Speech and language therapy assistant

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• become a team leader and supervise other therapy assistants
• train to become an assistant practitioner
• study to qualify as a speech and language therapist

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of psychology
• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You'll need to be able to speak a second language that is spoken in the community to work as a bilingual speech and language therapy assistant.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Psychology - Speech and language therapy assistants need to understand how people learn, develop, and process language. Knowledge of psychology helps them recognise why a client might be struggling with communication and how to support them using appropriate techniques.
• Biology - Speech and language therapy assistants work with people who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking, or swallowing – all of which involve understanding how the body works. Knowledge of anatomy, particularly the brain, mouth, throat, and respiratory system, helps them understand the physical basis of these difficulties.
• English Language - Speech and language therapy assistants work directly with how people use language – from forming sounds and words to understanding meaning and grammar. A strong grasp of how language is structured and how it develops helps them support clients in building their communication skills.

Also relevant

• Sociology - Speech and language therapy assistants work with people from diverse backgrounds and need to understand how social factors like culture, family, and community affect communication. This awareness helps them adapt their approach and provide sensitive, effective support.
• Modern Foreign Languages - Speech and language therapy assistants who speak a second language can work as bilingual assistants, advising on cultural and language differences. Understanding how different languages work also builds awareness of the challenges faced by multilingual clients.
• Physical Education - Speech and language therapy assistants sometimes use physical activities and movement-based exercises in group sessions, particularly when working with children. Understanding coordination, motor skills, and how physical development links to communication can be helpful in this role.
• Drama - Speech and language therapy assistants often use role play, storytelling, and interactive activities to help clients practise communication in a safe setting. Skills in voice projection, expression, and building confidence through performance-based techniques are genuinely useful in therapy sessions.
• Music - Speech and language therapy assistants may use rhythm, singing, and musical activities to support clients with speech and language development. Music-based approaches can help with pronunciation, fluency, and building confidence in communication, especially with younger clients.