Speech and language therapist
Speech and language therapists help people with speaking and communication problems and those with eating and swallowing difficulties.
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£57,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
How to become a speech and language therapist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
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
Apprenticeship
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
Volunteering
Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
For some roles you'll need to visit clients in their homes, so you'll need a driving licence.
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.
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Guides for this industry
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