Is it possible to gain work experience before pursuing a career as a speech therapist?

Most Speech and Language Therapy Departments are involved in providing clinical education to undergraduate Speech and Language Therapy students.

Education of students who have embarked on a career in Speech and Language Therapy is a priority in terms of placement/ work experience provision for Speech and Language Therapy Departments. Demand for speech and language therapy student placement have increased considerably in recent years. This requires considerable commitment of time, as well as space.

For this reason it is not always possible for departments to provide work experience for those who are interested in pursuing a career in Speech and Language Therapy, but have not yet entered a training course.

It is recommended that you contact/ enquire at your local Speech and Language Therapy department. These can usually be contacted through the H.S. E. office, agencies providing services to people with disabilities, and/or acute hospitals.

Local Speech and Language Therapy departments will let you know if they can facilitate you.

This information has been provided by the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT).