Speech and Language Therapy in Bangladesh

Speech and Language Therapy in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Speech and Language Therapy is a growing rehabilitation profession. SLT services are essential for children with speech and language delays, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, and learning difficulties, as well as adults with stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, voice disorders, and swallowing problems. Speech and Language Therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, special schools, ENT departments, NGOs, autism centers, and private clinics.

Definition of Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Speech and Language Therapists help individuals of all ages with difficulties related to speech, language, voice, fluency, hearing-related communication, and swallowing (dysphagia), aiming to improve functional communication and quality of life.

Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy (BSc in SLT)

The Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy (BScSLT) is a professional undergraduate degree designed to produce competent speech and language therapists. The curriculum includes linguistics, phonetics, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, neurology, audiology, child language development, speech disorders, voice and fluency disorders, and clinical rehabilitation.

Course Duration

• Duration: 4 years academic study + 1 year compulsory internship
• Total Duration: 5 years
• Internship: The internship provides hands-on clinical training in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Admission Criteria for BSc in Speech and Language Therapy under Dhaka University (DU) – Bangladesh

Affiliation

The BSc in Speech and Language Therapy programme under the Faculty of Medicine, University of Dhaka.

Academic Eligibility

To be eligible for admission into the BSc in Speech and Language Therapy programme under Dhaka University, applicants typically must meet the following criteria:

• • Education Background:Passed SSC (or equivalent) and HSC (or equivalent) examinations from the Science group (with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry).
• • Minimum Grade Requirements:

  Total combined GPA (from SSC and HSC) of at least 8.00.
  Separate minimum GPA of 3.50 in each of SSC and HSC.

Entrance Test / Selection

• Admission is usually merit-based. Historically for this professional programme, rather than a separate university unit test, selection may be done based on SSC/HSC results and institute-specific merit criteria set by the affiliated college under Dhaka University.

Documents Usually Required
Typical documents required at admission time include:

• SSC & HSC certificates and mark sheets
• Recent passport-size photos- 4 copies
• National ID or Birth Certificate
• Character/transfer certificates (as required by the college)

Career Path / Career Opportunities
Graduates in Occupational Therapy have diverse career options, including:

• Speech and Language Therapist in Hospitals & Clinics)
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Therapist in Rehabilitation Centers
• Pediatric Speech Therapist
• Autism and Special Needs Therapist
• Voice and Fluency Specialist
• School-Based Therapist
• Academic Career (Lecturer/Instructor)
• Researcher
• Private Practice / Speech and Language Therapy Center Owner
• NGO and International Organization Jobs Owner

Higher Education Opportunities

• Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy or Communication Disorders or Rehabilitation Sciences
• MPH, MPhil, or PhD
• Specialized training in Autism, Dysphagia, Voice Therapy, Audiology, and Neuro-rehabilitation