Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) help people of all ages. They work with children who have speech delays and adults recovering from strokes or brain conditions.

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) have many responsibilities. They play a crucial role in assessing and diagnosing a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. They carefully evaluate each individual’s needs, identifying specific challenges and underlying causes.

Once they make a diagnosis, they create and carry out personalised therapy plans. These plans aim to improve speech, language, and swallowing skills.

SLTs work closely with other healthcare professionals, educators, and families to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to treatment. They use proven therapy techniques to help people improve their communication skills. This leads to more independence and a better quality of life.

Samantha Krimgoltz, an SLT recruitment consultant, highlights:

"Employers seek SLTs with a Speech and Language Therapy degree and HCPC registration, ensuring they meet professional standards. Reliability and a willingness to work face-to-face are crucial, particularly in hospitals and schools. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with patients, families, and multi-disciplinary teams."

To qualify as an SLT in the UK, you must:

• Complete an HCPC-approved degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to stay updated with new therapies

Nicole, an SLT with Your World Healthcare, shares:

"My main advice for anyone choosing an SLT degree is to do thorough research. Work closely with SLTs in different settings to see how different language therapists work. This should include both children, young people, and adults. Make sure you talk to speech therapists that you may know because it’s quite a specific course and requires a lot of commitment."

When choosing a Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) course, it is important to consider several key factors. This will help ensure the program meets professional standards and gives you the skills needed for a successful career.

• Accreditation - Pick a course that the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approves. This is important for registration and working in the UK.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) should recognise the programme. This will ensure it meets industry standards and best practices.

Accreditation guarantees that the course meets the necessary educational and clinical requirements, providing graduates with a clear pathway to qualification and employment.

• Clinical Placements – Practical experience is a crucial part of SLT training. Look for programmes that offer hands-on experience such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, and community clinics.

Hands-on experience helps students use what they learn in real life. It also helps them build clinical skills and meet different clients with various conditions. Strong placement opportunities also help build confidence and professional networks before entering the workforce.

• Course Structure – Speech and Language Therapy courses can vary significantly in their focus and teaching approach. Some programs may emphasise assessment techniques, equipping students with the skills to diagnose communication and swallowing disorders accurately. Others may concentrate more on therapy and intervention strategies, preparing students to design and implement effective treatment plans.

Think about whether the course structure matches your interests and career goals. - Check the module options to ensure the curriculum has a mix of theory, practical skills, and research-based learning.

To work as an SLT in the UK, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This involves submitting an application with evidence of your qualifications, training, and clinical experience. The HCPC will assess whether your education meets the required standards for professional practice in the UK. Without this registration, you cannot legally work as an SLT in the country.

SLT training varies across countries, and not all international qualifications automatically align with UK requirements. The HCPC will check your academic credentials, clinical training hours, and scope of practice. They will see if these are equal to those from a UK-accredited SLT program. If you identify gaps, you may need to complete additional training or coursework to meet the necessary standards.

If you plan to work in specialised areas such as dysphagia (swallowing disorders), you may need further training. In the UK, SLTs working with dysphagia patients must demonstrate specific competencies beyond standard speech and language therapy qualifications. Some international courses lack extensive dysphagia training, so you might need to complete additional certifications.

Building hands-on experience is crucial for future employment. During your degree, take advantage of:

• Clinical Placements – Gain supervised experience in various healthcare settings.
• Shadowing SLTs – Observe experienced professionals to understand different specialisms.
• Volunteering – Work in hospitals, schools, or community clinics to strengthen your practical skills.

Nicole adds:

"Insight into what the role involves first-hand is invaluable. The studying is long, and you will attend many lectures. However, you will also need to gain a lot of clinical experience. Finding placements yourself is crucially important."

Once qualified, you can begin applying for SLT roles in settings like:

• NHS hospitals and clinics
• Private healthcare providers
• Schools and special education institutions
• Community rehabilitation services

Samantha advises:

"Many overseas candidates don’t apply for HCPC registration early enough, causing delays. Others limit their job opportunities by refusing face-to-face roles, which remain a priority for many employers. Tailoring your CV to highlight in-demand skills can increase your chances of securing a role."

A career in Speech and Language Therapy is incredibly rewarding and offers numerous opportunities for professional growth. To build a successful career in SLT, get the right qualifications. Gain hands-on experience and stay committed to learning for life.