The Occupational English Test is an internationally recognized test that assesses the English language communication skills of healthcare professionals. The OET encompasses all four language skills, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking. However, the emphasis is given on communication in a healthcare environment. This test is devised in a way that it involves real workplace tasks and relevant language skills.
To ensure that healthcare professionals from the major fields can easily communicate in the English language, the OET is specifically developed for up to 12 healthcare professions, namely:
Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Optometry, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Speech Pathology, and Veterinary Science
Being a healthcare professional in Dubai, here are answers to some questions that you should be familiar with.
Is OET accepted in Dubai?
Since February 2017 when the Occupational English Test (OET) signed an agreement with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, OET has been accepted as proof of English Proficiency in Dubai. So, yes, OET is accepted in Dubai to provide healthcare professionals the opportunity to interact and provide treatment to medical tourists.
Healthcare professionals who qualify the healthcare-specific OET and prove their English Proficiency are also able to receive a statement of recognition showing the compatibility with QFEmirates (UAE National Qualifications Framework).
Since the number of medical tourists is increasing in Dubai, healthcare professionals are required to communicate in English. So, getting OET training in Dubai and passing the test will help healthcare professionals to gain the required level of English communication skills for safe and high-quality patient care.
Is OET easier than IELTS?
From a linguistic perspective, none of the exams is easier. Both IELTS 7.5 and OET B demonstrate that you have an advanced level in English. However, you may find the OET easier to understand because it is healthcare-specific and tests the language that you use in daily professional life.
The new version of OET has been introduced. What are the changes?
From September 2018, OET 2.0 was introduced officially. In this version, the grading system is changed by introducing point scores alongside letter grades so that you can get a more precise insight into your English communication level.
The structure of the reading and listening sections is also changed. Now, both sections feature three parts. However, there is no change in the level of difficulty.
Which countries recognise the OET?
The Occupational English Test is recognised by hospitals, universities, and regulators in the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, and now Dubai as well.
Who should undergo OET training in Dubai?
By now, it is clear that the OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. So, any professional in the Dubai healthcare industry who seeks to register and practise in an English-speaking environment or anticipates interacting with medical tourists who speak English language can undergo the OET training in Dubai and pass the exam to provide proof of their ability to communicate in English effectively.
Therefore, when you are starting your international healthcare career, passing OET with higher point scores is the first thing you should focus on.