What is OET? – The English Test for Healthcare Professionals
It’s the Occupational English Test (OET) is a test of English proficiency, specifically designed for healthcare professionals.
OET assesses all four language skills:
- reading
- writing
- listening
- speaking
It’s taken by a range of healthcare professionals including, doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists to name but a few.
It helps to ensure that English language skills are at the right level for workers qualified in non-English speaking countries to work in countries such as:
- UK
- USA
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
There are 107 OET test venues in 40 different countries worldwide, including those in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and Singapore.
It is highly regarded and co-owned by the Cambridge English Language Assessment, world-renowned for its English exams.
Calling all doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, opticians…
When deciding on a test to take to prove your level of English, you may find the range of options a little difficult to choose from.
Proof of your English language skills to work or study in an English speaking country, or for immigration purposes can be life-changing, therefore, choosing the right test is important.
The important options for healthcare professionals to consider are IELTS and OET.
Here, I focus on OET as it has unique benefits for healthcare professionals which make it a very interesting option.
4 Great Reasons to Choose OET
1. It is specific to work in healthcare
OET is a test specifically designed for professionals working in healthcare because it focuses on communication in English as used in a healthcare environment. All parts of the test are created with this in mind so the English you learn in preparation for the test will also prepare you for work.
2. It is widely recognised
OET is over 30 years old. It has gained worldwide recognition by government departments, healthcare bodies and councils and qualification authorities. For example, if you are a doctor or a nurse looking to work in the UK, the great news is that the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council both recognise OET. So it could be just the ticket you need!
Click here to see who recognises OET.
3. It will help improve your patient communication skills
OET preparation improves your English language skills, and it also gives healthcare professionals an opportunity to revisit some of the crucial patient communication skills training that you will have received in the past.
For example, in the speaking part of the test, the ability to show empathy, be attentive and respectful and adopt a non-judgemental approach forms part of the contributes to the final mark.
On successful completion of this test, you will feel confident of your language skills, and additionally, you will be ready to start work with the skills you need to provide your patients with the best consultation possible.
4. Preparation planning is simple!
The official OET preparation books are specific to each of the 12 healthcare professions that OET caters for. These are great to help you understand the structure of the test, how it is marked and to practice test questions. In addition to this, there is also learning material available through the OET website.
For knowledgeable guidance and the tuition you need to gain a good score, most candidates appreciate help from an OET preparation provider.
If you would like to have tuition designed specifically for you and get the best score possible, I’d be delighted to help.
I am certified to teach English as a foreign language, and I am an OET preparation provider and former medical doctor.
Book a free trial lesson now to see how I can help you succeed in this test.
So in summary, if you are a healthcare professional who has qualified in a non-English speaking country you have the opportunity to work and study abroad. OET could be just what you’re looking for to make your dreams a reality.
If you have any questions or would like to start preparing for OET, book a free trial lesson with me today. I would love to be part of your journey and help you reach your goals.
