FAQ: Working as an SLT in the UK
As a qualified speech and language therapist, educated in another country, can I work in the UK?
What sort of evidence will I need to support my qualifications?
Is there a specific English language competence requirement?
What if the HPC decide my qualifications are not comparable with those of a UK-educated speech and language therapist?
How do I find a job in the UK?
Will I need a work permit?
What if I have refugee status?
How can I become a certified RCSLT member?
I receive the Bulletin and Bulletin Supplements as an affiliate member. Why should I join as a certified member?
Is there a named RCSLT contact who will answer my questions and take a special interest in my case?
Is there an email list of speech and language therapists I can use to ask questions about working in the UK?
As a qualified speech and language therapist, educated in another country, can I work in the UK?
Yes, provided your speech and language therapy qualification is comparable with a UK-educated speech and language therapist. In the UK, speech and language therapy is a degree level subject, studied as a three, or four-year undergraduate course, or a two-year masters course.To work in the UK you must register with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
Applications may take about six weeks to process, so start your application as soon as possible.
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What sort of evidence will I need to support my qualifications?
The HPC application form details what documents you need to produce.These include your degree certificates, transcripts of subjects taken and references from places you have worked. Other documentation includes your curriculum vitæ, and information about your work experience.
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Is there a specific English language competence requirement?
Yes. If English is not your first language you will need to take the British Council's International English Language Testing System. Your results should be not less than Grade 8 overall, with no section less than 7.5. Take the IELTS test before you submit your application to the HPC.Back to top
What if the HPC decide my qualifications are not comparable with those of a UK-educated speech and language therapist?
If your qualifications are close to those of a UK-educated therapist, but you lack experience in some areas, the HPC will specify that you undertake a period of adaptation before you start to work here. The HPC will inform you of the length of your adaptation period and your experience and learning objectives when you receive the result of your application.Back to top
How do I find a job in the UK?
Speech and language therapy is a shortage profession in the UK and there are a large number of vacancies. The RCSLT publishes a fortnightly Bulletin Supplement, which advertises the majority of UK speech and language therapy vacancies. You can receive a copy by post, or access it online, by becoming an RCSLT affiliate member.Back to top
Will I need a work permit?
Yes, if you are not a European Union (EU) passport holder. If you have been offered a job, your prospective UK employer will apply for this on your behalf. As the UK Department of Trade has registered speech and language therapy as a shortage profession, it should be relatively easy for your prospective employer to obtain a work permit for you.There are agreements with Commonwealth countries for people aged between 18-25 to enter the UK on holidaymakers' working visas for a period of up to two years. The British Council in your own country will advise you.
There are agreements for the exchange of workforce personnel between all EU member countries, so EU passport holders do not need UK work permits.
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What if I have refugee status?
The ROSE website, provides refugee and overseas healthcare professionals with practical advice and guidance to working in the NHS, including advice on finding a job, registration, local support groups and training opportunities.Back to top
How can I become a certified RCSLT member?
You can apply to become a certified RCSLT member when you receive HPC registration (unless you are coming to the UK under the Mutual Recognition of Credentials Agreement).Back to top
I receive the Bulletin and Bulletin Supplements as an affiliate member. Why should I join as a certified member?
The RCSLT is the professional body for speech and language therapy in the UK. Certified members receive a number of additional benefits.Back to top
Is there a named RCSLT contact who will answer my questions and take a special interest in my case?
Yes, if you are an affiliate member. There is an RCSLT staff member who takes a special interest in helping overseas therapists to come to the UK. Email: postmaster@rcslt.org for more information.Back to top
Is there an email list of speech and language therapists I can use to ask questions about working in the UK?
You can join the RCSLT general discussion email group.Email:jiscmail@jiscmail.ac.uk.
Write the message: join SLT-LIST-UK firstname secondname (eg join SLT-LIST-UK diana smith).
The RCSLT welcomes contributions to discussions from SLTs outside the UK.
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