Speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Therapists work in health centres, hospitals, clinics, schools, independent practices and patients' homes with adults and children whose symptoms are the results of illness, accident, disability, acquired disorders or congenital/emotional problems.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• undertaking patient assessments
• planning and providing appropriate treatment
• giving advice and support to patients, family members and teachers
• writing reports
• maintaining records and case notes
• liaising with doctors, physiotherapists, teachers and family members and carers
• and performing controlled therapy sessions with individuals, groups and/or families.

Some therapists work with people who have difficulties swallowing or eating.

Typical employers of speech therapists

• the NHS
• schools
• voluntary and charitable organizations

A small number work as private practitioners. Vacancies are advertised by recruitment agencies, in national newspapers and relevant professional publications including the RCSLT vacancy supplement and Health Service Journal.

Qualifications and training required

An accredited speech therapy or speech science degree (2.1 minimum) is required. For other graduates it is essential to obtain an accredited postgraduate qualification. Competition for postgraduate places is strong, so relevant work experience can be helpful.

Applications to course providers must be made before October of the preceding year. Although the NHS funds the majority of degree course places, most postgraduate students fund themselves.

Once qualified, therapists work under supervision for a year to gain entry into the RCSLT (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists) register, following which therapists may choose to specialise.

Key skills for speech therapists

• excellent interpersonal skills
• organisational skills
• communication skills
• initiative
• flexibility
• adaptability
• patience
• team working skills.