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.

If you’re passionate about helping people stay active and improve their quality of life, a career as a Physiotherapist in Ireland could be a perfect fit. It’s more than just a job, it’s a chance to make a real difference while building a rewarding and meaningful career.

Physiotherapists are part of a clinical workforce called Health & Social Care Professionals. Once qualified you can work in a variety of settings including acute hospital wards, rehabilitation services and community settings in patient homes.

Education & Training

Becoming a Physiotherapist opens the door to a fulfilling career focused on improving people’s mobility and quality of life. Whether you’re starting out or looking to build on previous studies, there are different educational paths to help you qualify.

• Tertiary degrees that provide seamless pathways from Further Education to Higher Education.
• Undergraduate BSc in Physiotherapy Honours Degree
• NFQ Level 8 course plus an MSc in Physiotherapy University Degree

Where Can You Study Physiotherapy in Ireland

Universities which offer excellent Physiotherapy courses in Ireland include:

• University College Dublin (UCD)
• Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
• University of Limerick (UL)
• National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

These programs mix classes with real-world training to give students the clinical skills they need to succeed.

CORU Registration

All Physiotherapists must register with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals in Ireland. This ensures that practitioners meet the professional standards necessary to provide safe and effective care. If you are an internationally trained Physiotherapist, CORU also assesses overseas qualifications, making Ireland an accessible destination for global talent.

If you have been qualified outside Ireland you can find further information on relocation and registration here.

Where Can I Work as a Physiotherapist in Ireland

Physiotherapists work across a number of settings including hospitals, community healthcare organisations and private practices.

Hospitals: In hospitals, they play a crucial role in various wards such as acute care, rehabilitation, orthopedics, and neurology.

Community: Within the community, Physiotherapists may work in local hospitals, health centers, or provide in-home care, directly to patients.

Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation centers offer another avenue, focusing on the recovery of individuals following injury or illness.

Private practice: Many Physiotherapists also choose to establish private practices, offering a wide range of services to the general public.

Additionally, they are integral to sports organisations, where they support both professional and amateur athletes through injury management, rehabilitation, and preventative care. Opportunities also exist in research and academic settings, allowing Physiotherapists to contribute to the advancement of the field.

Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists

The Society of Chartered Physiotherapists is a professional group that supports Physiotherapists in their work. It helps members stay up to date, offers training and resources, and supports quality care in Physiotherapy. Being part of this society can help Physiotherapists grow in their careers and connect with others in the field.

Opportunities for Career Progression

Once you’re qualified, you can work in different places such as hospitals and rehab centers. New graduates and experienced professionals alike can find opportunities to specialise in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, or sports therapy.

Physiotherapy Pay in Ireland: What to Expect

A common question from those starting their career is what to expect in terms of pay. Salaries can vary widely based on factors like experience, location, and the type of employer.

Entry-level Physiotherapists typically earn less than those with more experience, and senior or specialist roles tend to offer higher pay. Working in private practice or areas like sports medicine may also provide opportunities for increased earnings, especially with additional training or expertise. For detailed information on public sector pay, you can refer to the HSE pay scales.

Why Choose Ireland?

In addition to competitive pay and abundant job opportunities, Ireland offers friendly communities, stunning natural landscapes, and an exceptional quality of life. For international candidates, Ireland provides a professional healthcare system and globally respected universities. Moreover, the close-knit healthcare community fosters strong professional networks and ample opportunities for continuous growth and development.

Summary

Working as a Physiotherapist in Ireland means helping others and building your career at the same time. To learn more about Physiotherapy jobs in Ireland you can visit our website.

Your CV acts as your professional passport, and represents you when searching for a new role. Graduates often spend the months following university searching for a new position. This blog provides tips and tricks to help you stand out in the competitive field of healthcare. By following these steps, you can ensure that your CV presents you in the best possible light.

Be clear & concise

Ensure that your CV is clear, concise, and well-structured, with an emphasis on readability. Avoid long paragraphs and use short, strong sentences.

