Are you thinking about becoming a children’s speech and language therapist (SALT) but wondering how to pursue this career path?
Well, you’re in luck. In this guide, we’re going to take a look at what you need to study in order to become a speech therapist. On top of the academic qualifications, we’ll also look at the professional bodies you need to register with to practise in the UK.
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ll also share some of the biggest reasons to become a speech therapist and why this can be such a rewarding career path.
Here’s what you need to study to get started.
An Undergraduate Degree (BSc) in Speech and Language Therapy
The primary and most effective route to becoming a child’s speech therapist is to complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
These courses typically take three to four years to complete and require full-time study. They are also available at various universities across the country.
Although it may vary depending on the location, these courses typically cover subjects like linguistics, phonetics, psychology, anatomy, neurology and language development.
During these modules, there will be a strong focus on child development and how all of these topics impact children and their learning.
A Postgraduate (MSc) Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
If you already hold an undergraduate degree or you are planning on studying something else in the first instance, you may qualify for a two-year Master’s (MSc) program in Speech and Language Therapy.
It’s worth noting that some universities will require your undergraduate degree to be in a related field like psychology, linguistics, education, or science.
That being said, it doesn’t always have to be related, as these MSc programs are structured to build foundational knowledge quickly. Just be sure to check this with your chosen university before applying.
In one respect, taking this as a Master’s is an accelerated route to becoming a child speech therapist as it’s only two years of study. However, you have to complete a three to four-year degree beforehand, so depending on when you choose to become a therapist, it could actually be a longer route into the industry if you’ve yet to finish your Undergraduate qualification.
These two-year courses will usually combine intensive theoretical study with clinical placements, which can be a useful way to gain relevant industry experience before you finish your studies.
Getting Practical Experience And On-The-Job Training
Most speech and language therapy courses in the UK will include a clinical placement. During this time, students will work in supervised settings with real clients, including children. This allows you to gain hands-on experience.
These placements are an essential part of training, and they provide insight into the variety of communication and swallowing disorders that speech therapists may have to deal with in the real world.
And for those specialising in working with children, these placements will often involve time in schools, clinics or hospitals focused on paediatric care.
Registering With The Right Professional Bodies
As well as studying the right subjects, you can also strengthen your career by registering with the relevant professional bodies.
In order to practice as a licensed speech and language therapist in the UK, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) once you’ve completed your degree.
This is done to ensure that you meet the professional standards and are allowed to practice legally.
You might also consider joining the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
Although this is not mandatory, it offers access to useful resources, professional development and a network of practising speech therapists.
Continue To Study Or Specialise
Even when you’re registered, you can still continue to develop your skills and industry knowledge with additional studies. For example, you could specialise in areas such as autism spectrum disorder, developmental language disorder or stammering in children.
This continuous development can be achieved through courses, workshops, conferences, or short courses offered by registered organisations like RCSLT. Some of the key areas you can focus on include:
- Linguistics and phonetics
- Child development
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Communication and counselling
10 Reasons To Become A Children’s Speech Therapist
Becoming a children’s speech therapist can be deeply rewarding, but if you need that final nudge in the right direction, let us help. This can be a wonderful career choice, and here are 10 reasons you should become a children’s speech therapist:
- You can make a real impact on the lives of the children you help
- You can support and help children with a diverse range of needs and challenges
- There is a lot of demand for speech therapists, and as we become even more aware of the importance of early intervention, this demand will only grow
- As a result, this can be a very stable career choice
- There is huge potential for flexibility in the work environment and schedule, for example, working remotely and offering online speech therapy
- You’ll enjoy lifelong learning and the ability to grow professionally
- You get to build strong relationships with children and their families
- You can empower children with confidence and independence
- You will also encourage advocacy and awareness for those struggling with speech delays or disorders
- It offers a competitive salary and growth potential, especially if you keep expanding your knowledge and area of expertise
In Summary
A career as a child’s speech and language therapist has a whole range of benefits, not least of all because you get to help children and see them develop and grow.
Although not every route to becoming a speech therapist is the same, the quickest way to do this is to study Speech and Language Therapy at university or to do a Masters degree if you already hold an Undergraduate degree.
But even when you’ve achieved your goal and become a registered therapist, don’t stop learning. There are lots of great courses and additional learning platforms you can use to strengthen your skillset, boost your reputation and even specialise in a chosen area or illness.