Speech Therapy Studies: Entrance Exam, Program, and Career Opportunities
Five years of demanding studies, thousands of candidates for a few hundred places. Everything you need to know about the training path in speech therapy.
Speech therapy studies are not improvised. If you are considering this exciting path, you are certainly wondering about the journey that awaits you. How does the Parcoursup selection process work? What subjects will you study? How many internships will you have to complete? This detailed guide answers all your questions.
📝 The Selection: From Parcoursup to Admission
Since 2020, access to speech therapy studies has been exclusively through the Parcoursup platform. This major reform has ended independent entrance exams, replaced by a harmonized national procedure.
The Procedure Timeline
January-March
Formulation of wishes on Parcoursup and preparation of the application file
April-May
Review of files by the educational committees of each center
May-June
Eligibility results and invitations to oral interviews
June-July
Final admission results and enrollment confirmations
💡 Strategic Advice
Don't limit yourself to training centers in your region. Apply to several geographically diverse centers to increase your chances. Geographic mobility during studies can be an opportunity for personal enrichment.
Evaluation Criteria for the Application
Academic Background
High school grades, consistency of results, teacher evaluations
Training Project
Cover letter, knowledge of the profession, experiences related to the profession
Transversal Skills
Writing skills, analytical thinking, civic and associative engagement
Personal Qualities
Maturity of the project, open-mindedness, perceived interpersonal skills
The Oral Admission Exam
Candidates whose files have been retained are invited to an oral interview lasting 20 to 30 minutes. This interview aims to assess motivation, knowledge of the profession, oral expression skills, and interpersonal abilities.
⚠️ Points of Caution for the Oral Exam
Avoid ready-made or overly formatted answers that would give an impression of lack of authenticity. The juries appreciate candidates capable of personal reflection, who acknowledge their doubts while demonstrating solid motivation.
🎓 Organization of Studies: Five Years of Training
The speech therapy curriculum is organized into ten semesters spread over five academic years. It combines theoretical teachings, tutorials, practical work, and clinical internships in the field.
First Cycle (1-3)
Acquisition of fundamental knowledge and gradual introduction to clinical practice
Second Cycle (4-5)
Deepening of clinical skills and preparation for autonomous practice
💡 Revision Tip
Create summary sheets from the beginning and work regularly. The density of the program requires rigorous organization. Group work with other students is particularly effective.
🛠️ Familiarize Yourself with Professional Tools
From your studies, discover the cognitive stimulation applications used by practicing speech therapists. A head start for your future practice!
Discover our tools →📚 The Detailed Teaching Program
The training program is defined by a ministerial decree that sets the educational objectives and content of the teachings. This national framework ensures uniformity in training.
Fundamental Sciences
Anatomy-Physiology
Organs of phonation, hearing, and swallowing, central nervous system
Neurosciences
Neuropsychology of language, neurological bases of communication
Linguistics
General linguistics, phonetics, phonology, semantics, pragmatics
Psychology
Child development, cognitive psychology, psychopathology
Speech Therapy Sciences
Developmental Disorders
Language delay, dysphasia, dyslexia, dysorthographia, dyscalculia, ASD
Acquired Disorders
Aphasia, dysarthria, cognitive-linguistic disorders post-stroke, neurodegenerative
Voice and Speech
Dysphonia, stuttering, articulatory disorders, professional voice
ENT Disorders
Deafness, oral and swallowing disorders, cleft lip and palate
🏥 Clinical Internships: The Heart of Learning
With a minimum of 2000 hours spread over five years, clinical internships occupy a central place in the speech therapy curriculum. They allow for the confrontation of theoretical learning with the reality of the field.
Years 1-2
Observation internships to discover the profession in different practice contexts
Years 3-4
Supervised practice internships with gradual patient care
Year 5
Long-term internships with guided autonomy, preparation for professional practice
Internship Locations
- Private practices
- Hospital services (neurology, ENT, pediatrics, geriatrics)
- Rehabilitation centers
- Medical-social structures (IME, SESSAD, CMPP, CAMSP)
- Long-term care facilities
- Specialized educational institutions
⚠️ Internship Search
The search for internship locations often falls to the students. Start your efforts several months in advance as speech therapists accepting interns are in high demand.
💡 Internship Advice
Take advantage of your internships to familiarize yourself with the digital rehabilitation tools used by professionals. Mastery of these tools is now a major asset.
📜 The Final Thesis
The final thesis constitutes the culmination of the training. It is an original research project, supervised by a thesis director.
Case Studies
In-depth analysis of one or more patients with clinical reflection
Literature Reviews
Critical synthesis of knowledge on a specific theme
Experimental Studies
Research with protocol, data collection, and statistical analysis
Tool Creation
Design and validation of assessment or rehabilitation tools
💡 Good to Know
The thesis can open perspectives towards research or teaching. Choose a topic that truly interests you and that could potentially guide your future specialization.
🎓 Train with Future Tools
DYNSEO offers training to master cognitive stimulation applications. An asset for your thesis and future practice.
Discover our training →🚀 Career Opportunities After Graduation
The Certificate of Capacity in Speech Therapy opens the doors to a profession in demand where the need for care far exceeds the supply. Young graduates generally have no difficulty finding employment.
Private Practice (80%+)
Individual or group practice, health center. Great autonomy and loyal clientele.
Hospital Sector
Neurology, ENT, geriatrics, pediatrics, physical medicine, and rehabilitation services
Medical-Social Sector
IME, SESSAD, CMPP, CAMSP, IEM, long-term care facilities, MAS, FAM
National Education
RASED, specialized institutions, teaching units
📈 Continuing Education: A Professional Imperative
The practice of speech therapy requires continuous updating of knowledge and practices.
DPC Obligation
Continuing professional development is mandatory over periods of three years
University Degrees
DU and DIU allow for recognized specialization in a specific field
Short Courses
Seminars, conferences, webinars to stay up to date
E-learning
Flexible online training to learn at your own pace
💡 Useful Resource
The DYNSEO programs for healthcare professionals offer training on digital cognitive stimulation tools, particularly useful for enriching your practice.
✅ Tips for Succeeding in Your Studies
Organization and Work Method
- Plan your revisions for the entire semester
- Alternate subjects to maintain your attention
- Participate actively in tutorials and practical work
- Form study and collaborative work groups
- Regularly consult professional literature
⚠️ What to Avoid During Internships
Don't just passively observe. Supervisors appreciate curious, engaged interns who dare to take initiatives while respecting the supervision framework.
🎯 Conclusion
Speech therapy studies represent a demanding but deeply rewarding commitment. Scientific rigor, the richness of human encounters, and the diversity of learning make these five years a unique experience.
With serious preparation, solid motivation, and constant commitment, you will have all the keys to become a competent and fulfilled speech therapist.
Ready to embark on this exciting adventure?
DYNSEO supports you with innovative cognitive stimulation tools.