Specialist Language Courses

Fake Xanax – Anxiety drug deaths an ‘escalating crisis’

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading, listening, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to Fake Xanax – Anxiety drug deaths an ‘escalating crisis’. Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, pharmacy Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary/idiom, pronunciation Vocabulary check: Do you understanding the following terms? Match the terms to […]

About the PTE Academic English Test

Back to Menu ↩ PTE Academic is taken on a computer in a test centre. There are 3 sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening, which include 20 different kinds of questions. The test takes 2 hours to complete, and you do it in one sitting. Your answers are marked using sophisticated AI (Artificial Intelligence) […]

Alzheimer’s Disease (Not inevitable) – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading, listening, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to the Alzheimer’s Disease (Not inevitable). Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, other Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation Part 1: Vocabulary Complete the definitions using terms in the vocabulary list. CGI to distil […]

Santa’s Elves Managing William’s syndrome – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B1-B2 listening, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to Santa’s Elves (Managing William’s syndrome). Level: B1-B2 Sector: medicine, nursing, care, otherMedical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, otherSkill focus: listening, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation Part 1: VocabularyReview the terms in the vocabulary list. The stressed syllables are in bold.acrophobiaattention seeking behaviourhyperacusispastoral […]

Medical Ethics – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading and vocabulary worksheet practises reading for detail and reviews language related to medical ethics using Quizlet flashcards and activities. A. Click the link and read the abstract. Then choose the correct answer for each question. 1. In cases of medical futility, physicians may decide to stop certain treatments […]

Acne – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B1-B2 vocabulary worksheet reviews language related to acne using Quizlet flashcards and activities. 1. Go the Quizlet flashcards and do the activities. 2. Complete the summary using words from the Quizlet flashcards. When oil and dead skin clog the pores of the skin, (1) _______________ can develop. The term for […]

Understanding the Importance of Linking and Time Referencing

Back to Menu ↩ In this quick guide, we will explore the essential elements of linking and time referencing in OET writing. Table of Contents Adding information: In addition, Additionally, In addition to Comparing and contrasting: However Expressing results or cause and effect: as a result of, due to Timing sequencing: Currently, Prior to/After the […]

Mastering Present Perfect and Past Simple for OET Writing

Back to Menu ↩ In this quick  guide, we’ll explore present perfect and past simple and look at when to use each one. Knowing how to use them accurately will help you in your OET writing, and in communication more generally. Table of Contents Present perfect: unfinished actions Past simple: finished actions Find the mistakes […]

The Pearson Test of English (PTE): A Path to Academic and Career Success

Back to Menu ↩ Are you an international student looking to study in English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom? Or perhaps you’re a professional looking to boost your career prospects in a global marketplace? If so, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) could be your ticket to success. Table of […]

Medical Gaslighting – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, other Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Speaking Discuss questions 1–3 with your partner or group. How do medical professionals reach a diagnosis? 2. How can misdiagnosis occur? 3. […]

Where is PTE Academic accepted for nurses?

PTE Academic is now accepted by a growing number of nursing boards, enabling healthcare professionals to use it to show their English language proficiency. If you’re a nurse, you can use the PTE Academic test in Australia and the US. Table of Contents Australia USA SLC courses Related articles Subscribe to our newsletter Australia The […]

Mastering the OET Test: your comprehensive guide to test day success

Navigating through the OET exam day can be daunting, but in this article we’ll go through the crucial details for your OET test day, ensuring you’re well-prepared for success. Table of Contents Before the test day: preparation and arrangements What to take on test day What happens on test day What happens in the exam […]

Mastering Patient Interviews: a guide to using effective question techniques

In the world of healthcare, effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is paramount. However, conducting interviews with patients can often be a challenging task, especially when you’re unsure of where to begin. In today’s article, we’ll explore different ways of gathering critical information efficiently while helping you establish rapport with your patients. Table of […]

SmartSocks and dementia care – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, other Skill focus: listening, vocabulary, speaking Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary You’re going to watch a video about a piece of wearable technology. Before you watch, match the words and definitions. 1. sensor […]

English for Medical Purposes: The Importance of Language Proficiency in Healthcare

English is a global language for science, technology, business, and medicine. Its widespread use fosters cross-cultural communication and international cooperation, facilitating the exchange of ideas, research, and medical innovations. Being proficient in English is crucial for professionals across all disciplines, including medicine, to remain competitive and informed in a rapidly evolving global landscape. In medicine, […]

