Is a Career in Speech and Language Therapy Right for You? Three Places You Could Work as an SLT

Do you enjoy working with people, solving communication challenges, and making a difference in lives every day?

If so, a career in Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) might be the path for you.

Speech and language therapists help individuals of all ages overcome difficulties with speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing.

In Ireland, the demand for qualified SLTs continues to grow, particularly within the HSE and educational settings.

Whether you’re a recent graduate considering your next step or looking to change career, studying Speech and Language Therapy opens the door to a rewarding and varied profession.

In this article, we’ll explore what a career in SLT involves and highlight three key places you could work once qualified.

What Does a Speech and Language Therapist Do?

Speech and language therapists work with children, adults and older people who have difficulties with communication or swallowing.

These challenges may arise from developmental delays, neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease, learning disabilities, or injury.

SLTs assess, diagnose, and develop personalised treatment plans to support each individual’s goals. You’ll work closely with families, teachers, carers, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.

Becoming a registered SLT in Ireland requires completing an approved degree in Speech and Language Therapy, followed by registration with CORU, the health and social care regulator.

Three Places You Could Work as an SLT

1. Public Healthcare – HSE Hospitals and Community Clinics

Many SLTs in Ireland work within the public healthcare system, employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). You may be based in acute hospitals, primary care centres, or community health teams. Your patients could include stroke survivors, children with developmental language disorders, or adults with acquired communication issues.

Working in public healthcare often means being part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside occupational therapists, psychologists, and physiotherapists. This path offers strong job security, varied clinical experience, and opportunities to specialise in areas such as dysphagia (swallowing disorders) or autism spectrum disorders.

2. Schools and Early Intervention Services

Many SLTs work in educational settings, especially supporting children with speech and language difficulties that impact learning and social development. You might be employed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), early intervention teams, or special schools across Ireland.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with teachers, parents and special needs assistants to support children’s communication in the classroom and at home. Early intervention is key in helping children reach their full potential, making this a particularly rewarding area of practice.

With increased awareness of neurodiversity and inclusive education, demand for SLTs in schools continues to rise across Ireland.

3. Private Practice and Specialist Clinics

Some SLTs choose to work in private practice, either independently or as part of a multidisciplinary clinic. This offers greater flexibility in your working hours, the freedom to choose your caseload, and the opportunity to focus on areas you're passionate about such as stammering, voice therapy, or speech delay in toddlers.

Private SLTs often see clients in person or online, and may work evenings or weekends to accommodate families. While this path requires strong organisational and business skills, it also allows for a high degree of autonomy and the chance to build long-term client relationships.

Many SLTs combine part-time work in the HSE with private clients, giving them both stability and flexibility.

Is a Career in SLT Right for You?

Speech and Language Therapy is a people-focused career. It suits individuals who are compassionate, patient, and excellent communicators.

You’ll need to be adaptable, work well in teams, and have a strong interest in how language, communication and health interact.

The work can be complex and sometimes emotionally challenging, but the reward of helping someone find their voice or safely enjoy a meal again is second to none.

As Ireland continues to invest in healthcare and education services, there’s never been a better time to join this growing profession.

If you're interested in pursuing an MSc in Speech and Language Therapy visit our course page here.