How to Become a Speech Therapist

- Salary, Qualification, Skills, Role and Responsibilities

Who is a Speech Therapist?

Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Speech therapists are essential medical professionals addressing speech disorders. Whether it's delayed speech in children or difficulties in pronunciation, these experts play a crucial role. This article explores how to become a speech therapist in India, covering courses, colleges, and the responsibilities of this impactful profession.

Quick Facts for Speech Therapist

Industry
Healthcare
Average Salary in India
₹33000
Suitable for
Male, Female, Others

A career as speech therapist is suitable for everyone regardless of gender identity. Whether a person is male, female or belongs to any other gender can opt for this career.
Any special needs
Yes

A career as speech therapist is not suitable for individuals with special needs. Career demands fluency in communication skills and providing treatment to individuals with speech disorders.

Table of Contents for Speech Therapist

What is the role of Speech Therapist?

What is the workplace/work environment of Speech Therapist like?

How to become a Speech Therapist?

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Speech Therapist?

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Speech Therapist?

Speech Therapist Jobs and Salaries

What is the job outlook for Speech Therapist?

Frequently Asked Questions for Speech Therapist

What is the role of Speech Therapist?

Speech therapy in India involves training individuals with speech disorders. Speech therapists offer screening, consultation, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and counseling services. In this career, professionals support overall communication improvement and social skills enhancement. Students can pursue courses like B.ASLP and M.ASLP to become speech and language therapists, helping those with speech disorders due to trauma, injuries, or developmental issues.

Language Intervention Activities

A speech therapist's daily job routine involves talking to children with speech disorders through pictures, books, or other objects to stimulate language development. He or she may use repetitive exercises to build language skills.

Articulation Therapy

Articulation therapy is also known as sound production therapy. A speech therapist model corrects sounds and syllables in a word or sentences during play activities. The games are determined by the age of the child so that it fulfil the specific requirements.

Oral Motor/ Feeding and Swallowing Therapy

It involves a variety of facial exercises along with facial massage, tongue, lip and jaw exercises. It is done to strengthen the muscles of the mouth to eat, drink and swallow.

What is the workplace/work environment of Speech Therapist like?

Speech therapists work in diverse settings like schools, rehab centers, hospitals, and NGOs. Experienced therapists may run their private practice. They help people of all ages with speech issues, including cleft palate, language delay, voice disorders, and stuttering. It is a fulfilling career aiding individuals in overcoming communication challenges.

Does Speech Therapist require travelling?

Likely

A speech therapist may occasionally require travel. The travel needs depend on the requirements of clients. There are also travelling speech therapists who work with multiple institutions to provide their services and hence require travelling.

Time Pressure

Likely

In career as speech therapist, individuals work under frequent time pressure to determine the activities and exercise for the treatment. He or she has to record the progress and plan play activities for children accordingly to make them learn the pronunciation of words with the correct sound.

How to become a Speech Therapist?

Steps to become a Speech Therapist

Learning how to become a Speech Therapist in India involves an organised path that includes education, skill development, and practical practice. From formal schooling alternatives to pursuing hands-on chances, this guide outlines the necessary procedures for aspiring individuals who want to make a difference in the improvement of speech and language abilities in those suffering from communication impairments in India.

Identify the Skills
Enrol in Formal Education
Pursue Specialisation/Certification Courses
Build a Portfolio
Look for Internship/Job Opportunities

01 Step

Identify the Skills

Here are some Speech Therapist skills that are essential for this profession in meeting the different requirements of people with speech and language impairments.

Hard Skills

Speech and Language Assessment
Therapy Techniques
Diagnostic Tools Usage
Communication Disorders Knowledge
Patient Record Keeping

Soft Skills

Empathy
Patience
Communication
Team Collaboration
Active Listening

02 Step

Enrol in Formal Education

To enhance Speech Therapist qualification, enroll in formal education programmes. Pursue a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field to establish foundational knowledge. Many opt for a master's degree for advanced expertise. Meeting Speech Therapist eligibility often involves clearing entrance exams, and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of communication disorders and therapy techniques.

03 Step

Pursue Specialisation/Certification Courses

Enhance Speech Therapist qualifications by pursuing specialisation or certification courses in areas like Pediatric Speech Therapy or Voice Disorders. These courses complement academic background and contribute to Speech Therapist eligibility, equipping with targeted skills to address specific aspects of speech and language disorders effectively.

04 Step

Build a Portfolio

To become a Speech Therapist in India, create a compelling portfolio showcasing academic qualifications, clinical experience, and any specialised training. Include details about expertise in assessing and treating communication disorders, highlighting ability to work with diverse populations. A well-crafted portfolio enhances credibility and aids in securing opportunities aligned with Speech Therapist roles and responsibilities.

05 Step

Look for Internship/Job Opportunities

To become a Speech Therapist in India, actively search for internship or job opportunities to gain practical experience. Look for positions in healthcare settings, schools, or rehabilitation centers. This hands-on exposure will allow you to apply skills in assessing and treating communication disorders, providing a valuable foundation for your future role and responsibilities as a Speech Therapist.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Speech Therapist?

Communication skills
Problem Solving Ability
Organising skills
Patience

To make a career as a speech therapist one must possess some key skills and here are some of them required by a speech therapist:

Communication Skills: A speech therapist daily job routine involves communicating with people with speech disorders, kids and their families to make them understand the speech disorder, possible causes, and the treatment that involves various therapies and exercises.

Organising Skills: In speech therapy careers, organization is key. Speech therapists plan tailored activities for each child, track progress, and involve families in at-home exercises. Staying organized is vital to prevent mismanagement and achieve early results in improving speech skills.

Problem Solving Skills: Problem-solving skills are crucial for the role of the speech therapist. He or she has to identify the speech disorder and its cause and then plan exercises accordingly. A speech therapist must have alternative solutions as various activities planned in the treatment to enhance the communication skills of individuals with speech disorders.

Patience: Speech therapists need patience as improvements in communication don't happen instantly. It might take months for noticeable progress. Proper training and daily exercises, guided by a speech therapist, are crucial for effective improvement.

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Speech Therapist?

Internship Availability

Yes

Aspiring individuals may find organisations who require speech interns through naukri.com, monster, LinkedIn, Lets Intern, Internshala and other such platforms. A speech therapist intern is usually provided with several responsibilities which include providing assistance to remedial educators. A speech therapist intern assists children with speech therapy and coordinates with the counselling team.

Speech Therapist Jobs and Salaries

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Monthly Salaries

Average Salary 36000

Job Description

SLPs assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders, working in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, or private practices. They develop personalized treatment plans, facilitate communication improvement, and play a crucial role in enhancing individuals' overall quality of life.

Salary Description

Speech-Language Pathologists in India typically earn an annual salary ranging from INR 4 to 8 lakhs, varying based on experience, location, and employment setting.

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Audiologist Speech Therapist

Monthly Salaries

Average Salary 30000

Job Description

Audiologist Speech Therapists specialize in assessing and treating hearing and speech disorders. They work in various settings, including hospitals and clinics, conducting diagnostic tests, providing interventions, and offering rehabilitation services to individuals with communication and hearing challenges.

Salary Description

Audiologist Speech Therapists in India generally earn an annual salary of around INR 3.5 lakhs, influenced by factors like experience, location, and the employing institution.

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What is the job outlook for Speech Therapist?

There are numerous opportunities for speech therapy in India. As people are getting more aware of speech disorders and their treatment, it significantly results in a higher demand for speech therapists. In career as speech therapists, individuals are employed by various institutions such as public schools, healthcare facilities, NGOs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers as well as private practices.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Speech Therapist

Que. What is the average fee of BASLP?

Ans.

The average fee of BASLP ( Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology) ranges Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 400,000.

Que. What is the average salary of speech therapists?

Ans.

The average salary of speech therapists is Rs. 298400 per annum, according to payscale.com.

Que. What is the qualification for speech therapy?

Ans.

The qualification for speech therapy typically involves a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field, followed by a master's degree for advanced expertise.

Que. Which degree is best for speech therapy?

Ans.

The best degree for speech therapy is a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology, which is a common and recognized qualification in the field.

Que. What is the scope of speech therapy?

Ans.

The scope of speech therapy is broad, encompassing various areas such as communication disorders, voice modulation, fluency, and articulation, with opportunities in healthcare, education, and private practice.

Que. What is the difference between speech therapist and speech pathologist?

Ans.

The terms "speech therapist" and "speech pathologist" are often used interchangeably, but there's generally no difference in their roles; both involve the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders.

Que. How to Become a Sports Scout in India?

Ans.

To become a Sports Scout in India, one should explore internship opportunities, gain practical experience in talent assessment, and pursue relevant formal education in sports management or related fields.