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 plus MSc SLT university degree

CORU, the regulator for health and social care professionals, provides information on approved qualifications. Please review the current CORU approved qualifications list, as it will be updated in the near future to include additional approved courses. 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.

If you qualified outside of Ireland and require a compensatory measure as determined by CORU, click here for information on Periods of Adaptation.

Speech and language therapist working with a child

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU who are the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) including SLT.

SLT’S are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals (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

Speech and Language Therapist working with a child

Career progression

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

  • Become a Senior SLT
  • Specialise in a specific area, like autism, cleft lip and palate, development language disorder, stammering.

Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway:

  • Staff Grade Speech and Language Therapist
  • Senior Speech and Language Therapist
  • Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
  • Candidate Advanced Practice, Speech and Language Therapist

Management Pathway:

  • Speech and Language Therapist Manager
  • Speech and Language Therapist Manager in Charge III
  • Children’s Disability Network Team Manager

Educational Pathway: 

There are opportunities available across the Health and Social Care Professions for educational roles.

Speech and language therapist working with a child

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE

HSELAND is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & 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 www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

Speech and Language Therapist with a patient

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:

Síle Tyrell, Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, CDNT, Laois

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

Lisa Kelly, Speech and Language Therapist

To ensure that you are informed of all vacancies please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.

Speech and language therapist working with a child