Speech and language therapist - overview

What does a speech and language therapist do?

You’ll apply your specialist skills to deliver high-quality therapy for people struggling with speech and language difficulties to help them communicate effectively. You’ll be a friendly and supportive therapist who might work across schools, hospitals or care environments.

Your responsibilities will usually include working with patients to identify problems, working through exercises and activities to help alleviate problems or symptoms, and providing advice and support to patients or their families throughout treatment.

Your work may be challenging but you’ll enjoy making real differences to people’s quality of life.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

• Assisting stroke patients with speech skills
• Working alongside other professionals such as doctors and teachers
• Helping people who have eating and swallowing difficulties
• Helping people who have language disorders or delays
• Assessing clients to identify congenital and acquired problems
• Helping families to learn the skills they need to communicate with their loved ones who have communication issues
• Monitoring client progress

FAQs

How much can you earn as a speech and language therapist?

The average salary for a speech and language therapist in the UK is £31,720. Graduates start at around £25,500.

Does a speech and language therapist role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Some therapists will travel from location to location to provide their services, though it is uncommon for a therapist to travel overseas for their work.

Can you work from home as a speech and language therapist?

You might be able to deliver your services by video or phone, but you’ll mostly work in person from a clinic, school or hospital.