Here at thoughts on life and love, we like to look at the whole range of therapies and treatments out there that promote physical and mental wellbeing. This weekwe turn our attention to the work of a speech and language therapist.
What does a speech and language therapist do?
Speech and language therapy provide treatment and support for adults and children who have difficulty with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing. There are over 17,000 Speech and Language Therapist in the UK. They work with parents, carers, teachers and other healthcare professionals to support and achieve the best outcomes for patients in their care. They may work with children who have problems with delayed speech or older people whose ability to communicate has been affected by illness or injury. Patients may have learning difficulties or mental health issues. Physical issues such as a hearing impairment or a neurological disorder can also cause problems with speech and language.
What qualifications do you need to be a speech and language therapist?
In order to be a speech and language therapist, you need a minimum of 5 GCSEs grades A-C including English, maths and science, 2 or 3 A levels and a degree or postgraduate course that has been approved by the HCPC. This is the organisation which regulates the work of all healthcare professionals working in the UK. For further information regarding entry qualifications, take a look at the NHS healthcare website.
How do you get a job in speech and language therapy?
Once you’ve qualified, you will defintely find it beneficial to seek the expertise and support of a specialist agency dealing with recruitment in the health care sector. At Maxxima, they have a full understanding of speech and language therapy jobs. Since 2001, they have established themselves as a market leader within the public and private sector. Maxxima’s comprehensive service will provide you with support in everything from interview techniques and relocation to ensuring you are paid at competitive rates. Their support continues after you have landed your dream job with advice on compliance and industry registration. They care about your career and stay with you for the long term by keeping in touch to inform you of future roles you may find of interest.
What sort of roles are out there for speech and language therapists?
Post qualification, a speech and language therapist may work in a wide variety of roles and settings in hospitals, schools and the community both in private practices and the NHS. Anadult acute speech and language therapist may work with patients in hospital with conditions such as dysphagia or a stroke where a multidisciplinary approach- working with physiotherapists and other clinicians is required. For more experienced colleagues, specialisms such as in Video Fluoroscopy are available.
Whatever the role, I am sure you will agree that Speech and language therapists are to be applauded for the valuable, highly skilled service that they provide.
Mandy X
Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
