Speech and language therapy
Speech and language therapists are allied healthcare professionals who provide life-changing treatment to both children and adults.
Speech and language therapists (SLT) support and help people, both physically and psychologically, to overcome difficulties with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia).
As an SLT you will work with a multidisciplinary team in a variety of settings including, hospitals, community clinics and patients' homes.
Training
You will need to complete an undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy. Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for a degree-level apprenticeship, or could complete an accelerated postgraduate programme in Speech and Language Therapy if you already have a degree in another relevant subject.
Regulation
Once qualified, to legally practise as an SLT you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulator for allied health professionals which is overseen by the Professional Standards Authority. ‘Speech and Language Therapist' and 'Speech Therapist' are protected titles in UK law.
Professional Bodies
- The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK.
- The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP) is a membership organisation who represents speech and language therapists working independently across the UK.