The Benefits of Using Mobile Devices to Learn Healthcare English

In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives. From communication to entertainment, these compact gadgets have revolutionised the way we interact with the world. However, their usefulness extends far beyond mere convenience. Mobile devices can also serve as powerful tools for learning, especially when it comes to acquiring specialised […]

English Language and Communication Skills Services for NHS Employers

Share This Post SLC works with NHS Trusts and NHS England to enable international nurses, doctors and AHPs to pass English tests, relocate successfully to the UK, and improve their clinical communication skills so they can both meet regulatory requirements and provide safe and effective care to patients in the UK. Download the Brochure Subscribe […]

AS early diagnosis – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary Match the terms with their correct meanings. algorithm ankylosing         arthritis                 data sensitivity         enthesitis model                 prediction           […]

Fighting Influenza – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: listening, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary Match the terms with their correct meanings. 1.  strain a)            habitat in which an infectious agent lives 2.  bivalent b)            […]

Understanding the Risks of Relying on ChatGPT for English Language Learning in Healthcare

As technology continues to advance, language learning tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Among them, ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, has gained popularity for its ability to generate human-like responses. However, it is essential to recognise the limitations and potential risks when it comes to relying on ChatGPT for English language acquisition, particularly for healthcare professionals. […]

Cold Water Therapy – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary Review the pronunciation terms. The stressed syllables are in bold. exposure hypothermia immersion sensation sensitive tingling Part 2: Match […]

How to Pass OET Listening: Strategies and Self-Study Tips

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a language proficiency test for healthcare professionals, designed to assess their ability to communicate effectively in English in a healthcare setting. One of the four components of the OET is the Listening subtest, which assesses the test-taker’s ability to comprehend and respond to spoken English in a healthcare context. […]

Flyer: Writing for Publication

Share This Post This 30-hour course is for healthcare researchers, professionals and students who want to write research articles in English for submission to international journals. Writing for Publication teaches the structure and language needed to publish. It describes the conventions used, analyses multiple examples, and provides tasks to complete. By the end of the […]

Candida Auris – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary: Infections Stressed syllables are in bold. asymptomatic carrier colonisation (to) contaminate infectious agent resistance (to) shed subclinical Complete the […]

Preparing for the OET exam: a step-by-step guide for beginners

Are you planning to take the OET exam but not sure where to start? With so much information available online, it can be overwhelming to begin. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll help you prepare for the exam, learn about the different skills and strategies needed to pass, and share some useful resources that can help […]

English Language and Communication Skills Services for the NHS

Share This Post SLC specialises in providing test preparation and clinical English services to the global healthcare sector. It was the first OET-accredited Premium Preparation Provider in Europe and is one of the world’s leading OET preparation providers, as well as having outstanding in-house IELTS expertise. We support thousands of healthcare professionals to achieve the […]

Preparation for the Nursing OSCE

Share This Post This self-study course is for internationally educated nurses preparing for the NMC OSCE for adult nursing. It provides them with the knowledge, language and communication skills they need to successfully pass their OSCE so they can register with the NMC. Download the Flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and […]

Lesson plan: Describing Pressure Ulcers

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In this lesson students learn the language used to describe pressure ulcers. It includes speaking, writing, reading & vocabulary activities. B1-B2 level Teacher Notes ●    Topic: describing pressure ulcers ●    Timing: 45–60 minutes ●    Lesson Type/Focus: speaking, reading, vocabulary and writing Aims ●      Speaking: discuss and describe pressure […]

OET Foundation Courses for Closed Groups

Share This Post Download the flyer about OET Foundation Courses for Closed Groups. SLC offers OET Foundation training courses for candidates who need to develop their English language knowledge and skills before starting an OET Preparation course. Download the flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More […]

OET Preparation Courses for Closed Groups

Share This Post Download the flyer about this OET Preparation Courses for Closed Groups. SLC’s OET Preparation courses have been developed over 6 years of intensive teaching, syllabus and materials design. Download the flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More to explore

Tutored OET Relearn Courses for Closed Groups

Share This Post Download the flyer about this Tutored OET Relearn Courses for Closed Groups. SLC offers tailored training courses for candidates who did not achieve their required OET scores first time. Download the flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More to explore

Living and working in the UK – NHS

Share This Post Download the flyer about this short course is for nurses relocating to the UK. It provides them with the essential knowledge they need to successfully settle into the UK as a nurse. Download the Brochure Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More to explore

Why is English important for healthcare?

