Speech and Language Therapy

What is it?

A speech and language therapist works with people of all ages to help them communicate to the best of their ability.

 

Most of us take communication for granted. But sometimes illness or injury (say, in the brain) can make it difficult for someone to ‘get their words out’, or understand what others are saying.

 

Some children are born with a condition like cleft palate that means they may need help to start talking. And someone with a learning disability, or mental health problems, can find it hard to express themselves as they’d like.

 

You’d also work with people who have problems swallowing – say, someone who’s been paralysed.

 

Every person is different, and you need to adapt your skills to get the best results for all of them. Hard work – but well worth it.

 

What are the good bits?

• You work closely to build up trust with a wide range of people
• Make a real difference to people’s lives
• Tuition fees for your degree course are paid
• Job opportunities – in hospitals, day centres, nurseries and people’s homes

What skills and interests do I need?

• Caring, interested in people
• Good at communicating clearly
• Stamina, patience, sense of humour
• Problem solving

What qualifications/training will I need?

After GCSEs you need to stay on at school or go to college. You could take three A levels (maybe English and Biology) or other qualifications like BTEC may also be accepted. Then you’ll study Speech and Language Therapy for three or four years at university.