… Assistant, you can enter the field quickly with a hands-on role in service to patients. Pursuing a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) takes longer but allows you to … across healthcare settings, and a full-year externship. Training Pathways: How They Compare Audiology assistants usually complete a certificate and/or … patient partnerships, the AuD may offer the future you want. Many students find success by starting as assistants, learning the field, and then deciding on the …