Back to Menu ↩ Like it or not, English is the global language. Because of this, it’s also the language of global healthcare. If you’re a medical professional, it’s useful to know English for your job. Firstly, because many medical terms are English. Secondly, it’s important if you work in an area with lots of […]

Smoking and dental health – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, speaking, vocabulary Aims developing topic-specific vocabulary reading for detail Teaching notes and answer key Part 1: vocabulary Have students work in pairs to match the words […]

IELTS Test Date 2024

Back to Menu ↩ The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an exam taken by millions every year.  It is accepted by over 11,000 organisations (including universities, companies, professional bodies such as the GMC and NMC, immigration authorities and government institutions) in more than 140 countries around the world as a measure of English language proficiency. […]

OET practice tests… are they enough to pass the OET exam?

Back to Menu ↩ OK, you’re a healthcare professional who wants to pass the Occupational English Test (OET). Your English is quite good, so you think that maybe all you need to do is take an OET practice test online. Right? Well, not always. Table of Contents When is an OET sample test enough to […]

Should you go for OET remarking? Is it worth it?

Back to Menu ↩ So you’ve taken the OET – and you haven’t got the results you wanted. In fact, you thought you did well on the test, and you’re disappointed you received the low marks you did. Of course you’re frustrated. Especially if you need to get a B in the OET. Even more […]

3 tips to pass the OET speaking sub-test

Back to Menu ↩ Do you need to practise for the OET speaking exam? Get our 3 top OET speaking tips here. Table of Contents Tip 1 – Learn the structure of the test Tip 2 – Practise the role plays Tip 3 – Prepare wisely Preparation Courses Related articles Subscribe to our newsletter Tip […]

5 essential OET listening tips to succeed in the OET exam

Back to Menu ↩ Do you find the OET Listening sub-test difficult? Many candidates do. This test is designed to assess your listening skills through note-completion tasks and multiple-choice questions. You will need to reach a Grade B to pass this sub-test, so follow our guide to getting the result you need. Table of Contents […]

OET Reading tips – Improve your performance and PASS the test

Back to Menu ↩ How are your reading skills? Do you want to get better so you can pass the OET Reading sub-test? We at SLC have a step-by-step guide to improving your abilities, and reaching a grade B in OET Reading. Table of Contents Free OET reading practice materials Tips to improve your score […]

The Occupational Health of Santa Claus – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Topic: occupational health Timing: 30–40 mins Lesson type/focus: reading and vocabulary Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, care, other Medical Area: history and assessment, symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Aims developing topic-specific vocabulary reading for detail Teaching notes […]

5 OET writing tips and tricks – How to score HIGHLY in the test

Back to Menu ↩ For the OET Writing sub-test, you are asked to write a letter. This letter will be specific for your healthcare profession – for example, a doctor’s referral letter. Most English-speaking countries need you to pass the OET writing task with a B Grade. So how can you do that? Follow our […]

The 5 best OET resources to prepare for your exam

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a medical professional who wants to work in an English-speaking country? Then OET is the standard exam to test your language skills. OET covers 12 healthcare professions, and it has 4 sections – Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. You need to pass each one, usually with a Grade B […]

How to work as a foreign doctor in Australia. A complete guide to what to do

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a foreign medical professional who’d like to work in Australia (or Oz, as it’s known)? Do you want to know the process for getting a job Down Under? Then follow SLC’s step-by-step process for overseas doctors who plan to move to Australia. Table of Contents What is the pathway […]

Porphyria – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Topic: porphyria (vampire syndrome) Timing: 30–40 mins Lesson type/focus: reading and vocabulary Level: B2–C1 Sector: Medicine, Nursing Medical area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment Skills Focus: Reading, vocabulary Aims developing topic-specific vocabulary reading for detail Teaching notes and answer key Part 1: speaking Part 1: Review […]

A guide to working in Canada as a DOCTOR

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a doctor who wants to make your home in Canada? Then follow SLC’s guide to getting a job in the land of Mounties and maple trees. Table of Contents Can foreign doctors work in Canada?  Obtaining a licence to practise in Canada What should you do to begin the […]

How to WORK in the USA as a nurse

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a nurse who’d love to live and work in the United States of America? Whether you want California sunshine or the busy streets of New York, here’s your guide to getting a job in the USA. Table of Contents Requirements for nursing in the USA English language exams needed […]

How you can move to Ireland as a nurse?

