3 July 2026
Congratulations to all speech and language therapy students graduating this year. You are joining a profession that makes a difference to people’s lives every day.
Across the UK, speech and language therapy students are completing their studies and preparing to take their next step. We want to say a huge congratulations to everyone graduating this year.
This is a major achievement and the beginning of an exciting and meaningful career.
A profession that changes lives
As a speech and language therapist, you already understand the difference this profession makes. What changes now is your role in delivering that impact.
You are moving from learning about speech and language therapy to practising it, applying your knowledge, judgement and skills in real-world settings.
Your work will support people to communicate, participate in education and employment, and to live safely and independently. It will also contribute to wider system change by improving access, reducing inequalities, and shaping how services are delivered.
This is a profession where your impact is both individual and collective. You will make a difference to the people you work with every day, while also contributing to the future of speech and language therapy as a whole.
A career full of opportunity
This is a profession that combines clinical expertise with communication, creativity and collaboration. It offers varied career pathways and opportunities to specialise, lead and innovate.
You are joining a profession that is evolving and growing.
Across the UK, speech and language therapists are:
- developing new models of care
- working across health, education and communities
- responding to changing population needs
- shaping the future of service delivery.
RCSLT CEO, Steve Jamieson, said: “Congratulations to everyone graduating this year. This is an exciting time to join the profession. As newly qualified practitioners, you bring fresh perspectives, energy and ideas. You are the future of the workforce and we want to make sure that every member is supported in their transition from student to fully practising member.’’
Your next step
We know this transition can bring a mix of emotions: achievement, uncertainty and anticipation for what comes next. Our role is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and part of a professional community.
Over the coming weeks, we will continue to share guidance, resources and practical advice to help you take your next steps.
To make sure you receive important updates from us, please check that your contact details are up to date on your member profile. If possible, use a personal email address, as access to university email accounts often ends after graduation.
As you move into this next stage, continuing your membership helps you stay connected to the support, guidance and professional community around you.
You can choose the option that reflects your current situation:
- NQP (practising): if you have secured a role and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), this option will support you as you begin your professional practice, with access to guidance, development tools, the wider professional community, and insurance cover for your practice.
- NQP (non-practising): if you are still looking for your first role, this option will help you stay connected to professional resources, build your confidence, and continue your development while you explore your options.
Whichever route you take, the RCSLT is here to support you as you start your journey into the profession.
If you have any questions, contact us at info@rcslt.org.
