HealthcareISCO 2266
Speech and language therapist
A speech and language therapist is a person who works on the causes, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of communication and swallowing disorders in people of all ages.
Check yourself in a minute: speech and language therapist
Rate 5 of the 68 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
respond to changing situations in health care
educate on the prevention of illness
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
use e-health and mobile health technologies
conduct research on speech-related topics
About speech and language therapist
The therapist helps a person maintain, promote, improve, initiate or recover the ability to communicate, verbally and non-verbally. A child who has not yet developed speech, an adult who has lost it after a stroke and a person whose voice is failing each need a different kind of therapy.
The field covers the development of language, speech, voice and hearing, together with disorders and disabilities of the cranial, facial and oral region, which is why swallowing belongs here: the same structures do both.
Human physiology, neuropsychology and audiology are the sciences the practice rests on, since a communication difficulty may originate in the brain, in the ear, in the structures of the mouth or in all three. The therapist builds a therapeutic relationship with the patient based on cooperation. The therapist follows healthcare legislation and the quality standards of practice, and keeps records using medical informatics. Entry is through a degree in speech and language therapy, with further requirements set by each country.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (68)
hygiene in a health care settinghygiene in a health care settingThe procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipmen...otorhinolaryngologic conditionsotorhinolaryngologic conditionsThe pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management related to the otorhinolaryngologic conditions.audiometryaudiometryThe way hearing acuity is measured, specifically related to sound intensity and pitch and tonal purity in order to diagnose hearing impairment and related disorders.health care legislationhealth care legislationThe patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.audiologyaudiologyThe science related to the hearing, balance and other related disorders and conditions specific to adults or children.medical terminologymedical terminologyThe meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.health care occupation-specific ethicshealth care occupation-specific ethicsThe moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patie...facial gymnasticsfacial gymnasticsThe methods and techniques that help working out the facial muscles.human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.hearing losshearing lossThe manifestation, causes and symptoms of hearing impairment, which is the partial or total inability to hear.neurologyneurologyNeurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.logopaedicslogopaedicsThe theories and methods related to the voice, speech, language and articulation disorders for children and adults, whether congenital or related to accidents or illness.linguisticslinguisticsThe scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.paediatricspaediatricsPaediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.behavioural neurologybehavioural neurologyThe links between neuroscience and behaviour, the care for individuals with behavioural disturbances rooted in neurological issues.phoniatricsphoniatricsThe study of the causes and treatments of various dysfunctions of the vocal cords, larynx (such as cancer of the larynx), mouth or lungs that most often result in speech disorders.speech techniquesspeech techniquesThe history and the characteristics of breathing, voice and speaking techniques.human anatomyhuman anatomyThe dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and ...medical informaticsmedical informaticsThe processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.psychologypsychologyThe human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.pathologypathologyThe components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.phoneticsphoneticsThe physical properties of speech sounds such as how their are produced, their acoustic properties and neurophysiological status.sign languagesign languageA system of communication using visual gestures and signs, used by hearing impaired individuals.neuropsychologyneuropsychologyThe way in which psychological processes affect the human brain, its structure and functioning mode.special needs educationspecial needs educationThe teaching methods, equipment and settings used to support students with special needs in achieving succes in school or community.movement techniquesmovement techniquesThe various types of movement and physical postures undertaken for relaxation, body-mind integration, stress reduction, flexibility, core support and rehabilitation purposes, and that are required for...first aidfirst aidThe emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.psychiatrypsychiatryPsychiatry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.respond to changing situations in health carerespond to changing situations in health careCope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.educate on the prevention of illnesseducate on the prevention of illnessOffer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and healt...inform policy makers on health-related challengesinform policy makers on health-related challengesProvide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.use e-health and mobile health technologiesuse e-health and mobile health technologiesUse mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.conduct research on speech-related topicsconduct research on speech-related topicsConduct and direct research on topics related to speech, reporting the results to help in the development of new procedures, technology, or treatments, or the refinement of existing ones.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence...record healthcare users' progress related to treatmentrecord healthcare users' progress related to treatmentRecord the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.treat swallowing disorderstreat swallowing disordersWork with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow.monitor patients' progress related to treatmentmonitor patients' progress related to treatmentObserve and report on healthcare users' response to medical treatment, monitoring their progress or decay on a daily basis and modifying the treatment procedures whenever necessary.formulate a case conceptualisation model for therapyformulate a case conceptualisation model for therapyCompose an individualised treatment plan in collaboration with the individual, striving to match his or her needs, situation, and treatment goals to maximise the probability of therapeutic gain and co...manage healthcare users' datamanage healthcare users' dataKeep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, wr...deal with emergency care situationsdeal with emergency care situationsAssess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.provide health educationprovide health educationProvide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.evaluate the psychological impact of speech problemsevaluate the psychological impact of speech problemsEvaluate how speech problems affect patients psychologically in their educational, professional or social environment.communicate in healthcarecommunicate in healthcareCommunicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.encourage healthcare user's self-monitoringencourage healthcare user's