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a registered nurse who wants to work in an English-speaking country? Over the next few weeks you’ll get a foreigner’s guide to working in Ireland, the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada. This week, we’re looking at Ireland. So let’s dive in! Table of Contents Can UK nurses work […]

How to WORK in the UK if you’re an overseas DOCTOR

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a qualified doctor who’s thinking of applying to live and work in the UK? If so, read on and discover SLC’s guide for foreign medical professionals. Table of Contents Does the UK need doctors? What’s a UK doctor’s salary? Can I work in the UK as a doctor without […]

Top 3 tips for teaching Medical English online

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Do you teach Medical English? Are you helping to prepare your learners for the OET? Did your working life change abruptly during the pandemic? We’re sure you remember when the world went into lockdown. At first, teachers and institutions abandoned all in-person teaching. If you were teaching then, […]

3 reasons why a real-life class might be for you

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post You’ve done the quiz to discover what sort of learner you are. You understand how to study online without getting distracted. Maybe you’re sure that remote learning is the future. That you don’t need to go back to college again. But there are advantages to blended learning. Blended […]

5 tips for effective online study

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Did you do last week’s quiz? If so, you’ll know whether you prefer to learn Medical English in-person, or online. The worst of the pandemic is behind us. However, many colleges and universities continue to offer online courses. Others offer blended learning. This is where some classes are […]

Online classes vs traditional classes: what sort of learner are you?

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post What sort of language learner are you? Do you prefer sitting in an actual classroom, chatting to people in a spontaneous way? Or do you prefer an online-led class, on Zoom or another platform? If you’re studying Medical English, or if you need to pass the OET, you […]

English Questions: When does ‘no’ mean ‘no problem’?

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Please note: this post contains advice on Advanced English grammar. For Essential English grammar for Healthcare, check out SLC’s beginner’s course here. English questions can be very confusing – both for asking, and for understanding. As you saw last week, some questions don’t sound like questions. But if […]

How to make requests that don’t sound like questions

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In some languages, it’s important to use the correct form of address when asking politely. Perhaps your language has two or more forms of the pronoun ‘you.’ In English, we have only one form. That’s why there are other ways to show your politeness when you speak. And […]

3 great ways to ask ‘How are you?’

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post How are you? I’m fine thanks. And you? I’m very well, thank you. Did you learn the dialogue above when you were studying beginner’s English? Most people have learned a form of it. It’s great, and it works. As you saw last week, small talk is important to establish […]

Small talk: Use questions for better connections

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In English, you can use questions to make polite conversation. In Medical English, or if you’re studying for the OET speaking test, these types of questions are useful to show your fluency. Over the next four weeks you’ll learn some ways that you can use them. One way […]

A world of accents

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Are you studying Medical English with the hope of working one day in an Anglophone country? If so, you’ll need to understand a variety of accents. There’s the accent that’s local to where you live, but cities across the world contain many people who were born in other […]

The Eye is our ‘window to the brain’ – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Topic: The Eye is our ‘window to the brain’ Timing: 30 mins Lesson Type/Focus: Reading Level: B2-C1 Aims Reading for detail Vocabulary development (the eye/ eye conditions) Part 1: Review the vocabulary terms: the stressed syllable is in bold. age-related macular degeneration foveal hypoplasia glaucoma nystagmus […]

The truth about the ‘British’ accent

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post When it comes to British accents, there’s one difference that distinguishes the Brits from everyone else. It’s that people in the UK never use the phrase ‘British accent.’ The reason they don’t is because there’s no such thing as a British accent. There are instead hundreds of varieties […]

When do you pronounce ‘R’?

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post A quiz for you: how do you pronounce the R in the following words? Doctor. Nurse. Practitioner. Injure. Fracture. Emergency. The pronunciation rule for R trips up even fluent speakers of English. It’s difficult because it depends where in the world a native speaker comes from. To put […]

Which English-language accent is ‘best’?

