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Five reasons to study Speech & Language Therapy
Speech & Language Therapy is a fascinating and fulfilling degree, but why study it and how can it help you? Read through five reasons to see how it can help you and if it's the right choice.
1. Contribute to society
As a Speech & Language Therapy professional, you’ll help people communicate better, removing barriers that stop them from engaging in society.
A degree will give you the skills needed to make a positive impact in a setting such as education, the workplace or healthcare. You’ll be able to help people from all walks of life – from babies to the elderly – who experience issues with their speech or hearing.
2. A dynamic career
Professionals within this sector tend to have exciting and varied day-to-day lives due to a demand for care in many different environments. This could be in hospitals, neonatal units, prisons, schools or even in people’s homes.
As no two days are the same, it’s also a highly stimulating area. You could be experiencing new situations each day, developing your understanding and growing your practice.
3. Plenty of practical learning
Speech & Language Therapy degree courses tend to be highly practical, helping you prepare for a graduate role. Most teach you how to use industry equipment in modern laboratory facilities. This could include clinic rooms, recording studios, equipment for ultrasound tongue imagining and speech analysis, audio test rooms and sound-proof booths.
You’ll also have the chance to apply what you learn in the classroom to clinical placements. These could occur in hospitals, schools, nurseries, care homes or similar settings, where you might be observing communication skills, strategies and therapy services.
4. Gain transferable skills
Alongside the technical qualities you’ll gain during the course, you'll also acquire many transferable skills. This includes communication, problem-solving, organisation, time management and analytical skills.
These can all be applied to different professional paths – handy if you later decide that a career directly related to this subject area isn’t for you.
5. Good graduate prospects
According to data on our graduate earnings table, the starting salaries for those who find a graduate job after studying Speech & Language Therapy are significantly higher than those who enter the same position without a degree.
Once qualified in the area, you’ll be able to develop your practice and perhaps choose a speciality, work across different settings or even set up a private practice.
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