Speech And Language Therapist Health Professionals
SaveWhat 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.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Otorhinolaryngologic Conditions
The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management related to the otorhinolaryngologic conditions.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Speech And Language Therapist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialOtorhinolaryngologic Conditions knowledge
The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management related to the otorhinolaryngologic conditions.
-
EssentialSign Language knowledge
A system of communication using visual gestures and signs, used by hearing impaired individuals.
Recommended Books
5 books -
EssentialHygiene In A Health Care Setting knowledge
The 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 …
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialMedical Informatics knowledge
The processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.
Recommended Books
4 books -
EssentialMovement Techniques knowledge
The 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 or underpin occupational performance.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialHealth Care Occupation-Specific Ethics knowledge
The 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 patient confidentiality.
-
EssentialLogopaedics knowledge
The theories and methods related to the voice, speech, language and articulation disorders for children and adults, whether congenital or related to accidents or illness.
-
EssentialFirst Aid knowledge
The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialHuman Physiology knowledge
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialNeuropsychology knowledge
The way in which psychological processes affect the human brain, its structure and functioning mode.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialProfessional Documentation In Health Care knowledge
The written standards applied in the health care professional environments for documentation purposes of one`s activity.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialHealth Care Legislation knowledge
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialLip Reading knowledge
The methods used to understand speech by interpreting the movements of the lips, face and tongue for people affected by hearing impairment or to understand people from a distance.
-
EssentialBehavioural Neurology knowledge
The links between neuroscience and behaviour, the care for individuals with behavioural disturbances rooted in neurological issues.
-
EssentialAudiometry knowledge
The way hearing acuity is measured, specifically related to sound intensity and pitch and tonal purity in order to diagnose hearing impairment and related disorders.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialFacial Gymnastics knowledge
The methods and techniques that help working out the facial muscles.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialHearing Loss knowledge
The manifestation, causes and symptoms of hearing impairment, which is the partial or total inability to hear.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialSpecial Needs Education knowledge
The teaching methods, equipment and settings used to support students with special needs in achieving succes in school or community.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialHuman Anatomy knowledge
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialLinguistics knowledge
The scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialMedical Terminology knowledge
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialNeurology knowledge
Neurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPaediatrics knowledge
Paediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPathology knowledge
The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPsychiatry knowledge
Psychiatry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPsychology knowledge
The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPhonetics knowledge
The physical properties of speech sounds such as how their are produced, their acoustic properties and neurophysiological status.
-
EssentialAudiology knowledge
The science related to the hearing, balance and other related disorders and conditions specific to adults or children.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPhoniatrics knowledge
The 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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialSpeech Techniques knowledge
The history and the characteristics of breathing, voice and speaking techniques.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialAccept Own Accountability skill
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialAdhere To Organisational Guidelines skill
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialAdvise On Healthcare Users' Informed Consent skill
Ensure 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialApply Context Specific Clinical Competences skill
Apply 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 one`s own scope …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialApply Health Sciences skill
Apply a broad range of bio-medical, psycho-social, organisational, educational, and societal aspects of health, disease, and healthcare to improve healthcare services and to improve quality of life.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialApply Organisational Techniques skill
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the goals set. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialCommunicate Effectively In Healthcare skill
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialComply With Legislation Related To Health Care skill
Comply with the regional and national legislation that is relevant to one`s work and apply it in practice.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialComply With Quality Standards Related To Healthcare Practice skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialContribute To Continuity Of Health Care skill
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDeal With Emergency Care Situations skill
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDevelop A Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship skill
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialEducate On The Prevention Of Illness skill
Offer 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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialEmpathise With The Healthcare User skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialEnsure Safety Of Healthcare Users skill
Make 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 conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialFollow Clinical Guidelines skill
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInform Policy Makers On Health-Related Challenges skill
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInteract With Healthcare Users skill
Communicate with clients and their carer's, with the patient's permission, to keep them informed about the clients' and patients' progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialListen Actively skill
Give 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 customers, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialManage Healthcare Users' Data skill
Keep 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, written and electronic) …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOrganise Relapse Prevention skill
Help 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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPerform Therapy Sessions skill
Work in sessions with individuals or groups to deliver therapy in a controlled environment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPromote Inclusion skill
Promote inclusion in health care and social services and respect diversity of beliefs, culture, values and preferences, keeping in mind the importance of equality and diversity issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialProvide Health Education skill
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRecord Healthcare Users' Progress Related To Treatment skill
Record the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRespond To Changing Situations In Health Care skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUse E-Health And Mobile Health Technologies skill
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWork In A Multicultural Environment In Health Care skill
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWork In Multidisciplinary Health Teams skill
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialConduct Research On Speech-Related Topics skill
Conduct 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialCounsel On Communication Disorders skill
Counsel patients and caregivers on how to cope with communication disorders.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialCounsel Patients On Improving Speech skill
Counsel and instruct clients in techniques to mitigate speech impairment such as sign language or lip-reading.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDiagnose Speech Disorders skill
Assess and diagnose patients` speech and communication disorders, identifying a variety of causes like congenital problems or disorders acquired after a stroke or injury.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialEncourage Healthcare User's Self-Monitoring skill
Encourage 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 self-analysis …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialEvaluate The Psychological Impact Of Speech Problems skill
Evaluate how speech problems affect patients psychologically in their educational, professional or social environment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialExercise Patience skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialFormulate A Case Conceptualisation Model For Therapy skill
Compose 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; considering any …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMonitor Patients' Progress Related To Treatment skill
Observe 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMotivate Patiens skill
Encourage the patient's motivation to change and promote the belief that therapy can help, using techniques and treatment engagement procedures for this purpose.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPromote Good Habits To Avoid Communication Disorders skill
Promote good habits to avoid communication disorders or malformations affecting communication, swallowing or hearing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialTeach Communication Methods skill
Select 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 for …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialTreat Speech Disorders skill
Provide speech therapy to patients affected by learning disabilities such as dyslexia, stuttering, articulation problems, dyscalculia, swallowing disorders such as dysphagia, brain related conditions such as aphasia or voice conditions …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialTreat Swallowing Disorders skill
Work with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 11 displayed)
-
OptionalAutism knowledge
The characteristics, causes, symptoms and diagnosis of the neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviour.
-
OptionalBobath Therapy knowledge
The 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.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalPedagogy knowledge
The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalCued Speech knowledge
The 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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPsychoacoustics knowledge
The characteristics of sound perception from music or speech and their psychological effects on the individual`s hearing.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalEmploy Foreign Languages For Health-Related Research skill
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEmploy Foreign Languages In Care skill
Communicate 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEnsure Proper Appointment Administration skill
Set up a proper procedure to manage appointments, including policies related to cancellation and nonappearance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalRefer Healthcare Users skill
Make referrals to other professionals, based on the healthcare user's requirements and needs, especially when recognising that additional healthcare diagnostics or interventions are required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalSupervise Speech And Language Team skill
Supervise newly qualified speech and language therapists and assistants.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUndertake Clinical Audit skill
Undertake internal clinical audit through the collection of statistical, financial and other data related to service delivery.
Course recommendations coming soon.