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Do you believe that speaking in a particular English-language accent will help you pass the OET? Often, English language learners have a belief that one accent is ‘better’ than another. However, in Medical English, it’s far more important to speak clearly, and with the correct intonation. Whether you […]

SLC’s quick guide to using British honorifics

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post An honorific is a word or title you apply to a person to denote respect. In English, the most used are Mr, Mrs, Miss and Ms. We also have professional honorifics such as Dr and Rev. Then there are titles bestowed by the state, such as Baroness and […]

Nanotechnology in Medicine – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Topic: Nanotechnology in Medicine Timing: 30 mins Lesson Type/Focus: Reading Level: B2-C1 Aims Reading for facts Reading for detail expanding vocabulary (nanotechnology) 1. nanofiber 2. tissue engineering Before you start, look at pictures 1 and 2 and answer the questions. What do you know about nanotechnology? […]

Which is more formal – American or British English?

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Which is more formal – American or British English? Is spoken English the same in every Anglophone country? There are a lot of similarities, but the more fluent you become, the more differences you will notice. If you’re studying Medical English, you may wish to work in one […]

Informal British English – A Quick Guide

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post People often assume that the UK is a formal culture. Likewise, they imagine that British people use formal English when they speak. These assumptions are both wrong. They’re based on a stereotype of the British as being stiff and upright. People think that the Brits say ‘how do […]

How to use formal spoken English

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Formal language is appropriate when you’re speaking in a professional situation. But what exactly is formal spoken English, and how should you use it? Over the next few weeks you’ll learn more about the specifics of using formal spoken Medical English. Below are a few general tips for […]

Is “overworking” OK? – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Part 1: Vocabulary Before you read the article, check your understanding of the vocabulary terms. Complete the definitions using terms from the vocabulary list. to overwork to call time on something  a culture of…  poor time management service provision  be short-staffed  leave someone in the lurch a run […]

Using Gestures

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post As you now know, effective non-verbal communication is key to fluency. In Medical English, getting your meaning across using NVC is crucial. It’s also important to show that you’re listening properly. Gestures are movements using the body, especially the hand or the head. They’re an important aspect of […]

Non-Verbal Communication: Using Sounds

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Imagine you’re speaking to someone on the phone. How do you know that the other person is listening? How can you tell if they’re impressed, surprised, or intrigued? Without any visual clues, it will be because of the sounds they use. This part of non-verbal communication (NVC) is […]

The Importance of Pauses

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post When using Medical English in conversation, it’s important that you’re as clear as possible. Your choice of vocabulary and phrasing is vital, but so is your use of NVC – or non-verbal communication. Strangely, it’s sometimes the lack of sound – or the pauses you use – that […]

The importance of non-verbal communication

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post You want to pass the OET speaking exam. You might reasonably think that you’ll be tested on your fluency, accuracy, and vocabulary. It’s how well you do in these areas that will help you pass. It’s called a speaking exam for a reason, right? Well, yes, but the […]

WHO Global Code of Practice – Users Guide

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email This WHO User’s Guide is a companion to the Code. It is designed to provide an overview of the Code and to help readers understand its content. It explains the context in which it has been developed and highlights its […]

Syllabus: Advanced Grammar for Healthcare

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email This Online Advanced Grammar for Healthcare course covers a wide range of grammar at advanced level. Your students learn how it is applied to the language of healthcare, so they can express complex ideas accurately and effectively. Units include how […]

Build Your Empathy Muscles: See the World Through Another’s Eyes

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Welcome to week 4 of building your empathy muscles. In this final week you’ll learn how to see the world through another’s eyes. This is the hardest part of empathy. It’s often known as putting yourself in another person’s shoes – and wearing shoes that don’t fit is […]

OET Speaking: Remember Your Vulnerability

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Your patient is in a vulnerable situation. Normally, they go about their life quite securely. But today they’re possibly in pain and frightened. Hospitals and clinics can be intimidating places when you’re not used to them. Consequently, they might behave in ways that make it difficult for you […]

Lesson Plan: Antibiotic resistance is threatening our health

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post This lesson plan focuses on building vocabulary through an article on one of today’s hottest healthcare topics, the growth of antibiotic resistance. B2-C1 level Before you read the article, think about these questions What do you know about antibiotic resistance? Why do you think antibiotic resistance is threatening […]

OET Speaking: Build Empathy By Reserving Judgement

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post It’s easy to judge others by the standards you think are correct. He’s so selfish. I can’t believe she’s been that stupid. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying or thinking these things, you’re only human. The urge to assess someone by your own standards is very normal. Yet […]

OET Speaking: Start Building Your Empathy Muscles Today

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In the OET’s speaking sub-test, your skill at showing empathy will be assessed. As a definition, empathy is the ability to understand the feelings of another person by imagining what it would be like in their situation. It’s a skill anyone can work at, and over the next […]

