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Speech and Language Therapist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) work with people of all ages who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking, and swallowing. They assess, diagnose, and provide treatment tailored to individual needs. SLTs often work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and the community, supporting people who may have conditions such as speech disorders, stammering, voice problems, learning difficulties, or following strokes and brain injuries. This role involves working closely with families, teachers, doctors, and other health professionals to deliver the best possible care and support for clients. Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills are essential for this rewarding career.

Speech and Language Therapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Newly qualified speech and language therapists in the NHS typically start on Band 5, earning between £28,407 and £34,581 per year. Experienced therapists can progress to Band 6 or higher, with salaries rising to £43,742 or more.

UK Workforce

There are approximately 20,000 registered speech and language therapists in the UK, according to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Job Prospects

Roughly 90 percent of UK speech and language therapy graduates are employed or in further study within six months of completing their degree.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist

Works with children who have speech, language, or communication difficulties, helping them to overcome challenges and develop their communication skills.

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Speech Therapist specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Supports individuals with autism to improve their communication and social interaction skills through tailored therapy.

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Speech and Language Therapist in Stroke Rehabilitation

Helps adults recovering from strokes to regain their speech, language, and swallowing abilities as part of a healthcare team.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A-Levels

Obtain good GCSEs and relevant A-Levels, especially in English, biology, and psychology.

Most universities require at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English, maths, and science, as well as two or three A-Levels. Subjects like biology, psychology, and English language are especially useful for building the foundation needed for this career.

Study for a Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Apply for and complete an approved undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy.

You must complete a degree accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to practise as a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK. These courses typically take three to four years full-time and include both academic study and practical placements.

Register with the HCPC

Register as a Speech and Language Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Once you have finished your degree, you must register with the HCPC to be able to practise legally as a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK. This ensures you meet national standards for training, professional skills, and behaviour.

Gain Experience and Develop Skills

Complete Practical Placements

Gain hands-on experience during your university course through placements in different healthcare settings.

University courses in Speech and Language Therapy include placements in hospitals, schools, community clinics, or other settings. This allows you to apply your learning, work with real patients, and learn from qualified therapists.

Volunteer or Work in Related Roles

Gain additional experience by volunteering or working with children or adults with communication needs.

Experience in care, support work, or volunteering with people who have communication or swallowing difficulties can boost your CV and give you valuable practical skills. Many charities and schools welcome volunteers to support their work.

Start Your Career and Progress

Apply for Speech and Language Therapist Roles

Look for entry-level jobs as a Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS, schools, or private practice.

Most new graduates start in the NHS but jobs are also available in private clinics, schools, and specialist centres. You will typically work as a newly qualified practitioner, supervised by experienced colleagues.

Continue Professional Development

Take part in ongoing training and consider specialising in areas such as paediatrics, adult neurology, or voice disorders.

Speech and Language Therapists are expected to keep their skills up to date through regular training and professional development. You can also complete postgraduate courses or specialise in working with specific groups, such as children, stroke patients, or people with learning disabilities.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Speech and Language Therapist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

The role is most closely aligned with itself, as it involves specialised qualifications in assessing and treating speech, language, and communication disorders. The profession requires a comparable educational background, clinical skills, and a focus on therapy to improve individuals' communication abilities.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

If you've got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.

You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a Speech and Language Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.

If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to get a master's qualification as part of the apprenticeship.

If you are working as a speech and language therapy assistant you might be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for degree courses and apprenticeships.

Further information

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

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