IELTS or OET: Which is an easy English test for nurses?
IELTS and OET are language proficiency tests for non-native English speakers. IELTS offers 2 versions of test formats being Academic and General Training, each with four components, while OET has 12 versions of the test. IELTS is more versatile as it caters to a wider range of purposes, making it a better option for those seeking academic or general employment opportunities.
Before deciding on which test to take to pursue a nursing course abroad, it is recommended to take a closer look at IELTS vs. OET.
What is IELTS?
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is recognised by 12,000 organisations globally and is the standardised test that assesses the English language proficiency of individuals who wish to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. The test evaluates four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test is available in two main formats: Academic, for those seeking higher education opportunities, and General Training, which focuses on practical language skills for work and migration purposes.
What is OET?
Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language test that assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals. It is designed to provide 12 professions in the healthcare industry and is accepted in a few selected countries.
Differences between IELTS vs. OET for healthcare professionals
IELTS offers a comprehensive assessment of your English skills through diverse topics in its Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections. Unlike OET, which focuses solely on healthcare scenarios, IELTS exposes you to everyday situations and various other subjects. This broader range not only equips you with English fluency in real-world settings but also prepares you for study and professional opportunities. While OET only offers specialised subjects, IELTS opens doors to a wider world of communication possibilities.
Let’s look at IELTS vs. OET in detail:
Feature | IELTS | OET |
|---|---|---|
Full form | International English Language Testing System | Occupational English Test |
Target Audience | Healthcare professionals, students, and immigrants | Healthcare professionals only |
Versions | Academic & General Training | 12 professional variations |
Duration of Exam | 2 hrs and 45 mins | Much longer (Approx. 3 hrs) |
Test Format | 4 modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 4 modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking |
Syllabus content | General academic topics, everyday situations | Medical terms, procedures, and protocols |
Test dates | Every day | Twice a month |
Test slots | Up to 3 times a day | Twice a month only |
Test results | IELTS on Computer: Within 2 days IELTS on Paper: Within 7 days | OET on Computer: 10 days OET on Paper: 17 days |
Recognition | Widely recognised by universities, immigration authorities, & professional bodies in over 140 countries | Recognised by healthcare regulatory bodies in specific countries only |
Difficulty | Broader topics which help in any area of life and work | Limited to medical focus |
Study material | Comprehensive mock tests, videos, podcasts and more | Handful preparation resources |
Availability | 200+ test centres in India, in more than 80 cities | 50+ test centres in India |
Cost | Rs. 17,000 | Rs. 31,744 (Approx. AU$587) |
5 Things to Consider Before You Select IELTS or OET
Here are the 5 major things that you need to know when deciding between IELTS or OET:
1. IELTS is more renowned compared to the OET worldwide
As compared to the OET, the IELTS is more widely recognised and accepted in the world with over 1,100 test centres in more than 140 countries, including top destinations like New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the USA, and the UK.
While OET is recognised only by healthcare regulatory bodies and higher education healthcare educators in 40 countries.
2. Two versions of IELTS vs. OET’s 12 versions
There are two versions of the IELTS test, Academic and General Training, which are used by organisations to determine your language proficiency skills for academic, vocational, or immigration purposes.
While the Listening and Speaking modules of the test are the same for both, the Reading and Writing sections of the academic tests are more altered to higher education as compared to General Training.
On the other hand, OET offers 12 versions of the test for the different healthcare professions. For these tests, the Reading and Listening modules are the same. However, the Speaking and Writing modules are geared towards specific scenarios.
3. IELTS has a more convenient test format than the OET
While both the IELTS and OET examine the same four language skills, the IELTS has a shorter test format than OET. Read below to know the IELTS vs. OET test format.
Test Formats | IELTS | OET |
In IELTS Listening, you are asked to listen to four recordings and answer the questions based on them | In OET Listening part, there are two parts that take a longer period to complete | |
In the IELTS Reading, you are required to give answers to the given questions and complete tasks based on three text passages from newspapers or journals | The 1st part of OET Reading test involves summarizing four short texts, while Part 2 entails answering MCQs on two longer texts | |
In the IELTS Writing, you will be given two tasks – first, study and write about some data or graphs provided, after which you will be asked to write an essay based on a selected subject | In OET Writing test, you will be required to read case notes and write a follow-up, discharge, or referral based on them | |
In the IELTS Speaking, you will be discussing general topics such as your hobbies and interests, and for the follow-up part, you will have to speak on a topic assigned to you on a cue card | In the OET Speaking test, you will be interacting with the examiner based on medical scenarios on a selected topic |
4. IELTS fees are lower and have more test dates and centres
More places have IELTS centres in every state, which ensures more available test dates for students to select from. Hence, it becomes easier to book an IELTS exam date at your convenience. Apart from that, the IELTS is much cheaper than the OET, so it makes it easy for you to afford.
5. IELTS has a wider range of content
While it is good to be fluent in medical English but only for those who wish to pursue a medical course because it is also important to gain a better understanding of the English language as a whole to study overseas, which is what the IELTS can help you to achieve as it is not specifically based on any subject or field.
The IELTS covers a wider range of topics and content which includes education, environment, social trends, general knowledge, and cultural values. It helps international students and professionals to communicate and share their knowledge with them to interact better.
Some healthcare professionals opt for OET because it uses profession-specific content like understanding a patient in a consultation session and writing a discharge or referral letter.
Importance of English Proficiency for Nurses
The importance of English proficiency for nurses cannot be overstated, as it ensures effective communication and high-quality patient care. Here are several reasons why English proficiency is important for nurses:
Patient Interaction: English proficiency enables nurses to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, ensuring that crucial information about their health is accurately conveyed. It also allows them to express empathy and provide emotional support, contributing to a positive patient experience.
Collaboration with the Healthcare Team: In a healthcare setting, collaboration among medical professionals is essential. English proficiency facilitates seamless communication among nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff, leading to better coordination in patient care.
Understanding Medical Terminology: Proficiency in English is essential for understanding medical literature, documentation, and research, which are often conducted and presented in English. Nurses also need to comprehend and use complex medical terminology accurately, and a strong command of English is important for achieving this proficiency.
Global Opportunities: English proficiency opens up opportunities for nurses to work in various healthcare settings around the world. It enhances their chances of securing positions in internationally recognised hospitals, research institutions, or educational establishments.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Many countries require foreign-educated nurses to take licensing examinations, often administered in English. Proficiency in the language is indispensable for these exams.
Conclusion
English proficiency is a fundamental skill for nurses, influencing various aspects of their profession. It not only enhances patient care and collaboration within the healthcare team but also opens doors to diverse career opportunities on a global scale.
If you are considering taking the IELTS test to become a certified nurse, IDP brings decades of experience in assisting students in their IELTS test preparation.
IDP offers an abundance of resources to help you prepare for IELTS and achieve your desired band score.