self-monitoringEncourage the healthcare user to engage in self-monitoring by conducting situational and developmental analyses on him- or herself. Assist the healthcare user to develop a degree of self-critique and ...counsel patients on improving speechcounsel patients on improving speechCounsel and instruct clients in techniques to mitigate speech impairment such as sign language or lip-reading.advise on healthcare users' informed consentadvise on healthcare users' informed consentEnsure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.manage the neuropsychiatric sequelae of strokemanage the neuropsychiatric sequelae of strokeLocalise brain lesions approximately, formulating a basic differential diagnosis as to stroke aetiology and estimating the severity of the deficit and the urgency of further assessment.comply with quality standards related to healthcare practicecomply with quality standards related to healthcare practiceApply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associati...comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...adhere to organisational guidelinesadhere to organisational guidelinesAdhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.promote good habits to avoid communication disorderspromote good habits to avoid communication disordersPromote good habits to avoid communication disorders or malformations affecting communication, swallowing or hearing.counsel on communication disorderscounsel on communication disordersCounsel patients and caregivers on how to cope with communication disorders.perform therapy sessionsperform therapy sessionsWork in sessions with individuals or groups to deliver therapy in a controlled environment.work in a multicultural environment in health carework in a multicultural environment in health careInteract, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.promote inclusionpromote inclusionPromote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive envi...interact with healthcare usersinteract with healthcare usersCommunicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.organise relapse preventionorganise relapse preventionHelp the patient or client identify and anticipate high risk situations or external and internal triggers. Support them in developing better coping strategies and back-up plans in case of future diffi...diagnose speech disordersdiagnose speech disordersAssess and diagnose patients` speech and communication disorders, identifying a variety of causes like congenital problems or disorders acquired after a stroke or injury.ensure safety of healthcare usersensure safety of healthcare usersMake sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing condit...treat speech disorderstreat speech disordersProvide speech therapy to patients affected by learning disabilities such as dyslexia, stuttering, articulation problems, dyscalculia, swallowing disorders such as dysphagia, brain related conditions ...apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and s...develop a collaborative therapeutic relationshipdevelop a collaborative therapeutic relationshipDevelop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.apply context specific clinical competencesapply context specific clinical competencesApply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within ...use techniques to increase patients' motivationuse techniques to increase patients' motivationEncourage the patient`s motivation to change and promote the belief that therapy can help, using techniques and treatment engagement procedures for this purpose.work in multidisciplinary health teamswork in multidisciplinary health teamsParticipate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.teach communication methodsteach communication methodsSelect augmentative or alternative communication methods for patients, such as automated devices and sign language, and instruct patients how to use them. Teach patients with little or no capability f...accept own accountabilityaccept own accountabilityAccept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
Optional (13) — show
bobath therapybobath therapyThe therapy used to help children and adults after stroke who have movement disorders (cerebral palsy) to improve their ability to move and develop their (lost) skills.cued speechcued speechThe visual communication system that makes use of handshapes and mouth movements to differentiate between the phonemes of spoken language. It is used to help individuals with hearing or language diffi...autismautismThe characteristics, causes, symptoms and diagnosis of the neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviour.pedagogypedagogyThe discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.psychoacousticspsychoacousticsThe characteristics of sound perception from music or speech and their psychological effects on the individual`s hearing.undertake clinical auditundertake clinical auditUndertake internal clinical audit through the collection of statistical, financial and other data related to service delivery.provide stroke rehabilitation servicesprovide stroke rehabilitation servicesProvide services to patients who have suffered from stroke, helping them relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged.interpret diagnostic tests in otorhinolaryngologyinterpret diagnostic tests in otorhinolaryngologyInterpret diagnostic tests such as imaging studies of the soft tissue of the neck and sinuses, using chemical and haematological studies, conventional audiometry, impedance audiometry, and pathology r...conduct polysomnographyconduct polysomnographyPerform a sleep study in order to diagnose sleep disorders, recording measures of the sleep cycles and stages, including air flow in and out of the lungs, the level of oxygen in the blood, brain waves...use foreign languages for health-related researchuse foreign languages for health-related researchUse foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.supervise speech and language teamsupervise speech and language teamSupervise newly qualified speech and language therapists and assistants.use foreign languages in patient careuse foreign languages in patient careCommunicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.refer healthcare usersrefer healthcare usersMake referrals to other professionals, based on the healthcare user's requirements and needs, especially when recognising that additional healthcare diagnostics or interventions are required.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a speech and language therapist do?
Speech and language therapists focus on the aetiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of communication and swallowing disorders in people of all ages in order to help them maintain, promote, improve, initiate, or recover the ability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally. They address the development of language, speech, vocal and hearing functions, and disorders and disabilities in the cranial, facial, and oral area.
What skills does a speech and language therapist need?
A speech and language therapist needs 68 essential skills, including hygiene in a health care setting, otorhinolaryngologic conditions, audiometry, health care legislation, audiology.
Will AI replace speech and language therapist jobs?
The AI disruption score for speech and language therapist is 12/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: medical terminology, manage healthcare users' data, undertake clinical audit. Most resilient: empathise with the healthcare user, deal with emergency care situations, develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
AI Replacement Risk
12/ 100
Very Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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