Your Path to Speech & Language Therapy: A Career with Care and Purpose

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) are highly skilled healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat individuals who face challenges with communication, speech, language, voice, eating, drinking, and swallowing.

Working across settings like hospitals, schools, clinics, and private practice, SLTs make a significant difference in people’s lives.

In Ireland, the demand for SLTs continues to grow due to increased awareness, rising caseloads in disability and education services, and national policy changes to improve access to therapy.

A pivotal change underway in 2025 is the launch of the National Therapy Service, which will begin integrating Speech and Language Therapists directly into Irish schools to alleviate long-standing delays in children’s services.

Initially, up to 90 therapists including SLTs and occupational therapists will be placed in 45 special schools starting in autumn 2025, with plans to extend into special classes and mainstream schools in 2026–27.

Growing Demand in a Rewarding Career

There's a well‑documented demand for SLTs across Ireland in disability services, paediatrics, geriatric care, and adult neurological services.

Speech and Language Therapy is not only a deeply fulfilling profession it is also one that offers strong career security and excellent opportunities in Ireland and abroad.

As awareness grows around communication, neurodiversity, and early intervention, the need for qualified Speech and Language Therapists has never been greater.

Ireland is currently experiencing a significant shortage of SLTs across both public and private sectors.

In many areas, waiting lists are long and services are stretched, highlighting the urgent demand for professionals in this field.

New Career Opportunities in Speech and Language Therapy

This demand creates opportunities for new graduates to quickly find meaningful roles and begin making an impact from day one.

There is growing investment in nationwide initiatives to increase access to therapy.

The government's plans to expand in-school therapy supports, starting in special education and aiming to reach more mainstream schools.

These developments mean more children and families will be able to receive support earlier, in the environments where they need it most further boosting the demand for skilled and fully qualified SLTs.

In addition, the private sector continues to grow, with many therapists choosing to set up their own practices or join established clinics.

These roles offer increased flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to work closely with families, schools, and local communities.

Whether you prefer working with children, adults, or across a diverse caseload, there are options to shape your career in the way that suits you best.

Speech and Language Therapy is also a career where you can continue to grow.

With experience, you can move into senior clinical roles, specialise in areas such as autism, stammering, or dysphagia, or step into leadership positions within services.

Many SLTs go on to teach, conduct research, or influence national policy in healthcare and education.

Most importantly, it is a career where your work truly matters.

Helping a child say their first word, enabling a stroke survivor to communicate again, or supporting a young person with a communication disability to access education, these are powerful, life-changing outcomes that Speech and Language Therapists make possible every day.

If you are looking for a career that combines science, communication, and compassion and offers strong job prospects, variety, and the chance to make a difference then Speech and Language Therapy is an excellent choice.

Portobello Institute's MSc in Speech & Language Therapy (Pre-registration) aims to support those who wish to enter this career with an accessible option to become qualified and join the workforce with skill, knowledge and hands-on experience.

A Career Rooted in Care

Speech and Language Therapy is much more than a job, it is a vocation rooted in empathy, human connection, and the desire to make a real difference.

As an SLT, you have the privilege of supporting people through some of the most personal and profound challenges they may face.

Whether it is a child struggling to form their first words, an adult relearning how to speak after a stroke, or a young person with a communication difficulty finding their voice for the first time.

The impact of this work cannot be overstated.

Communication is fundamental to learning, relationships, mental health, and full participation in society.

By helping someone communicate more effectively, you empower them to express themselves, to connect with others, and to take part in their communities with confidence.

Likewise, helping someone swallow safely can dramatically improve their health, dignity, and quality of life.

The breadth of the profession means you are constantly learning, growing, and contributing in ways that are deeply meaningful.

You might work with children on the autism spectrum, adults living with dementia, or individuals recovering from brain injury. No two days are ever the same.

Many SLTs speak of the immense personal satisfaction that comes from seeing a client progress witnessing a once-silent toddler begin to speak, a teenager overcoming a stammer, or a grandparent regaining their ability to communicate with loved ones.

These are everyday triumphs in a career that is both challenging and profoundly rewarding.

If you are looking for a path where your skills, compassion, and voice can change lives, then Speech and Language Therapy offers a uniquely meaningful and purposeful journey.

If you are interested in becoming a Speech & Language Therapist visit our course page or get in touch with our admissions team who can give you personalised advice and support.