Speech and language therapist

As a speech and language therapist, you could:

• observe and test patients to assess specific difficulties
•  plan and develop therapy programmes
•  help patients regain communication after brain injuries or a stroke
•  support children and adults with eating or swallowing problems
•  work with children with language delays or disorders

• knowledge of English language
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

For some roles you'll need to visit clients in their homes, so you'll need a driving licence.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

With experience, you could specialise in working with:

• children with special educational needs
•  people who have eating, drinking and swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

After further training, you could move into teaching and research. You could also become self-employed and run your own business.