2223 — Speech and language therapists

What this occupation covers

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.

Typical duties

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 routes and qualifications

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.

Sponsorship information

Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

Commonly assessed for DBS eligibility. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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