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How to become a Speech and Language Therapist

Speech and Language Therapist

Career progression and salary expectations for a Speech and Language Therapist

As a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, you'll start your career by supporting speech therapists in delivering therapy sessions, preparing materials, and recording patient progress. This entry-level role provides valuable hands-on experience in speech and language therapy practices and patient interaction.
As a Speech and Language Therapist, you'll take on increased responsibility for assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, and communication disorders. This role involves working with a variety of patients, developing individualised treatment plans, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
In this advanced position, you'll lead therapy teams, manage complex cases, and provide specialised expertise in specific areas of speech and language disorders. As a Senior Speech and Language Therapist, you'll also be involved in training junior staff and contributing to research and development in the field.

The role of a Speech and Language Therapist

Are you a caring person who’s passionate about proper communication? If talking is your thing, then you should become a Speech and Language Therapist…

A Speech and Language Therapist works with adults and children of all ages who have difficulties communicating verbally, supporting them in acquiring or improving their speech. They may also help people who struggle with eating.

These problems could be the cause of a range of diseases and disabilities, including strokes, learning disabilities, or dementia, but will vary from each individual case.

Duties for a Speech Therapist vary, but will generally include:

  • Talking with clients and observing their speech
  • Planning individual therapy plans
  • Giving advice and support to patients, family members, and teachers
  • Writing reports
  • Monitoring clients’ progress and keeping records
In order to be a successful Speech and Language Therapist, excellent interpersonal skills and passion for helping people are absolutely essential. You will also need to be extremely patient, and considerate of others needs and requirements.

Aside from communication skills, being able to ensure your clients are supported as best as possible, and confident in guiding them on their road to recovery, will be the key to success in this position. This involves building positive working relationships with clients of all ages.

You must also be:

  • Creative
  • Caring
  • A good listener
  • An excellent problem solver
  • Organised
"I’ve always been interested in the English language, but was never quite sure what to do with it. After studying English at school and college, observing case studies of human behaviour and interaction, I realised I wanted to pursue a career that combined language and working with people. It was then that I discovered Speech Therapy would be perfect for me. Now, as a fully qualified Speech Therapist, I’m still learning every day. It’s rewarding on so many levels, and although it can be challenging at times, that only pushes me to do an even better job."

Get qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist

To qualify as a Speech and Language Therapist, you'll usually need a degree in speech and language therapy, accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Alternatively, if you already have a degree in a related field, you can pursue a postgraduate qualification in speech and language therapy. Registration with the HCPC is also mandatory to practice professionally, and practical experience gained through clinical placements during your training is essential for developing hands-on skills. 

Recommended Speech & language therapy courses

  • Speech Therapy, Audiology and Child Psychology at QLS Level 5

    Thames College
    Level 5 - Three QLS Endorsed Diploma | QLS Hard Copy Certificate Included | Plus 10 CPD Courses | Lifetime Access
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    • 47 hours · Self-paced
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    • 30 CPD points
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  • Speech & Language Therapy, Early years, Autism, SEN and Childcare Training

    Apex Learning
    Autumn Sale! 40-in-1 Bundle | CPD Accredited | Free 40 PDF Certificate, Transcript, Student ID & Exam | Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 145 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 400 CPD points
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    ***24 Hour Limited Time Flash Sale*** Get Hard Copy + PDF Certificates + Transcript + Student ID Card worth £400 as a Gift! - Enrol Now! The childcare sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating exciting opportunities for passionate individuals like you. With a pro …
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    £149 £309
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