Speech and language therapists diagnose and treat disorders of speech, voice and language, and problems with swallowing or feeding. If a total cure is not possible, therapists can assist people to overcome or minimise the difficulties associated with these conditions and provide them with support.

Therapists spend much of their time working with children, although people of all ages can be treated. Speech and language therapists often work with clients who have:

• learning difficulties or special educational needs
• speech problems caused by injury
• difficulties due to a medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease or a stroke
• physical disabilities, or problems associated with having a cleft palate and lip.

Speech and language therapists usually see clients on a one-to-one basis but may sometimes make use of group sessions. At the first meeting with a client they assess the problem, observing and making use of a range of tests. When working with children they often begin by observing the child at play with friends or parents and assessing their use of language.

When the assessment has been made, speech and language therapists plan a treatment programme which may be carried out over a long period of time. They may devise exercises to help reduce a stammer, or help a patient recovering from a stroke re-learn how to form sounds. They also advise parents on ways they can help their children by creating home programmes to be carried out for a short time each day.

Speech and language therapists form part of a professional team and as such spend part of their working time attending case conferences with doctors, psychologists, teachers and social workers. They keep detailed records of clients’ progress.

Hours and Environment

Speech and language therapists usually work around 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Part-time work and job sharing are often available.

Speech and language therapists are often based in a hospital’s therapy department where they run patient clinics. They can also visit patients recovering from operations on hospital wards. Many speech and language therapists combine hospital and community work, which can mean they spend part of their day travelling.

Therapists also see clients at health centres, community health clinics, day nurseries, mainstream schools, special schools, day centres, adult training centres, child development centres and sometimes in prisons. Some make home visits to clients. Others work in research or as lecturers in universities.

Skills and Interests

As a speech and language therapist, you will need:

• to relate well to patients of all ages
• knowledge of and an interest in science
• to be adaptable, able to work with children and other professionals
• to be creative - when working with children, treatment often takes the form of a game
• good powers of observation
• sensitivity and understanding
• powers of persuasion - able to encourage clients to continue with an exercise
• the ability to work on your own initiative, and as part of a team
• budgetary and resource management skills if working in a senior position.

Entry

To qualify as a speech and language therapist you need to complete a three or four year full-time degree course in speech and language therapy, or human communication, approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). With this qualification you can practise in the NHS and join the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). 

For details of entry requirements for a degree course, please check with relevant colleges or universities.

Before applying for a place on a degree you should try to arrange work shadowing or work experience with a qualified speech therapist, and to observe work with different clients.

Graduates with a degree in another discipline, such as a science or language-based subject, may be eligible for an accelerated postgraduate course in speech and language therapy. On completion you are able to practise in the NHS and join the RCSLT.

A list of institutions offering approved speech and language therapy courses, and their individual requirements, is available from the RCSLT and HPC websites.

Training

Approved degree and postgraduate courses combine theory and clinical practice in speech and language therapy departments.

Academic subjects studied on the degree course include:

• anatomy
• client assessment
• audiology
• child development
• educational studies
• orthodontics
• neurology
• phonetics and linguistics
• physiology
• plastic surgery
• psychology
• psycholinguistics
• special needs and speech pathology.

You will also study psychiatry, sociology and statistics.

NHS funding may be available to help with fees and the cost of living.

The RCSLT has details of post-registration courses which may help qualified therapists specialise further in a particular area of speech and language therapy. Courses include postgraduate certificate, diploma and Masters qualifications in, for example, Dysphagia (eating, drinking and swallowing disorders), Language and Communication Impairment in Children, or Cleft Palate Studies.

Opportunities

Most therapists are employed in the NHS, and although based in a speech and language therapy department or clinic, are responsible for work in a particular geographic area. Other posts exist in private hospitals and clinics, in some special schools and with charitable and voluntary organisations.

Some speech and language therapists are self-employed in private practice. Experienced speech and language therapists, particularly those who have obtained further qualifications, may move into teaching and research. There are good prospects of promotion in clinical and management fields.

The NHS has a clearly defined career and promotion structure. Promotion prospects depend on an individual’s willingness to accept increased responsibility and to move from one area to another as suitable vacancies arise.

Opportunities to work overseas exist in English speaking countries.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Newly qualified speech and language therapists earn between £19,000 and £24,000 a year.
Experienced therapists can expect to earn around £31,300.
Consultants or department head, can earn up to £68,500.

Further information

2 White Hart Yard
London
SE1 1NX
Tel: 020 7378 1200 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866