The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) requires its staff to have the English language skills necessary to provide patients with effective and safe care.
Healthcare professionals working in the UK, whose native language is not English, are required to pass an exam demonstrating their level of English is adequate. They must be able to communicate effectively with their colleagues and patients.
Depending on the type of NHS work being carried out, healthcare professionals will need to be registered with either the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or the General Medical Council (GMC).
Both the NMC and GMC accept both the Occupational English Test (OET) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to prove the level of proficiency in English.
Not sure whether to study for IELTS or OET? Read our article on the differences between IELTS and the Occupational English Test.
Languages United provides both OET preparation courses and IELTS preparation courses. All of our courses provide "live" lessons with our teachers, along with an element of self-study. You can study in a location that is convenient to you:
For GMC applicants who are planning to take the IELTS exam, the GMC requires:
IELTS scores are valid for two years. If you are taking the PLAB test, your scores must be valid on the day you sit the PLAB part 1 exam. If you are applying for registration with a licence to practise, they must be valid when the GMC approve your application.
For GMC applicants who are planning to take the OET exam, the GMC requires:
OET grades are valid for two years. If you are taking the PLAB test, your certificate must be valid on the day you sit PLAB part 1. If you are applying for registration with a licence to practise, your grades must be valid when the GMC approve your application.
The GMC advice on providing evidence of your knowledge of English can be found here: International medical graduates – evidence of your knowledge of English
We provide both individual and group lessons on hospital premises. These courses are designed to:
We can adapt our courses to your own requirements. Please complete the enquiry form for further details and prices.
Our online preparation courses are suitable for individuals and small groups of students with a similar level of English.
Courses include online lessons with a teacher and some self-study between lessons.
Online courses are designed to:
Please complete the enquiry form for further details and prices.
We provide OET and IELTS preparation courses at our school in the centre of Bath. These courses are suitable for individuals and small groups of students with a similar level of English and are designed to:
Please complete the enquiry form for further details and prices.