How do I become a Speech and Language Therapist?

Speech and Language Therapy is a dynamic and ever evolving career, which gives you the opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of individuals, their families and communities. You will have the opportunity to join SLTs in Ireland  in creating a better world for everyone, young and old who has, or may in the future have communication or swallowing needs.

There are multiple entry routes to the profession:

  • Undergraduate BSc Speech and Language Therapy Honours Degree
  • NFQ Level 8 course tplus MSc SLT university degree

CORU, the regulator for health and social care professionals, will provide you information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the IASLT website or you can visit Careers Portal

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here.

Your role within the HSE

SLT are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professional’s (HSCP)’s, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

SLTs assess, diagnose and provide a broad range of interventions and supports to people across the life span, with a variety of disorders and /or concerns regarding communication, voice, feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing (FEDS).

SLTs also have a broader societal role in advocating for and developing services for all those with communication and swallowing needs.  Many SLTs are involved in research and advocacy as part of their clinical practice; their academic / teaching role or as a member of special interest group (SIG)

SLTs are concerned not only with identifying and understanding all the differences and challenges that the person with communication or FEDS experiences; but also with identifying and understanding any  barriers to successful communication and safe swallowing that may exist in that person’s environment

Career progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a senior SLT or a clinical specialist
  • specialise in a specific area, like autism, dyslexia, dysphagia (swallow impairments) and developmental language disorders
  • into research and training.

SLT is one of a number of professions that is supported by the Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) office.

Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway:

  • Staff Grade Speech and Language Therapist
  • Senior Speech and Language Therapist
  • Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Management Pathway:

  • Speech and Language Therapist Manager
  • Speech and Language Therapist Manager in Charge III

Educational Pathway: 

There are opportunities available across the Health and Social Care Professions for educational roles. You can also find more information on this pathway on the HSCP Office.

You can also refer to the IASLT website for more information.

Further training and development

The HSE HSCP Office is a fantastic source of career supports and upskilling. HSElanD is the portal that offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on education and development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on HSELanD.

Other supports for HSCP staff include Leadership, Education and Development Supports as well as Training Opportunities.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is one of the key mechanisms for maintaining HSCPs’ professional knowledge and skills. For more information please visit CPD for SLTs.

The Health Service Leadership Academy is a resource for everyone working in healthcare who is interested in leadership. The aim of the Leadership Academy is to develop leadership across the health service.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Please click on the below links to find out more about different Speech and Language Therapy roles:

Maria Price, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, North Inner City Dublin, Children’s Disability Network Team

Lisa Kelly, Speech and Language Therapist