Would retraining as SALT be a good idea or not?

[SmallHaddockAndChips]

I’m nearly 40 and youngest child will be starting Reception next year (2020) and I’m pondering retraining as a speech and language therapist. Am I being completely unrealistic considering this? I feel up for a challenge as I’m currently kicking my heels a bit and I’m finding it incredibly frustrating. Previous career has basically gone tits up due to the time out I’ve taken having children and I’m not sure I want to do it any more anyway.

My mum went to uni at the same sort of age so it doesn’t seem that odd a thing to do but it still seems very risky and I’m worried that I’ll be too old :-(

I have just qualified as an OT at the age of 42. It was challenging balancing life with two kids and uni work and paid work - but it also focuses the mind too !

My only advice is to think job prospects at the end of it. What is it like job wise for SLT in your area? It is few and far between for OT’s in the South West - but all my course mates and I have a job. Maybe check NHS jobs for an idea if the number if job vacancies about near you?

Do it!

I'm a SALT and it's a fab job.

Many many therapists train a little later in life.

I think you should also go for it. I've been nursing for a decade but debating retraining as a Pharmacy technician. I'm about to turn 40 also, and youngest is just about to start school. Dont worry about being too old, you will likely have 25 years of work left in you as retirement age will probably be 70 for us!

Do it! I’m a salt too and it’s amazing !

I actually think it’s a great time to retrain - the people in your situation on my course were some of the best students as they had lots of experience to bring and they don’t have to worry about taking time out for children later which can be an issue.

Good luck!

A good friend of mine qualified as a SALT at 45 a year ago. She is excellent.

I work with SALTs and it seems like a great job. Not too old.

How long is the training? I have thought about doing it too.

Great! I've had a look and there do seem to be plenty of job opportunities too.

Winky I should be able to go straight onto a 2 year Masters course as I've got a degree in Psychology already plus relevant professional experience.

Ah. That’s interesting. Thank you.

Curious - would love to know how full time the full time course is.

Im also interested in OT. The ones I know are all p/t and have a great work/life balanceA

My OT course was 9-4 4 days a week (Weds off). Placements were full time. We did have uni over half term holidays but had Easter, Xmas and long summer holiday off. Huge spread of ages on my course - right from 19 years old to 50 odd.

I’m 40 and in my second year of a 2 year OT MSc. I also waited until my youngest child started reception before starting the course. I think many of the allied health professionals careers suit mature students with some life experience behind them. I am absolutely loving my course, it’s full-on, and you need solid childcare arrangements, particularly when on placement (about 8 months of the course), as they are full time, but IMO, it’s definitely worth it. Good luck with whatsoever you decide.

Do it! I went back to uni to do an MA in my 50s and shifted career - you will probably be working into your late 60s so will have plenty of time in your new role.

I'm a SALT too. Love it. NHS is crap though at the moment! I've been working 15yrs and am a clinical specialist in dysphagia which is a massive part of the job for many and often when you get on the course, you have no idea it's even part of the job. Many people I trained with were in their 40s. I'm 40 now and will be working for another 28yrs....

Course is full on. Masters even more so. Clinical placements are hard core as you'd expect them to be. But SALTs are nice friendly people. We're all chatty sorts (naturally 😂). Goes without saying that if you aren't a natural communicator, might not be the right job choice!

The need for SALT does seem to be on the increase. So definitely do it.

I did a brief SEND course and the tutor said that parents are no longer talking to their children as much and relying on technology (ipad) to entertain their children. There is no modelling of language or correction of language at a young age at home.

I did a brief little stint of SALT (volunteering) and I did love it, especially when you get to see/hear the progress and see their little faces when they realise they got it right.

My own son had speech therapy when he was in nursery so this was my way of paying it forward.