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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

1

Speech Therapist

| Up to £28,000
2

Specialist Speech Therapist

| Up to £34,000
3

Advanced Therapist

| Up to £40,000

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

You will need a degree in speech and language therapy or human communication that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to be considered. Certified courses will help you stand out from the crowd and postgraduate courses are also available.

Recommended Speech and Language Therapist courses

  • Speech and Language Therapist

    UPSKILL CAMP
    Free Reed Provided Certificate | Exclusive Offer | Highly Rated | Instant Access
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    • Certificate(s) included
    • Tutor support
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    ...Language Therapist Module 01 Language Therapy - An Overview of Speech Therapy Module 02 Language Therapy - The Science of Speech Module 03 Language Therapy - The Anatomy of Speech Module 04 Language Therapy - Characteristic of Speech Linguistic Discipline Module 05 Language Therapy …
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  • Speech & Language Therapy - SLT (Online Course)

    Training Express Ltd
    CPD Certified | Free PDF & Hardcopy Certificate | Free Retake Exam | Lifetime Access
    • 303 students
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    • 2.7 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
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    ...Advanced Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) Course is designed to provide learners with a complete overview of the role of a Speech & Language Therapy Assistant. It covers speech science, speech anatomy, and the characteristics of speech in detail. Through this Speech & Language …
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    £12 £18
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