Speech and Language Therapist

Speech and language therapists are specialists in communication disorders. They assess, diagnose and treat people with speech and language problems, and try to help them communicate to the best of their ability. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups, although over half are children. They may have a stammer, difficulty making the sounds of speech, difficulty using or understanding language, or a voice problem.

The ability to communicate is central to all that we do, and the therapist's role is to find ways of overcoming barriers to communication, enabling clients to live fuller lives.

Entry level
Your initial training would involve a three- or four-year first degree course, accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health Professions Council. This is currently offered at 15 universities across the UK, and combines academic study and workplace training. Study topics include speech and language sciences, behavioural sciences and biomedical sciences.

The minimum entry requirements are usually two A Level passes/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). However, competition for places is strong and most courses require three A Levels/four H grades or equivalent.

If you already have a relevant first degree, you can qualify via a postgraduate course.

Making the grade
The practical element of your training course is very important. It usually combines weekly clinical placements with periods of longer placements. These may take place in a variety of settings, such as schools, NHS hospitals or community health clinics. They are designed to develop your skills in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders.

On graduation, you must register with the Health Professions Council to be able to practise. Registration requires continuing professional development, which may include research and further study.

As a new entrant, you would work under supervision for your first year and usually gain experience in several settings. You would normally start with a general caseload, working with both adults and children and covering a range of conditions.

Most therapists start to seek more senior positions after around two years' experience.

Personal qualities
Given that the central focus of your work is communication, you must be highly skilled at listening and communicating and able to relate to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

You would need to be good at exploring problems and finding creative but sensitive ways to solve them. You should have the ability to inspire your clients to change the way they do things in order to improve their communication skills.

Speech and language therapy contains elements of science, medicine, psychology and education, and you would need an interest in all of these fields.

Looking ahead
Demand for qualified and registered speech and language therapists is high. You should therefore enjoy excellent career prospects, most likely in the NHS, although there are also opportunities within education services and charities. You might choose to practise independently.

Many therapists develop their careers by specialising in work with specific client groups or types of clinical work. There are also good promotion prospects if you want to move into management, research or a teaching role.

Alternative suggestions
You might also consider training as an audiologist, music therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, radiographer or teacher.

Take-home pay
The starting salary for newly-qualified speech and language therapists is on a scale ranging from around £17,500 to £20,500 a year. This could rise to £43,000 to £69,000 for a consultant head of service.

In Londonand the south east, you would receive additional allowances.

Effects
You would generally work 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Part-time work is often available. Some travelling may be involved, particularly in rural areas, so a driving licence would be useful.

Sources of information
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists: www.rcslt.org
Health Professions Council: www.hpc-uk.org
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

CRCI: JG