Speech Therapist
Further Information

What is the work like?
Speech and language therapists are specialists in communication disorders. They assess, diagnose and treat people with speech, language and communication problems. The aim of speech and language therapy is to help people communicate to the best of their ability.
Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups. Approximately 60 per cent of them are children.
Speech and language therapists assess and treat people who have:

• difficulty with making the sounds of speech
• difficulty using or understanding language
• a stammer
• a voice problem
• feeding or swallowing difficulties.

These problems may be due to:

• learning disabilities
• physical disabilities
• mental health problems
• a stroke
• conditions that can lead to loss of functions, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or dementia
• throat cancer
• head injury
• hearing loss and deafness
• cleft palate.

Whatever the barriers to communication, the therapist's role is to find ways of overcoming them - enabling clients to live fuller lives and improve on the way in which they connect with others.
The role often involves working with those who are closest to the client, such as parents, carers or partners. Their support is important for the client's progress. The therapist's coaching ensures they are equipped to provide it.
Speech and language therapists must be able to work independently in drawing up the best programme for each individual. To ensure clients' overall needs are met, they also have to liaise with a wide range of other professionals from the health, education and social care sectors, such as doctors, teachers, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists and health visitors. They may have support from a speech and language therapy assistant.
Newly-qualified speech and language therapists in the NHS earn between £16,828 and £19,684.

Hours and environment

Speech and language therapists generally work 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Part-time work is often available.
Work locations for speech and language therapists are varied. They include community health clinics, hospitals (inpatients and outpatients), schools, day centres and clients' homes. Some travelling can be involved, particularly in rural areas, so a driving licence is useful.
Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
The starting salary for newly-qualified speech and language therapists is £16,828 to £19,684 a year.
An experienced therapist can expect to earn between £20,000 and £30,000.
Senior specialist therapists and those with management responsibilities can earn between £30,000 and £40,000.
A consultant therapist in charge of an entire service can earn up to £66,396.
In London, therapists receive extra allowances.

Skills and personal qualities

Speech and language therapists need to be:

• skilled at listening and communicating
• able to relate to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
• good at negotiating with others
• good at exploring problems, and finding creative ways to solve them
• sensitive and responsive
• good at inspiring people to change the way they do things
• adept at managing their own work, while also working as part of a team.

Interests

It is useful to have a broad interest in each of the four fields spanned by speech and language therapy:

• science
• medicine
• psychology
• education.

Getting in

Most speech and language therapists are employed in the NHS. Others work within education services or charities, and a few practise independently.
Demand for qualified and registered therapists is high.
Speech and language therapy assistants work under the direction of qualified therapists. This can give a useful insight into the therapist's work and can help with an application for therapy training. Assistants can work with all client groups. Duties can include:

• routine work with clients on a one-to-one basis
• assisting in group therapy sessions
• preparing rooms and equipment, and looking after equipment
• receiving clients, and giving them any necessary personal help, eg with mobility
• clerical and administrative work.

Entry for young people

Training involves a three or four-year first degree course, accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health Professions Council. This is currently offered at 15 universities across the UK.
The minimum entry requirements are usually two A Level passes/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). However, competition for places is strong and most courses require three A Levels/four H grades.
There may be specific subject requirements, and the following qualifications are often preferred:
GCSEs/S grades in English language, a modern foreign language, maths and science
A Levels in English language, biology or psychology.
Alternative qualifications include an Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) in a science-related subject or health and social care, or a BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies (with merit or distinction).
Those with a relevant first degree can apply for a postgraduate course. Entry requirements can vary.

Entry for adults

Adults are welcome to train as speech and language therapists. They must take the same accredited degree course.
Universities may relax their normal entry requirements for people over 21 years old, although evidence of recent academic study is generally expected. Adults can take a recognised Access science-based course to qualify for university courses.

Training

The approved three or four-year degree course combines academic study and workplace training.
Study topics include speech and language sciences, behavioural sciences and biomedical sciences. The course is designed to give students an understanding of:

• how speech and language normally develop from birth to old age
• communication disorders, and how they are diagnosed and treated
• the professional issues faced by practitioners
• research methods and how to apply them.

The practical element of courses is very important. It usually combines weekly clinical placements with periods of longer placements. These may take place in a variety of settings, such as schools, NHS hospitals or community health clinics. They are designed to develop skills in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders.
On graduation, students must register with the Health Professions Council to be able to practise. Registration requires continuing professional development, which may include research and further study.
New entrants work under supervision for their first year and usually gain experience in several settings. They normally start with a general caseload, working with both adults and children and covering a range of conditions.

Getting on

Most therapists start to seek more senior positions after around two years' experience. Many go on to specialise in working with specific client groups or types of clinical work. There are good promotion prospects for therapists who want to move into management, research or teaching roles.

Related jobs

Counsellor
Hearing Therapist
Music Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist Support Worker
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Special Educational Needs Teacher

Further information

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), 2 White Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX. 020 7378 1200. Website: www.rcslt.org
The Health Professions Council (HPU), Park House, 184 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BU. 020 7582 0866. Website: www.hpc-uk.org
England: NHS Careers, PO Box 2311, Bristol BS2 2ZX. 0845 6060 655. Website: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

Further reading

A career in speech and language therapy - RCSLT
Working in healthcare - Connexions