Speech & Language Therapists

Speech and language therapists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, fluency and voice disorders caused by disability, injury or illness.

Tasks

• Assesses, tests and diagnoses a client’s condition
• Designs and initiates appropriate rehabilitation and/or remedial programmes of treatment
• Treats speech and language disorders by coaching and counselling clients or through the use of artificial communication devices
• Attends case conferences and liaises with other specialists such as doctors, teachers, social workers and psychologists
• Counsels relatives to help cope with the problems created by a patient’s disability
• Writes reports and maintains client caseloads.

Entry Requirements

Entrants require a recognised graduate or postgraduate degree that encompasses both theory and clinical practice. Successful completion of these courses leads to eligibility for a certificate to practice and membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Full membership is granted after completion of a year of supervised, post-qualifying experience.