplinary opportunities? If so what:
Collaboration with SLPs as well as other rehab disciplines.

Are there research opportunities? If so what?:
No

Do you have a consortium or collaborative arrangements with other sites that provides additional experience?
No

What communication or other support do you expect or require from university during externship?
Clear and timely. Clear grading deadlines and tools.

Site’s application requirements:
Cover letter
Resume or CV
3 letters of reference
UG and Graduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)

Steps for the student/university to follow the application process:
Send all documentation in one email to rose.white2@va.gov by close of business on September 18th, 2024. Letters of reference are okay to be sent separately.

Site’s application deadline:
Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Site’s externship contact:
Rose White, Au.D.,  rose.white2@va.gov

Anticipated decision date:
Friday, October 25, 2024