Speech And Language Therapy Assistant

Typical Salary

£18,005 To £24,157

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Speech And Language Therapy Assistant

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

You could do a college course to get into this job. Relevant subjects include:

Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for Health and Social Care
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can do an advanced apprenticeship as a senior healthcare support worker.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a healthcare assistant and move into speech and language therapy work, through further training and promotion.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some of the relevant skills and experience needed for this role.

There are no set requirements but you'll usually need good literacy and numeracy skills, some employers may ask for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.

You may also need a qualification in healthcare or health and social care.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

sensitivity and understanding
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be flexible and open to change
knowledge of psychology
the ability to work well with others
knowledge of English language
the ability to use your initiative
customer service skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In this role, you could:

work with the therapist
work with clients on a one-to-one basis
run group work and activities
provide advice on cultural and language differences (if you’re a bilingual co-worker)
support clients with any personal needs, for example, mobility issues
prepare therapy rooms and equipment

Working Environment

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Employers look for relevant work experience so it would be an advantage if you have worked or volunteered in a health or social care role.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice. Do-it also has more information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapy assistant from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks

For bilingual co-worker jobs it will be essential to have the ability to speak a second community-based language.