Speech and language therapy assistants work in a supporting role with registered speech and language therapists. Most assistants work for the NHS, education services and charities. They are normally part of a team and may work with a variety of client groups including:

• children
• adults with physical disabilities, mental health problems, or learning difficulties
• people recovering from medical conditions such as a stroke
• the elderly.

The role of an assistant includes:

• working with clients on a one-to-one basis
• liaising with the speech and language therapist on adjustments to a clients treatment programme
• group therapy activities
• preparing rooms and equipment
• assisting/supporting clients with any personal needs, for example, mobility issues
• administrative tasks.

Hours and Environment

Speech and language therapy assistants usually work 37.5 hours a week. Part-time work and job sharing may be available.

Speech and language therapy assistants work within hospitals, community health centres, assessment units, and mainstream and special schools.

Some travel may also be required if working at a number of different centres.

Skills and Interests

As a speech and language therapy assistant, you should:

• have a caring and understanding approach
• have an interest in communication disorders
• be able to work with people of all ages
• have a mature attitude to your work
• be able to work as part of a team
• be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Entry

There are no set academic requirements which must be met in order to work as a speech and language therapy assistant.

A variety of skills and qualifications from other areas may be useful, for example, experience of working with some of the different client groups mentioned in the Work section (children, the elderly etc). Qualifications in childcare, such as the CACHE Certificate/Diploma in Childcare and Education or equivalent may also be helpful.

Some employers may prefer applicants with a good general standard of education, perhaps four or five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3).

Knowledge of languages and cultures other than English, which reflect your communities demographic, will be helpful when applying for work in this field.

Training

Most of your training will take place on the job, however, it may be possible to support this with attendance on a part-time BTEC Professional Development Certificate for Speech and Language Therapy Assistants. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists hold further details of this course.

Many speech and language therapy assistants work towards achieving NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Health: Allied Health Profession Support (Speech and Language Therapy). This award is completed in the workplace. 

Support workers can gain recognition of their level of expertise by working towards a foundation degree in a subject such as health and social care, or assisting professional practice. On completion, there may be the potential to work as an assistant practitioner or go onto year two of a degree programme leading to registration as a speech and language therapist.

Opportunities

Most speech and language therapy assistants work in the NHS and there is usually strong competition for jobs. Experience and qualifications gained as an assistant will be valuable when seeking a place on a Speech Therapy degree, or a two-year postgraduate Master's programme for those who already have a degree in another subject.

For details on becoming a qualified therapist, please check the speech and language therapist job profile.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

An assistant can earn between £12,200 and £15,100 a year.
With experience and a relevant NVQ, earnings may rise to around £16,800.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk 2 White Hart Yard
London
SE1 1NX
Tel: 020 7378 1200 PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655