How to become a Speech & Language Therapist – Key Basics

THE ROLE

Speech and language therapists (SLTS) work closely with infants, children and adults who have various levels of speech, language and communication problems. They may also specialise in other areas such as swallowing and eating problems. Therapists assess the clients’ needs before developing individual treatment programmes to enable each client to improve as much as possible. Treatment plans often involve those with whom the client has a close relationship, for example family, carers or teachers.

SLTs usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team along with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They may also liaise with professionals in education and the social services.

EMPLOYABILITY

Speech and language therapist have a very close relationship with their patients so having excellent personal communication skills is paramount. Other key attributes and skills of this role include:

The ability to deal with patients of all ages
Capable of self-managing your own workload
Team player ethos
Problem solving capabilities
High end English grammar and literacy skills
Numerate, Good use of information technology and resource management
Excellent case writing and organisational skills

CAREER ENTRY

Speech and language therapists are all graduates of a three or four-year degree course accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. To work in the NHS, graduates need a certificate to practice from the Royal College plus registration with the Healthcare Professions Council or HPC. It is possible with a relevant alternate first degree to also qualify for HPC registration by taking a two-year postgraduate qualification.

All UK universities accept applications that demonstrate a combination of GCSEs, AS/A levels and the equivalent such as NVQ’s and Access courses. All will require top grades, usually in science related subjects – the core subjects of medical and healthcare training.

EMPLOYERS & SALARIES

Speech and language therapists can work privately and for the NHS. They usually have a diverse range of clients which requires them to work in a variety of settings including community health centres, hospital wards and outpatient departments; mainstream and special schools; assessment units and day centre and in their clients home. Some now work in courtrooms, prisons and young offender’s institutions. Your place of work will depend on the group of clients or clinical work you choose to specialise in.