What do they do?
Speech-language therapists assess and treat people of all ages who have problems with verbal communication, including difficulties with speech, language and cognition (thought processes), or physical processes such as swallowing. Speech language therapists may be involved in:
- assessing and diagnosing communication disorders, such as stuttering or lisps
- leading group therapy sessions
- counselling, supporting and advising clients and their families about speech-language issues
What will I get out of this job?
This is a really interesting career for people who are interested in both science and the arts and have a desire to help people achieve their goals. And you shouldn't have too much difficulty finding work when you finish your studies. Most new graduate speech language therapists find a job within a year of finishing study, or sooner if they are accepted into a graduate programme. There is a high change you will find a job in New Zealand because:
- we have an ageing population, which is prone to strokes. As a speech language therapist you would play a vital role in helping stroke patients recover speech and language functions.
- more private practices are opening to cater for school children and new entrants who cannot be treated through the public health service.
How do I get this job?
To become a speech-language therapist you need to have a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy, or an equivalent qualification that meets the requirements of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists' Association (NZSTA).
Three institutes offer Speech Language Therapy courses:
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Check out Jessie's profile to see what it's really like on the job.