Speech and language therapists (SLTs) help people who have speech, language and communication difficulties. They also work with people who have eating, drinking and swallowing disorders. Their clients are of all ages and backgrounds but many of them are children, including babies.
Communication problems can result from:
- a physical or medical condition such as a cleft palate, a stroke, hearing loss, throat cancer, breathing irregularities
- learning difficulties
- psychological difficulties such as stammering or mutism.
The work includes:
- using oral and written tests and equipment such as tape recorders, computers and endoscopic equipment to assess and diagnose the difficulty
- devising a treatment programme for the client
- working with individuals and groups to develop communication skills which might involve using word repetitions, rhymes or reading and comprehension exercises to counteract speech disorders, or non-verbal methods such as sign language
- coaching parents, carers or partners in how to provide support to the client
- monitoring the client’s progress and revising the treatment programme as necessary
- keeping detailed records of clients’ progress and taking part in case conferences
- managing caseloads, waiting lists, referrals and discharges
- advising and training other staff.
SLTs consult with a wide range of other professionals from the health, education and social care sectors including doctors, teachers, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists and health visitors. They may have support from speech and language therapy assistants.
Hours and environment
SLTs generally work standard office hours, Monday to Friday. Part-time work and job sharing are both common.
They work in community health centres, hospital wards and outpatients departments, mainstream and special schools, day centres, residential homes, prisons, young offenders’ institutions and clients’ homes.
Some local travelling is usually required so a driving licence is useful.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
Newly qualified Speech Therapists earn in the region of €33,000 to €35,000 and Senior Therapists earn in the region of €50,000 to €60,000.
Skills and personal qualities
An SLT should:
- have excellent communication skills
- speak clearly
- be a good listener and observer
- relate to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
- enjoy solving problems
- be sensitive, responsive and patient
- inspire people to change the way they do things
- have negotiation skills
- work well on their own and as part of a team of other professionals.
Interests
It is important to be interested in:
- helping people
- linguistics and biology
Entry Routes:
There are five Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists (IASLT) accredited courses leading to a qualification in speech and language therapy in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Four of these (NUI Galway, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublinand Ulster University) are full time four-year undergraduate programmes, leading to an honours degree. University of Limerick offers a post graduate Msc in Speech and Language Therapy.
Speech and Language Therapy is one of the 12 designated professionals to be regulated by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council. Only professionals registered with the council may use the protected professional title, speech and language therapist.
Useful Links:
The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists
Health and Social Care Professionals Council
The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists