Roles in CAMHS
Speech and Language Therapists
About the role...
Variety is one of the most exciting things about being a speech and language therapist. As well as helping patients with a variety of conditions, you’ll work in a multi-disciplinary team in different settings from hospitals to community clinics to patients' homes. You'll help children with a variety of conditions including: mild, moderate or severe learning difficulties, specific difficulties in producing sounds, hearing impairment, selective mutism and developmental language disorder.
Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where your career aspirations and plan will be discussed. You may choose to specialise in a particular area of practice such as cleft and lip palate, people with swallowing difficulties or learning disability. Other options include teaching or research.
You could also do further training and an advanced clinical practitioner or move into management. As head of a local speech and language therapy service you would be responsible for a team of staff and for managing a budget.
What qualifications do I need?
To become a speech and language therapist, you’ll need to train and study at degree or postgraduate level. To get on to an speech and language therapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, along with five GCSEs including English language, maths and science or alternative qualifications, including BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science, relevant T level, relevant NVQ, science-based access course, equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.
If you already hold a relevant first degree, you can apply for an accelerated postgraduate programme in speech and language therapy. These courses usually last two years.
There are a growing number of degree apprenticeships. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. Look in at Zone F for information about apprenticeships.
What experience do I need to bring?
Academic qualifications aren't everything. You will need to be able to motivate and reassure people of all ages using your excellent communication skills. You'll also need to be able problem solve and show real leadership and organisational skills. You will also need to be happy working alone and as part of a team.