How to Become a Speech Therapist

Speech therapists help patients who have problems with speaking. They may also deal with clients who have issues with communication, language, and eating. They will assess their patients and use a range of methods to help them improve.

Speech and language therapists treat people who have speech, language and communication difficulties. They may also treat patients who have problems with swallowing, drinking, and eating. 

The reasons for speech difficulties are diverse, and while a speech and language therapist may specialise in a particular condition, others may see a range of patients. 

The duties of a speech therapist include: 

• Communicating with clients, including observing their behaviour and testing specific difficulties relating to speech. 
• Creating therapy programmes for them and administering these. 
• Monitoring clients for improvements and setbacks.
• Communicating with doctors and teachers. 
• Advising parents and carers on how best to continue the therapy from home. 
• Recording appointments.

To become a speech and language therapist, most candidates have a degree. Speech and language therapy is a focused programme that concentrates on the skills needed for this career. However, if a candidate already has a degree in a science or language-based discipline, they may be able to complete a two-year postgraduate qualification. Both qualifications will be a mix of vocational and theoretical learning. 

There may also be the opportunity for candidates to enter the field with no degree. They will begin as an assistant practitioner, train on the job and take a qualification while earning. To be applicable for these roles, candidates should have a portfolio of work experience related to speech and language therapy. 

Work experience is highly beneficial to all candidates – graduates and non-graduates – as it helps them get an idea of the practice of speech and language therapy and will strengthen their application for university programmes and jobs. 

Candidates should demonstrate various skills to become a speech therapist. As they will be working with clients with difficulties, they should be sensitive and empathetic, and be able to communicate with them well. They must also exhibit patience, as clients may find it challenging to meet their requests. 

Speech therapists also need to design programmes to help with speech impairments, so should have some experience with both this and general teaching. 

Speech therapists work at health centres, nurseries, schools, hospitals, or they may be mobile, travelling to clients’ homes. If speech therapists work on a mobile basis, they may need a full driving license. Their working hours may include evenings and weekends if necessary. 

Some speech therapists will progress into a specialism. This specialism could be helping children with special educational needs or assisting patients with eating, drinking, or swallowing disorders. Some speech therapists move into teaching and research.