Student life adds to experience for ATSU-ASHS Doctor of Audiology program student
Posted: June 2, 2025
Obtaining an advanced degree in health sciences isn’t easy, regardless of the field. The atmosphere on campus can make a world of difference, something A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Audiology program student Ariana Bashar, ’28, has found with ATSU in Mesa, Arizona.
“In terms of student life, I like how there are different events from different student organizations,” she said. “There are also bigger events, such as the Diversity Festival or Spring Expo, that bring students from different programs together. It’s also a nice break from the workload.”
Bashar is from Chandler, Arizona, and graduated from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with a major in biological sciences (neurobiology) and minor in psychology. When she began looking for an audiology program she found a lot to like at ATSU.
“I liked the small cohort size and the support given by the faculty even before starting the program. Some things that particularly stood out to me was that the program does not require a specific undergraduate degree to be accepted, as well the early start on clinical rotations in diverse and underserved areas. I also liked that the campus is located close to home, so I can spend time with my parents,” she said.
In her free time, Bashar enjoys playing and teaching piano and exploring coffee shops around the valley. On campus, Bashar is a member of the Student Academy of Audiology and a student ambassador.
“I know how intimidating it is to choose the right graduate program,” she said. “I became a student ambassador to help incoming and prospective students navigate their choices and make it easier for them to come to difficult decisions. As a student ambassador, I am able to give information about the nature of the audiology program and my experience at ATSU so far.”
For her, personally, the program is setting Bashar up for success.
“This program provides ample clinical experiences and hands-on learning from the first year,” she said. “I hope that from these diverse experiences, I can become a culturally competent audiologist in the future.”