A Career in Speech & Language Therapy in Ireland
Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) support people of all ages who have difficulties with communication or swallowing. As Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs), SLTs work closely with Doctors, Nurses, and other specialists to deliver coordinated care.
What Does a Speech & Language Therapist Do?
SLTs assess, diagnose, and provide a broad range of interventions for individuals with a variety of concerns related to communication, voice, feeding, eating, drinking, and swallowing. Their work spans the entire lifespan, addressing needs from early childhood through to older adulthood.
Beyond clinical intervention, SLTs advocate for and contribute to the development of services for individuals with communication and swallowing needs. Some SLTs are actively engaged in research, teaching, and advocacy as part of their clinical role or in academic settings.
How to Become a Speech & Language Therapist in Ireland
To practice as an SLT in Ireland, you must complete a CORU-approved qualification. There are different pathways, depending on your background:
1. Undergraduate Degrees
Several Irish universities offer accredited Speech & Language Therapy courses in Ireland. These include four-year full-time programmes that combine academic study with clinical placements.
2. Speech & Language Therapy Masters
If you hold a related degree (like Psychology or Linguistics), you can apply for a masters in Speech & Language Therapy. These postgraduate conversion courses typically run for two years.
Understanding CORU: Why It Matters
To practice as an SLT in Ireland, registration with CORU is mandatory. CORU is the regulatory body that ensures Health and Social Care Professionals meet high standards of education, training, and ethical practice. Only graduates of CORU-approved courses are eligible to apply for registration.
If you are studying or planning to study, make sure your course is CORU-accredited. CORU also provides information on approved qualifications that serve as entry routes to these courses this accreditation is crucial for future employment, especially with the HSE.
If you have been qualified outside the EU you can find further information in relation to registration and recognition of your qualifications here.
Private vs. Public Sector: Where Can You Work?
The HSE is the largest employer of SLT’s in Ireland. Jobs span across hospitals, primary care teams and child development services. Working as a Speech and Language Therapist in the HSE’s public sector offers a rewarding, team-based environment where SLTs collaborate with other HSCP’s to deliver essential services.
The private sector is growing rapidly. Many families seek private Speech & Language Therapy to avoid long wait times or to receive more specialised support. This pathway also allows SLTs to run their own practices, offering greater autonomy and flexible work hours.
Career Progression
Graduate Speech and Language Therapist (Grade 1)
Newly qualified SLTs typically start at this entry-level position, gaining practical clinical experience under supervision in various settings.
Speech and Language Therapist (Grade 2)
After gaining experience and demonstrating competence, SLTs move to this grade, taking on more complex cases and increased responsibility.
Senior Speech and Language Therapist
At this level, SLTs lead specialised clinical work, supervise junior therapists, and may manage caseloads or specific service areas.
Clinical Specialist / Advanced Practitioner
SLTs with additional expertise or qualifications often progress to specialist roles focusing on particular client groups or clinical areas, leading service development and training.
Clinical Manager / Team Lead
In this role, SLTs manage teams, oversee service delivery, coordinate multi-disciplinary collaboration, and handle administrative and strategic responsibilities.
Assistant Principal Speech and Language Therapist
This senior management role involves higher-level operational management, policy implementation, and liaison with other health and education services.
Principal Speech and Language Therapist / Service Manager
Principal SLT’s and Service Managers have the overall responsibility for service planning, budgeting, and strategic development within a region or specialty area.
While you may be awaiting a call for SLT jobs from the HSE panel you can use this time to gain experience and expand your knowledge through contract work.
The main benefits of contract work include:
- Greater flexibility in choosing roles, hours, and locations.
- Opportunities to gain diverse clinical experience across different settings.
- Ability to take breaks between contracts for travel, study, or rest.
- Exposure to a wider professional network and potential long-term opportunities.
- Time and space to pursue continuing professional development (CPD).
Summary
From public sector roles in the HSE to private practice and flexible contract work, SLTs in Ireland can build fulfilling careers that make a real difference. With the right qualifications and a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape, you can take confident steps toward a meaningful and impactful profession.
About the author
