Speech and language therapist
Support and treat adults and children who have communication problems.
Also known as: SLT
About the job
A day in the life – Speech and language therapist
What it's like
You would assess, support and treat adults and children who have communication problems.
Your work would be important in helping people who have:
Difficulties in speaking clearly
Problems understanding language
Problems using language
A stammer
Difficulties with feeding, chewing or swallowing
These issues may be a result of injury, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, a mental health problem or learning difficulty.
You could work with clients in either one-to-one or group sessions.
You would:
Talk with clients, observe them and test them
Plan and develop therapy programmes
Support clients through treatment
Work closely with colleagues, such as doctors and teachers
Help parents and carers to continue the therapy at home
Keep detailed progress records
You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the Speech and language therapist page on the NHS Scotland Careers website.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From February 2024 to February 2025.
- speech-language pathology
- swallowing disorders
- language assessment
- modified-barium swallow study (mbss)
- augmentative and alternative communications
- acute rehabilitation
- head and neck cancer
- laryngectomy
- communication disorders
- stroke recovery
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- motivating others
- mentoring
- coaching
- developing a plan
- empathising
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- listening
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Modern Languages
Biology
Care
Childcare and Development
English
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
Human Biology
You need a degree (SCQF level 10) or a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in speech and language therapy, processing or pathology.
Your degree must be approved by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
The University of Strathclyde and Queen Margaret University offer suitable BSc honours degree courses.
To enter a degree (SCQF 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers, including English and a science or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject such as biology, linguistics or psychology. Queen Margaret University and University of Edinburgh offer suitable postgraduate courses.
Knowledge of Gaelic may be useful in certain parts of the country.
A driving licence may be useful.
Once qualified you do one year’s supervised work, after which you gain UK state registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which you must have to work in the National Health Service (NHS).
You will need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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