If you’re looking to work in the US, the UK, Australia, or some other English-speaking region, you’ll need an excellent command of the language. Furthermore, you’ll also have to pass an exam such as OET or IELTS, confirming that you have the basics covered.
In most cases, a reputable international nurse recruitment agency will point you in the right direction. However, if you’re going abroad without their assistance, you’ll have to select one of these two exams.
Although both of these tests are widely recognized, OET and IELTS serve two very different functions. If you’re good at your job, you’ll likely get a nice position no matter which one you finish. However, when there’s a close competition for a particular post, you must select the right one.
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits and drawbacks of both these tests. That way, you’ll know which one is the best choice for a specific position.
OET Basics
OET stands for Occupational English Test. It is specifically made for medical experts looking to work in foreign countries. It focuses on a wide variety of medical terms and jargon, while also helping the person establish a strong basis for day-to-day communication.
After finishing the exam, a person will have the necessary knowledge to interact with their peers and patients. The exam includes writing, speaking, listening, and reading, making it comprehensive.
What Does OET Look Like?
An excellent thing about OET is that it includes various real-world situations. You’ll role-play with examiners, testing how you would react in an actual medical setting. The main goal is to gain as much practical knowledge as possible, without necessarily becoming an English-speaking expert.
When hiring nurses, most companies prioritize this test. Although IELTS also has its merits, and is generally more rigorous, it might not be the best suited for these particular purposes. Once you complete the exam, you’ll be able to apply in various hospitals, specialized institutions, and assisted living institutions.
IELTS Basics
IELTS is one of the most popular tests in the world, commonly taken by students. The acronym stands for International English Language Testing System, and it is meant to test your general English proficiency.
IELTS is created and continuously updated by numerous language teaching professionals, ensuring its relevance. There’s also IELTS Academic, which tests the knowledge of medical workers. Unfortunately, the exam doesn’t only cover medical phrasing but will include other content as well.
What Does IELTS Look Like?
The main objective of this exam is to test your general skills. The testing is conducted in a business or academic setting, depending on your specific needs. Similar to OET, you’ll go through listening, speaking, writing, and reading assignments.
The biggest issue with IELTS is that the range of topics can vary significantly from test to test. Sometimes you’ll get medicine, but this is only a small fraction of what you might be assigned during the exam.
Nevertheless, the test scores are recognized in all English-speaking countries, so they’ll also work if you’re applying for a nursing job.
Which Test Should You Choose?
If you’re a nurse, your best bet is to take an OET test. It is a perfect exam for healthcare providers as it forces you to improve your medical vocabulary. The test results are accepted in all countries, but especially New Zealand, the UK, and Australia.
On the other hand, IELTS is a much better choice for professionals working in several fields. For example, if you’re an administrative assistant who has worked in medicine, but is also looking for similar jobs, it might be better suited to complete IELTS.
The general rule of thumb is to inquire with the embassy or local employers about the optimal exam. The requirements might also vary depending on your specific situation and background. However, in most cases, finishing either one of these tests should do the trick.
Benefits of OET for Nurses
Here are a few reasons why OET might be a better choice for a registered nurse:
- The most important thing about this test is that it’s relevant for healthcare workers. It prepares you for real-world challenges you’ll encounter working abroad.
- OET focuses a lot on role-play. You’ll cover a lot of different situations you would otherwise encounter in the field, giving you a major head start over professionals who haven’t had the same type of training.
- Due to its content, it’s much easier to finish OET than IELTS. It will put you in situations you’re accustomed to, so the exam preparation is usually shorter.
- If you’re a relatively young, inexperienced nurse, you’ll learn about common situations and conversations you’ll have with the patients in the future.
Benefits of IELTS for Nurses
IELTS isn’t without its advantages. These are a few main reasons why you should consider taking this exam:
- Besides the academic tests, you can also take general training. Professional tests, in particular, are great for individuals looking to immigrate abroad.
- IELTS gives you unparalleled flexibility. It is a more recognized test than OET, which means that employers from different fields will accept the certificate as a testament to your knowledge.
- Between the two tests, IELTS is significantly harder. You’ll be forced to cover more topics and areas, which will help you improve your general English skills. This is especially important for those who have workplace flexibility.
Last Tips for Exam Preparation
Whether you’re looking to take IELTS or OET, there are a few things you must do beforehand. Their respective sites offer webinars, guides, and practice material, which will help you go through basic and advanced stuff. You should also browse the web for sample papers to see what the test will look like.
Many nurses like taking practice tests. These are perfect for assessing your time management, which will be vital for finishing the questions in time. We also recommend that you go through the hardest topics and weak areas. And if you need additional help, don’t hesitate to hire a tutor.
