Speech and language therapist
Speech and language therapists help people with speaking and communication problems and those with eating and swallowing difficulties.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a speech and language therapist, you could:
- observe and test patients to assess specific difficulties
- plan and develop therapy programmes
- help patients regain communication after brain injuries or a stroke
- support children and adults with eating or swallowing problems
- work with children with language delays or disorders
Working environment
You could work at a school, in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, in a nursery or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could specialise in working with:
- children with special educational needs
- people who have eating, drinking and swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
After further training, you could move into teaching and research. You could also become self-employed and run your own business.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of English language
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of psychology
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
For some roles you'll need to visit clients in their homes, so you'll need a driving licence.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
If you've got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.
You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You may be able to do a Speech and Language Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.
If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to get a master's qualification as part of the apprenticeship.
If you are working as a speech and language therapy assistant you might be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for degree courses and apprenticeships.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapist from:
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.