Speech and language therapists assess, diagnose and work
with people of all ages who have communication or swallowing problems.
These include children and adults who have difficulty producing
and using speech sounds, difficulty understanding or using language,
a stammer, a voice problem, or swallowing difficulties.
Clients may have communication and/or swallowing problems as a
result of a stroke or other neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s
disease); learning disabilities; language delay, physical disabilities;
head, neck and throat cancer; head injury; hearing impairment; cleft
palate; dementia or mental health disorders.
Speech and language therapists work with a diverse range of clients
from many different cultural and ethnic groups. They also work closely
with a range of other professionals from the health, education and
social care sectors, and are involved in educating teachers, parents
and carers.
Employment
Options
NHS, primary care and hospitals, education services, local
government, charities, self-employment, research and lecturing.
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Employment
Settings
Hospitals (inpatients and outpatients), community health centres,
mainstream and special schools, care homes, prisons. |
Training and Career Information
Entry requirements
Speech and language therapists must complete a qualifying course
recognised by the Health Professions Council.
For the 3-4 year undergraduate degree courses, the minimum entry
qualifications are usually five GCSEs at Grade C or above, and three
A levels or equivalent (BTEC, Access and GNVQ). Some courses require
the passes to be in specific subjects, so entry requirements should
be checked with each university. Applications from suitably qualified
mature students are welcomed.
An honours degree or equivalent is required for entry to the 2
year postgraduate qualifying courses and subjects in related fields
(e.g. psychology, social sciences, linguistics) may be preferred.
For further more detailed information about a career in speech and
language therapy, get in touch with the Royal College of Speech
and Language Therapists, contact details below.
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
2 White Hart Yard
London SE1 1NX
Tel: 020 7378 1200
Email: postmaster@rcslt.org
Website: www.rcslt.org
Further information
NHS careers on 0845 60 60 655
Website: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/careers/ahp/index.html
Email: advice@nhscareers.nhs.uk
Speech and Language Therapy
Assistants and Bilingual Co-workers
Speech and language therapy assistants and bilingual
co-workers work with qualified speech and language therapists
in a wide range of clinical settings with diverse client groups,
duties and responsibilities (e.g. supporting clients to develop
communication skills; developing and preparing therapy materials;
advising on cultural and linguistic issues).
No formal educational or age requirements apply,
although relevant skills, experience or qualifications from
other areas can be beneficial (e.g. knowledge of other languages,
experience of working with children).
For more details, go to:
Royal College of Speech and Language
Therapists
Tel: 020 7378 1200
Email: postmaster@rcslt.org
Website: www.rcslt.org
Further information
NHS careers on 0845 60 60 655
Website: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/careers/ahp/index.html
Email: advice@nhscareers.nhs.uk
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