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Speech and Language Therapist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) help people of all ages who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking, and swallowing. They work with children who have speech delays, adults recovering from strokes, and people who have lifelong conditions such as autism or learning disabilities. SLTs assess individual needs, develop tailored treatment plans, and work closely with families, teachers, and other health professionals. Most SLTs work for the NHS, but some are employed in schools, private practice, or community settings. The job combines clinical skills with empathy and creativity, as each person's challenges are unique and require individual solutions.

Speech and Language Therapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Newly qualified speech and language therapists in the NHS typically start at Agenda for Change Band 5, with salaries starting around £28,407 per year.

Experienced Salary

With experience, salaries can rise to Band 6 or 7, reaching up to £45,839 per year.

Workforce Size

There are approximately 19,000 registered speech and language therapists in the UK according to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist

Works specifically with children to assess and treat communication and swallowing difficulties, often in schools, nurseries, or clinics.

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Adult Neurological Speech and Language Therapist

Supports adults who have communication or swallowing difficulties due to neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis.

Speech and Language Therapist for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Specialises in helping people with autism to improve their communication and social interaction skills.

Explore and Prepare

Research the Profession

Find out what a Speech and Language Therapist does by reading about the role, watching videos, and talking to professionals.

Look for information on NHS websites, professional bodies like the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, and career guidance portals. You might also try to arrange a visit to a clinic or talk to a practising therapist to get first-hand insights.

Gain Relevant Experience

Get experience working or volunteering with people who have communication or learning needs.

Opportunities might include volunteering at care homes, schools, or charities supporting people with disabilities. This experience will help you understand the challenges faced by clients and show your commitment to the career.

Choose Appropriate Subjects

Select GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalents) that will help you meet university entry requirements.

Most Speech and Language Therapy courses ask for science subjects (like Biology) and strong English skills. Aim for good grades in these areas as they will support your application to university.

Gain Formal Qualifications

Apply for a Degree Course

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

In the UK, you must complete a degree recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Some universities offer undergraduate BSc courses, while others offer postgraduate MSc options for those with a degree in a relevant subject.

Complete Your Degree and Placement

Finish your academic studies and practical placements required for qualification.

Your course will include both classroom learning and practical experience in clinical settings. Placements are a key part of the course, giving you direct interaction with clients and professionals.

Register with the HCPC

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

Once you have your degree, you must register with the HCPC to practise legally in the UK. This will allow you to use the protected title of Speech and Language Therapist.

Start and Develop Your Career

Apply for Jobs

Look for entry-level roles in the NHS, schools, private practices, or community settings.

Most new Speech and Language Therapists start in the NHS, working in hospitals or the community. You can also find roles in schools, charities, or private practices. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and passion for the field.

Continue Professional Development

Engage in ongoing learning and training to maintain your skills and registration.

Attend courses, workshops, and conferences to stay up to date with best practices. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists offers resources and supports your continuing professional development.

Specialise or Take on New Challenges

Consider specialising in areas like paediatrics, neurology, or voice disorders, or move into research or leadership roles.

With experience, you can choose to focus on a particular client group or take on more responsibility, such as managing a team or leading a service. You could also get involved in research or teaching future therapists.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Speech and Language Therapist and a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant both work within the same field, focusing on supporting individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties. They often collaborate closely, with the therapist holding more advanced qualifications and responsibilities, making the assistant role a closely related career in terms of qualifications and scope of practice.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

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

  • Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
  • Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare Support Services
  • Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

Most health and social care courses include work placements so this could be a good way to get practical experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

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Apprenticeship

You can do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

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

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Work

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

Volunteering

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

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

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from working in a healthcare setting. Some employers may ask for a qualification in healthcare and GCSE subjects like maths, English and science.

More Information

Career tips

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

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a speech and language therapy assistant from Health Careers.

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