10 August 2026
Discover new guidance, resources and support from the RCSLT to help you move from student to your first role with confidence
Graduating as a speech and language therapist is a significant achievement.
As you take your next step into the profession, you may feel excited about what’s ahead. You may also have questions about finding your first role, building confidence in practice, and navigating the transition from student to newly qualified practitioner (NQP).
The RCSLT is strengthening the support available to help you through this transition, whether you’re about to start a role, exploring your options or still looking for your first job.
Support for your transition into practice
We’ve brought together a range of resources designed to support speech and language therapy graduates as they move into professional practice.
Our new webpages on Stepping into your career: from graduate to NQP provides practical guidance on:
- finding your first job
- building and using professional connections
- maintaining and developing your skills while job searching
- supporting your wellbeing during the transition into employment
- accessing further student and NQP resources.
Alongside this, we have also updated our supervision guidance to support safe and effective practice.
Together, these resources provide consistent, accessible support at a key stage in your career.
Reflecting a changing career landscape
Routes into the profession are becoming more varied.
Alongside NHS roles, increasing numbers of graduates are beginning their careers in schools, independent practice and other settings. While this creates exciting opportunities, it may make the transition into employment feel less straightforward. We also recognise that some graduates may take longer to secure their first role.
If that’s your situation, you are not alone.
Our resources are designed to help you:
- explore different career opportunities
- prepare for a range of roles and settings
- maintain your skills and confidence while job searching
- stay connected to professional guidance and support.
We’re also working with partners across the sector to strengthen early career support and improve the consistency of experience for newly qualified practitioners.
Krystina Stanway, Director of Professional Development at the RCSLT, said: “We know that the transition from student to practitioner can feel uncertain, particularly in a changing workforce landscape. That’s why we’ve developed these resources to provide clear, practical support and help new graduates feel confident, connected and supported as they take their first steps into the profession.
“Whether you’re starting a role or still exploring your options, we’re here to support you.”
Additional tools and support
Graduates and students may also find it helpful to access wider career and transition resources.
The new multiprofessional healthcare learner app, developed through NHS England, brings together information that has traditionally been spread across multiple sources. It includes information on:
- transition into employment
- career guidance
- wellbeing support
- financial support
- placements and preceptorship
- job searching and vacancies.
The app is currently available in parts of England, with further rollout planned.
- Apple Devices: Download directly from the App Store (requires iOS 13.0 or later).
- Android Devices: Download from Google Play. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Staying connected as you begin your career
As you move from student to practitioner, staying connected to professional guidance, resources and community can make a real difference to your confidence and development.
Many graduates will already have received an email from the RCSLT membership team explaining their next steps, including information about upgrading their membership. If you’ve not received this yet, don’t worry. Emails are sent out as universities confirm results.
If you’re in your final year and still waiting for your results, now’s a good time to explore the support available and prepare for your transition into practice.
Continuing your journey with the RCSLT can help you:
- access trusted guidance and resources
- build confidence in your early practice
- connect with a professional community of peers and experienced practitioners
- continue developing your skills and career.
Explore support and resources for new graduates.
Whether you’re ready to start work or still planning your next step, we’re here to support you.
If you have any questions, please contact info@rcslt.org.
