Speech And Language Therapist

Typical Salary

£24,907 To £44,503

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Speech And Language Therapist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship

College / University

You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy that's approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You can do a speech and language therapist degree apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of English language
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent verbal communication skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

As part of your day-to-day tasks, you could:

talk to clients, observe them and use tests to assess specific difficulties
plan and develop therapy programmes
support clients through treatment
work closely with colleagues like doctors and teachers
coach parents and carers to continue their therapy at home
keep detailed progress records
work with groups or individuals to improve the way they communicate

Working Environment

You could work at a school, in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, in a nursery or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could specialise in areas like:

With further training, you could move into teaching and research. You could also become self-employed.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapist from:

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks

For some roles you'll need to visit clients in their homes, so you'll need a driving licence.