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Speech & Language Therapist

Speech and language therapists assess and support people who have difficulties with speech, language, communication or swallowing. You must complete an approved qualification and register with the HCPC.

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Career fit

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Entry level
£32,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£32k – £57k
Senior / lead
£57,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Assess communication or swallowing difficulties
  • Plan and deliver therapy sessions
  • Work with children in schools or nurseries
  • Advise families, carers and teachers
  • Keep clinical notes and track progress
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs / Level 2

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; resits vary

    Build English, maths and science foundations through GCSEs or accepted Level 2 equivalents.

  2. 2

    A Levels or equivalent

    education
    Usually 2 years; Access courses often 1 year

    Complete A levels or an accepted Level 3 qualification that meets speech and language therapy degree entry requirements.

  3. 3

    Speech and language therapy degree

    qualification
    Usually 3–4 years undergraduate or 2 years postgraduate

    Study communication and swallowing assessment and treatment on an HCPC-approved pre-registration course, with integrated clinical placements.

  4. 4

    Clinical placements

    experience
    Integrated throughout the degree

    Complete supervised placements within your degree, working with people who have communication or swallowing difficulties.

  5. 5

    Degree completion

    qualification
    Final part of the degree; no additional study stage

    Pass the remaining academic assessments and clinical competencies required for your approved speech and language therapy qualification.

  6. 6

    HCPC registration

    certification
    Allow several weeks; processing times vary

    Apply to the HCPC with your approved qualification and required declarations before practising under the protected speech and language therapist title.

  7. 7

    Speech & Language Therapist

    role
    Often several years before senior progression

    Start registered practice assessing and treating communication or swallowing difficulties, usually with supervision and support as a newly qualified therapist.

  8. 8

    Senior / specialist therapist

    role
    Varies by experience, competencies and vacancies

    Develop advanced expertise in a clinical area or take responsibility for complex caseloads, supervision and service improvement.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Approved speech and language therapy degree
  • Speech and language therapist degree apprenticeship (Level 6)
Certifications
  • HCPC registration
  • RCSLT membership