Speech and language therapist
Also called: Speech therapist, Audiologist, SLP
Helps children and adults with speech, language, hearing and swallowing difficulties.
What the work is
Speech-language pathologists (and audiologists, who specialise in hearing) assess and treat people who stutter, children with delayed speech or autism, adults who lost speech after a stroke, people with hearing loss, and people who have trouble swallowing. They work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres and private clinics.
The degree is BASLP (Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology), and practitioners register with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). India has very few trained therapists for its population, so demand is high.
A typical week
- Assess speech, language and hearing
- Plan and deliver therapy sessions
- Fit and adjust hearing aids (audiologists)
- Guide families and teachers
It suits people who
- Are patient and caring
- Enjoy working with children and adults
- Like language and science
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Take Science (PCB or PCM)Biology helps
Class 11-12
- BASLP through the AIISH Mysuru entrance, AYJNISHD or state entrances
College or fresher
- Complete clinical postings
- Register with RCI
- Consider MASLP or specialise in autism, stuttering or audiology
Working or switching
- Special educators move into related therapy roles with further study
- Start with a skills refresh of 6 to 12 weeks: one short course and one TalentMeter assessment to show where you stand today.
- Use returnship and second-career programmes; many large employers in India run them for people back after a break.
- Explain the gap in one honest line on your CV and LinkedIn, and list what you did in it (caregiving, freelancing, courses, volunteering).
- Contract, part-time and freelance roles are a common way back in; they turn into full-time offers often.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| AIISH entrance ↗ | BASLP admission at All India Institute of Speech and Hearing | After Class 12 |
| RCI registration ↗ | Licence to practise | After the degree |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
Job titles to search
Who hires
Where the jobs are
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Outlook
High demand with a large shortage of therapists, especially for children with autism and for older adults.
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