What is a Speech and Language Therapist and how do you become one?

What is Speech and Language Therapy?

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) addresses communication and swallowing disorders.

Speech and Language Therapists assess, diagnose and provide personalised treatments for issues such as sound production, voice quality, fluency and swallowing difficulties. The goal of Speech and Language Therapy is to enhance individuals communication skills and improve overall quality of life across diverse age groups and conditions.

What are the responsibilities of a Speech and Language Therapist?

Some of the key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Completing assessments to evaluate individuals communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
• Using a variety of tools and methods to analyse speech, language, voice and swallowing issues.
• Making informed diagnoses of communication and swallowing disorders.
• Developing individualised treatment plans to address specific needs and goals of clients.
• Creating therapy goals that focus on improving communication skills, speech sound production, language comprehension, and other targeted areas.
• Conducting therapy sessions with clients, incorporating a range of activities and exercises to improve communication and swallowing abilities.
• Addressing language disorders, assisting individuals with difficulties in understanding and using spoken or written language.
• Educating clients and their families on speech and language strategies, exercises, and techniques for ongoing improvement.
• Advocating for individuals with communication disorders to ensure they have access to appropriate services and support.

What are the key areas that Speech and Language Therapy address?

Some of the areas include, but are not limited to:

• Speech Disorders: This involves difficulties with the production of speech sounds. Individuals with speech disorders may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, stutter, or exhibit other speech-related challenges.

• Language Disorders: Language disorders affect a person's ability to understand and use language effectively. This includes difficulties in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing.

• Communication Disorders in Special Population: Speech and language therapists often work with individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, as well as those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or other neurological conditions.

• Voice Disorders: Speech therapists assist individuals who may have problems with pitch, loudness, quality, or resonance of the voice.

• Fluency Disorders: These disorders involve disruptions in the natural flow of speech, such as stuttering.

• Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia): Speech and language therapists also work with individuals who have difficulty swallowing, which can be caused by various factors such as neurological conditions or post-surgical complications.

How do I become a Speech and Language Therapist?

To become a Speech and Language Therapist, you will need to obtain a recognised degree, gain clinical experience and meet the registration requirements of a regulatory body.

Some of the general steps you will need to take include:

• Acquiring a degree in Speech and Language Therapy that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Completing clinical placements to gain practical experience working with clients, this will take place during your degree program.
• After successfully completing your degree and any required postgraduate qualifications, you need to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This registration is mandatory for practicing as a speech and language therapist in the UK.
• You may consider a membership with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). This is not a legal requirement to become an SLT, but it is highly recommended as it provides you with professional support, resources, and opportunities for continuing professional development.

Looking for your next Speech and Language Therapist position?

Finding your next Speech and Language Therapist position couldn’t be easier! Here at Archer Resourcing, we have excellent SLT positions across the UK. To view our latest positions, click here.

Can’t find what your looking for? Call us today on 01473 939670 or submit your CV and a dedicated member of our Psychological Therapies Team will be in touch to help you find your next role.