Use headings and bullet points to make your CV easy to read. This hilights your skills and experience quickly to the employer.

Tailor your CV to the role

When applying for a job, demonstrating genuine interest in both the role and the organisation is crucial. Researching the company helps you understand its values, culture and the industry it operates in. This knowledge helps you customise your application for the job. It makes sure your skills and experiences align with the company’s goals and needs.

By customising your CV, you not only highlight your relevant qualifications but also show that you have put thought into how your healthcare background makes you a strong fit for the role. This tailored approach increases your chances of standing out, showing employers that you are serious about contributing to their organisation.

Tips for CV presentation

First impressions matter, and this starts with CV presentation. A simple, clean layout with clear headings is vital. We recommend using a classic font such as Arial or Calibri and keeping the font size between 10-12 points. Avoid using too many colours or fonts, as this can make the CV look cluttered.

Start your CV with the following:

• Your Name
• Your Contact Details (phone number & email address)
• A Link to Your LinkedIn Profile

These are essential for employers to be able to contact you and easily learn more about your professional background.

Create a strong personal statement

One of the most powerful sections of your CV is your personal statement. This section provides a snapshot of who you are and why you are the right candidate for the role. You can include your personal statement at the top of your CV as a summary of your skills and professional interests.

Start by reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualities the hiring manager is looking for. Tailor your personal statement to reflect these attributes.

Focus on your main strengths which are relevant to the job. Highlight both hard skills, like clinical expertise, and soft skills, like communication, that relate to the job. In the healthcare industry, employers value a balanced combination of these abilities.

Include education & training

In your education and training, make sure to list all relevant skills and qualifications.

• Degree/Qualification: List your university degree as well as any relevant placements you completed and additional qualifications. You can also include a list of the most relevant modules you studied.
• Certifications: Include any certifications such as First Aid, Safeguarding Children, or Medication Administration which are required for your position.

Outline your experience clearly

The experience section is critical to demonstrate that you are qualified for the role. Include detailed descriptions of your previous roles, highlighting key responsibilities and achievements. This section should include:

• Job Title
• Employer’s Name and Location
• Dates of Employment
• Key Skills and Achievements

Also, remember to include any relevant volunteering or training experience. This shows your commitment to your career and your passion for the field.

Include a references section

Make sure to have a list of professional references. These can be former managers, supervisors, or colleagues. They should be able to discuss your skills and work ethic. Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference.

At the end of your CV, make sure to include a references section. You can note that your references are “available upon request.”

CV tips specific to the role

Health & Social Care Professionals: CORU registration is a key requirement. Make sure to display your CORU registration number clearly on your CV.

Nurses: Nurses who have been qualified in Ireland and outside of the EU must have an NMBI pin. Make sure to prominently highlight your NMBI pin number on your CV.

Doctors: Doctors must register with the IMC to practice in Ireland. Be sure to include your IMC registration details on your CV.

Healthcare Assistants: Make sure to add your QQI Level 5 certification to your job application. This is a required qualification for healthcare assistants.

Summary

Your CV is your first chance to make a great impression on potential employers. You can write an excellent CV by using these cv tips and tricks. In a nutshell, the key takeaways are as follows:

• How to write a good CV and cover letter: Keep both concise and focus on tailoring your content to match the job description.
• What to write for skills on a CV: Focus on both technical (clinical) and soft (interpersonal) skills.
• What to write in the profile section of a CV: Tailor this section to showcase your personal strengths and fit for the specific role.
• Layout: Focus on ensuring your CV is clearly structured and easy to read, with clear formatting that highlights your skills and makes them easy to identify.

Highlight your strengths, experience, and passion for health and social care to make your CV stand out. Tailor your CV for each role to ensure you highlight the most relevant achievements, skills, and qualifications.

To position yourself as the best fit for a role in healthcare, take the time to carefully craft your CV. With the right approach and attention to detail, you can confidently move forward in your job search.