Speech and language therapy helps people improve communication, speech, language, and swallowing skills. Using a combination of long-term treatment plans, the latest medical treatments, and strong relationships between therapists and service-users, speech and language therapy supports independence, learning, and social interaction.
In this blog, we’ll be looking at exactly what it takes to be a speech and language therapist, as well as the impact therapy has on service users.
What do speech and language therapists do?
The day-to-day role of a speech and language therapist differs depending on the needs of the service user. A lot of the work is built around personal assessments, before following up on an action plan.
“When I’m working as a Speech Therapist within the team, I’ll assess an individual, perhaps do a clinical evaluation of their swallowing at lunchtime and over a number of days, connect with the team about that, put in place a care plan with clear recommendations developed with the patient themselves and their family as well. Then that will be imparted to the whole team to enact,” explains Lucy Ireland, Quality Improvement Lead and Speech and Language Therapist at Elysium.
As well as assessment and practical therapy, speech and language therapists also provide vital support and education to the families of service users, helping to care for and cope with conditions in the longer term.
Is SaLT challenging?
Being a speech and language therapist is an absorbing, rewarding role, yet it can also be challenging. How rewarding or challenging you find the day-to-day is likely to vary with each shift and case. Every service user is different, with individual needs, emotions, and treatment options.
“It’s quite a physically demanding job in that you’re working with people that can at times be quite agitated and can be aggressive,” adds Lucy. “You need to be mindful of that and be responsive to it and be supportive towards yourself, your colleagues and your patients.”
So, it’s not always the easiest job. But with these challenges come some of the biggest rewards, like hearing a service user communicate with their loved ones after months of setbacks, challenges and tears. The challenge and the reward often go hand in hand.
What conditions do speech and language therapists treat?
Speech and language service users come to Elysium and other healthcare providers with a range of speech and language issues. There’s no one cause of difficulty speaking and communicating, and each requires a different treatment plan.
Some of the most common conditions include:
- Brain and spinal issues
- Hearing loss or impairment
- Physical difficulty producing sounds
- Developmental disorders
- Cleft palates or cleft lips
- Mild, moderate, or severe learning difficulties
- Neurological and degenerative conditions, like dementia and Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic events such as head injuries or strokes
Whatever the issue, the speech and language therapy team will devise a treatment and monitoring process to suit the needs of the individual service user.
Why is this service so important?
Whether a service user has a developmental issue or they’ve suffered an event that has impacted their speech, a lack of language and communication capabilities can be devastating.
As well as problems with engaging and interacting with others, speech and language difficulties can also cause dangerous physical complaints, like an inability to swallow.
Being able to treat these symptoms in both the short term and long term is absolutely paramount to give service users their quality of life back.
Is it a good career?
Anyone considering a career in speech and language therapy should know two things:
Firstly, it’s a job that makes a difference in the lives of service users each and every day. A role that rewards patience and a methodical approach to what can be complex and challenging cases.
Secondly, as well as professional satisfaction, there’s also scope to grow. To learn new skills. rise through the ranks within your team and facility, and take on more responsibility. Specialisms in vocal disorders, developmental issues, and other key areas are not only possible but also encouraged.
There will always be a need for highly-skilled, empathetic speech and language therapists.
Becoming a speech and language therapist
Becoming a speech and language therapist is a process that can take years.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- At least five relevant GCSEs, graded between A-C or 9-4.
- A-levels (or equivalent qualifications, such as NVQs or HNDs) in English, languages, and sciences.
- A postgraduate MSc/PGDip in Speech and Language Therapy
- Enrolment in the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Only after you’ve achieved all of the above will you be able to apply for a speech and language therapist job. New routes, including Degree Apprenticeships, are also becoming more common, allowing studies to take place alongside employment.
Looking for a career in speech and language?
A career in speech and language therapy is a career where no day is the same, but every day will let you make a difference to people’s lives.
To start your career as a speech and language therapist with Elysium, take a look at our latest vacancies today.