Speech and language therapists

Description

Speech and language therapists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, fluency and voice disorders caused by disability, injury or illness.

Tasks

• assesses, tests and diagnoses a client’s condition
• designs and initiates appropriate rehabilitation and/or remedial programmes of treatment
• treats speech and language disorders by coaching and counselling clients or through the use of artificial communication devices
• attends case conferences and liaises with other specialists such as doctors, teachers, social workers and psychologists
• counsels relatives to help cope with the problems created by a patient’s disability
• writes reports and maintains client caseloads.

Educational Requirements

Entrants require a recognised graduate or postgraduate degree that encompasses both theory and clinical practice. Successful completion of these courses leads to eligibility for a certificate to practice and membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Full membership is granted after completion of a year of supervised, post-qualifying experience.