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Speech and language therapist
This page describes the role of a speech and language therapist, including information on entry requirements and training programmes.
Working as a speech and language therapist
The role of a speech and language therapist (SLT) is to assess and treat speech, language and communication problems in people of all ages to enable them to communicate to the best of their ability. They may also work with people who have eating and swallowing problems.Using specialised skills you will work directly with the client and provide support to them and their carers.
As a speech and language therapist you will also work closely with teachers and health professionals including doctors, nurses and psychologists.
SLTs assist children and adults who have the following types of problems:
- difficulty producing and using speech
- difficulty understanding language
- difficulty using language
- difficulty with feeding, chewing or swallowing
- a stammer
- a voice problem
- stroke
- learning disability
- physical disability
- neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
- cancer of the mouth and throat
- head injury
- hearing loss and deafness
- cleft palate
- dementia
- psychiatric disorders
- hospitals (both inpatients and outpatients)
- community health centres
- mainstream and special schools
- assessment units and day centres
- clients homes
- around 2.5 million people in the UK have a speech or language difficulty.
- 5% of children enter school with difficulties in speech and language.
- 30% of stroke sufferers have a persisting speech and language disorder.
Entry requirements:
You will need five GCSEs, or equivalent, and in theory, a minimum of two A levels, although in reality most courses ask for three A levels, or equivalent. You will need high grades. Some courses require the passes to be in specific subjects. Alternatives to A levels are also considered, such as an approved Access course, VCE and Scottish qualifications. It is essential to check the entry requirements of the university/universities to which you wish to apply.Training programmes:
Training consists of a three or four-year degree course accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Graduates then receive the certificate to practice needed to work as a speech and language therapist in the NHS. If you have an appropriate first degree, you can also qualify by taking a two-year postgraduate qualification.Applying for a degree in speech and language therapy
Applications for degree programmes are administered by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).Career prospects:
Most newly qualified speech and language therapists work with a general caseload for at least a year, usually both adults and children. You may then choose a particular group of clients or type of clinical work in which to specialise. Or you might want to move into research, teaching or management.Financial support for students on speech and language therapy courses
For information about financial support whilst taking a course in speech and language therapy, please click here.Working as a speech and language therapy assistant or a bi-lingual co-worker
There are opportunities to work as an assistant within speech and language therapy. Please click here for further information.Staff working in a support role at a more advanced level may be known as an assistant practitioner.
Job vacancies
Once you have completed a pre-registration programme in speech and language therapy and have registered with the health professions council, you will normally be in a position to apply for jobs.Job vacancies for speech and language therapists and speech and language therapy assistants are advertised in a range of places. Most trusts will advertise their vacancies on the NHS Jobs websites (www.jobs.nhs.uk). Some will also advertise in trade journals and on trust websites.
For a list of trusts, please visit the NHS Jobs website, http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/cgi-bin/employer_list.cgi
For further information contact:
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
2 White Hart Yard
London
SE1 1NX
Tel: 020 7378 1200
Fax: 020 7403 7254
Email: info@rcslt.org.uk
Website: www.rcslt.org.uk
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