English Language Proficiency Tests for Healthcare Professionals

An article published by The Health Foundation in January of this year reports that, “one of the silver linings of COVID-19 is that it has led to a substantial increase in the numbers wanting to work in the NHS.” This is good news, of course. Once the cloud of the pandemic starts to lift , international mobility will return and with it overseas medical staff.  For the nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals looking to work in the UK or other English-speaking destinations, this is a welcome prospect. Currently, according to a 2020 report from the UK parliament, over 67,000 NHS staff in England are EU nationals – 5.5% of all staff. 8.3% are from non-EU countries. Overall, 13.8% of NHS staff say that their nationality is not British with English as maybe their second or third language.

After qualifying and receiving a job offer, for a lot of these nurses and doctors, language is the one last barrier to hurdle. The UK Home Office point system for overseas healthcare applicants includes proof of English language competence. So, how do they provide this?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is specifically designed for healthcare professionals and helps them prove they have the right level of English for work or study, while also learning the kind of language they will need every day at work. OET is widely recognised as proof of English proficiency for registration, study and work in the healthcare sector, as well as for visas in some countries. Healthcare organisations and regulators choose OET because it helps them to select healthcare professionals with the right level of English proficiency to deliver safe and high quality care.

As recent approved preparation providers for the OET, we want to be part of the solution for these applicants and for existing healthcare sector workers needing English language support. We are a small training consultancy based in Crickhowell, Wales, specialising in English language & cultural coaching. We are offering free OET preparation support for nurses and doctors over the next three months until June, Our way of acknowledging the vital work that all healthcare professionals do and to support the drive to recruit more healthcare workers for the NHS.

For more information please visit: www.classetraining.co.uk