Feeling under the weather

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Are you feeling under the weather? In this post, Stephanie Lam gives you insight into how the British both under- and overstate what they feel by using idioms rather than plain language. An essential tip when dealing with British patients! How are you this morning, Mrs Fisher? A […]

OET Test Date 2024

Back to Menu ↩ The OET is an international English test for healthcare professionals. It is recognised by government healthcare bodies around the world to assess the language communication skills of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists and allied health professionals. Table of Contents About OET Booking an OET test OET Test Preparation Calendar 2024 […]

The British sense of humour

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Any international healthcare professional coming to work in the UK will need to get to grip with the unique British sense of humour. In this post, Stephanie Lam gives you a brief guide on what to look out for. Have you ever noted to yourself the strangeness of […]

Lesson plan: Diabetes tests

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In this lesson students learn and practice the language used to describe diabetes and diabetes tests. It includes speaking, listening, and vocabulary activities. B2-C1 level Teacher Notes ●    Topic: diabetes and diabetes tests ●    Timing: 30–40 minutes ●    Lesson Type/Focus: speaking, listening and vocabulary Aims ●      Speaking: discuss diabetes and […]

Lesson Plan: Using pain scales

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In this lesson, students learn how to discuss pain effectively with a patient, focusing on using a pain scale. It includes, speaking, listening and role play activities. B2 level Teacher Notes ●    Topic: pain scales ●    Timing: 30–50 minutes ●    Lesson Type/Focus: speaking and listening Aims ●      Speaking: […]

Lesson Plan: Lung Infections

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In this lesson, students learn the vocabulary they need to describe the lungs and lung infections. It includes speaking, vocabulary and reading (a patient leaflet) activities. B1 level Teacher Notes ●    Topic: lung infections ●    Timing: 30–50 minutes ●    Lesson Type/Focus: speaking, vocabulary and reading Aims ●      Speaking: […]

Lesson Plan: Working on a Ward

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post This lesson teaches the language used when working on a ward in a hospital. It includes speaking, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading and grammar activities. B1 level Teacher Notes ●    Topic: working on a ward ●    Timing: 30–50 minutes ●    Lesson Type/Focus: speaking, vocabulary, reading, grammar Aims ●      Speaking: discuss […]

Useful vocabulary – OET Dentistry

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Check out his video and download the handout on dentistry so that you are prepared for the reading and listening papers and achieve OET success! Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by subscribing to our YouTube […]

Useful vocabulary – OET Dietetics

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Watch this video and download the handout where Jo guides you through the world of dietetics and how to learn vocabulary useful of the OET exam. Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by subscribing to our […]

Useful vocabulary – OET Occupational therapy

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Check out this video and download the handout for useful vocabulary relating to occupational therapy and and learn how it can help you ace the OET exam! Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by subscribing to […]

Useful vocabulary – OET Physiotherapy

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Join Jo as she shows you how to learn vocabulary related to physiotherapy, its links to the writing paper and how it can help you in your OET exam. Don’t forget to download the handout! Get the latest tips and […]

Useful vocabulary – OET Medicine

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Check out this video which guides you on useful vocabulary relating to medicine which will help you pass the OET listening and reading papers. Don’t forget to download the handout! Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses […]

Study tips for learning vocabulary for OET

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Check out this video where Jo explains how you can learn vocabulary effectively for the OET exam and don´t forget to download the handout! Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by subscribing to our YouTube channel. […]

OET: The 12 professions

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post What are the 12 professions in the OET exam? The 12 professions are dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, speech therapy and veterinary science. OET Sub-tests profession specific While the speaking and writing part of the exam are profession specific, the reading and […]

Spelling in OET Listening A

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Do you struggle with spelling in OET Listening A? Watch this video and download the handout where Jo shares her top tips for improving. Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by subscribing to our YouTube channel. […]

How to use the OET transcripts for Listening C

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email In this video, you will learn how to use listening C transcripts to improve your skills and vocabulary and ace the OET exam, don´t forget to download the handout! Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by […]

How to use the OET transcripts for Listening B

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Check out this video and download the handout where Jo shows you how to use listening B transcripts to help you study for the OET exam. Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by subscribing to our […]

How to use the OET transcripts for Listening A

Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Join Jo where she shows you how to use listening A transcripts to develop your vocabulary and improve your listening and don´t forget to download the handout! Get the latest tips and strategies from Specialist Language Courses by subscribing to […]