How to become a speech and language therapist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy that's approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
If you've got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has useful resources to help you prepare for a career in speech and language therapy.
You may be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a speech and language therapist degree apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.
If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to gain a masters qualification as part of the apprenticeship.
If you are already working as a speech and language therapy assistant you may be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
Volunteering
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.
You may also find relevant volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
When applying for degree courses and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) for professional development and networking opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapist from: