Careers Advice

Becoming a speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapists provide treatment, support and care for people of all ages who have difficulties with speech, language, communication, eating, drinking and swallowing.

Whether it’s helping an adult who has had a stroke learn to talk again, or helping premature babies with feeding and swallowing problems, speech and language therapists make a huge difference to the people they work with. They work in all kinds of areas and settings, from hospitals and care homes to prisons, nurseries and private clinics.

If you’re interested in becoming a speech and language therapist, head to rcslt.org to find out more about the profession.

For more information, email info@rcslt.org or phone 020 7378 301.

Your speech and language therapy career

This site advertises speech and language therapy jobs of all levels and across different settings – find your new speech and language therapy job today.

Supporting your career

If you’re an RCSLT member, our website offers guidance to support you at every stage of your career, whether you’re a student, NQP, assistant or certified SLT. We also have advice on advanced clinical practice, independent practice, working internationally, and taking a career break.

Overseas SLTs working in the UK

If you qualified overseas and are working in the UK, read our information on working as an SLT in the UK.

Not an SLT yet?

If you’re wondering whether speech and language therapy is the right profession for you or are considering retraining and wondering how to do so, visit our website for information on becoming an SLT.

Community & Development, My working life - Claire Thomas (Head of therapy, specialist SLT)

01 Mar, 2023

I was a year and a half into working as head of therapy at a specialist dyslexia school in Somerset when the pandemic hit. Shortly after the first lockdown began, we were informed that the school would be shutting due to insolvency. My first thought was for the students who were now without education and their support network. Then I had a mad dash to set up remote private therapy for my students, while trying to figure out what my next...

Community & Development, My working life - Kathleen McPolin (SLTA and children's author)

01 Mar, 2023

I went straight into office-based work when I finished school, and it wasn’t until I had my own boys that I realised I really wanted to work with children. I studied at night classes to receive my NVQ Level 3 in early years, then went on to study childhood studies and graduated to teach this subject. Over the following year I worked part-time as an early years assessor. In 2009 I started working as a Sure Start early years assistant....

Community & Development, My working life - Va Wellings (Retired SLT)

01 Mar, 2023

I attended the Kingdon-Ward School of Speech Therapy and qualified in 1953, so it seemed like losing my right arm when I stopped practising as a clinician in 2017. Lockdown has prompted me to reflect on my years in the profession. During my studies I was driven to our local station by my mother. If the train was in she would hoot to the driver who would kindly wave, permitting me to alight. Those were the days! The college was situated...

Community & Development, My working life - Susie Williams, Specialist SLT (stroke)

01 Mar, 2023

Hello, my name is Susie. I lead the speech therapy team on the stroke unit at Ipswich Hospital. Ever since I was a student SLT, I’ve been interested in academic research. When I graduated, I threw myself into clinical work, as I enjoyed working with patients and families. I always tried to base my practice on the best available evidence but found myself asking clinical questions for which there weren’t always clear academic...

Becoming a speech and language therapist

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