Which exam should you choose?
OET (Healthcare-focused): clinical scenarios, referral letters, handovers; writing is profession-specific. Often the better fit if you think in SBAR, write referral/transfer notes, and present cases daily.
IELTS Academic (General academic English): broader topics; essays/report writing; reading passages unrelated to healthcare. Good if you already read widely and write structured essays with ease.
Safe target (signals, not promises): aim for OET Grade B (350+) in each sub-test or IELTS Academic 7.0+ overall with strong bands. Always verify the current requirement on the regulator/visa portal before booking.
Booking timeline that protects your onboarding
T-8 weeks: pick exam and book a date that doesn’t clash with nights/on-call.T-6 weeks: diagnostic mocks (one full OET/IELTS).T-4 weeks: start the plan below.T-1 week: taper volume, sharpen templates, sleep.T+1 week: if re-test is needed, book immediately while momentum is high.The 4-week plan (1–1.5 h/day on workdays; 2–3 h/day on off days)
Week 1 — Foundations & templates
Listening: daily 30–40 min of healthcare audio (ward rounds, grand rounds, podcasts). Note numbers and actions.
Reading: OET: case notes; IELTS: skimming/scanning drills + paragraph mapping.
Writing: build two templates you’ll reuse:
OET letter skeleton: intro (reason), relevant history → assessment → request → closing line.
IELTS Task 2: intro with position → 2 body paragraphs (each one idea + evidence) → short conclusion.
Speaking: 10 mins/day SBAR aloud; record yourself; focus on clarity, not speed.
Week 2 — Controlled practice (timed)
Two timed writings (OET letters or IELTS Task 1/2) with strict word/time limits.
Listening sections under exam timing; review why each distractor was wrong.
Reading: OET case-matching or IELTS headings/True-False-Not Given under time.
Speaking: 3 role-plays (OET) or 3 IELTS mock topics; push signposting (“First… Next… Therefore…”).
Week 3 — Exam simulation & feedback loops
Full mock under exam conditions (one per exam type you’re targeting).
Error log: for each miss, label the cause (timing / vocabulary / structure / misread prompt).
Writing: swap scripts with a colleague or use a vetted tutor for one high-yield review; fix one pattern only (e.g., paragraphing, data selection).
Week 4 — Precision & recovery
Alternate mini-mocks (2 skills/day).
Writing: template + checklists (see below).
Speaking: calm pacing, short sentences, natural pauses; avoid jargon unless you define it once.
Sleep, hydration, and a dry run of exam logistics.
Writing checklists
OET letter (nurse/physio/doctor)
Purpose in first line; only relevant history included.
Clear request (“Please monitor… escalate if HR >130 or SpO₂ <92%.”).
Short paragraphs; logical order (chronology or system).
Neutral, clinical tone; no abbreviations unless standard.
IELTS Task 2
One idea per paragraph + evidence/example.
Signposting phrases; avoid over-complex sentences.
250–290 words; clear stance, no topic drift.
Speaking anchors (OET & IELTS)
Structure out loud: “Let me summarise… First… Second… Finally…”
Numeric detail when relevant: “Temperature 38.2, pain 7/10.”
Empathy + boundaries (VIP/UHNWI contexts): “I understand your concern; clinically, the safe plan is…”
Reading & listening tactics
Headphones practice (same model you’ll use).
For tricky accents, train with mixed sources (UK/IE/AUS/US healthcare podcasts).
In reading, underline verbs and numbers; they carry most answers.
Test-day logistics (make it boring)
Arrive early; eat light; water + bathroom before you sit.
ID name = booking name (passport-exact, all middle names).
If a section dips, park it and move on; rescue points in the next one.
Common pitfalls—and calm fixes
Writing everything you know → write only what the prompt asks.
Over-long sentences → split into short, clean lines.
No timed practice → simulate weekly; timing is a skill.
Ignoring one weak skill → rotate all four daily (short blocks).
Short FAQs
Is OET easier than IELTS?Not easier—just more familiar for clinicians. Choose the format that matches your daily communication.Do regulators accept MY specific module?Roles typically need OET Medicine/Nursing/Physiotherapy or IELTS Academic—confirm live rules before you book.How many attempts is normal?One or two. If you need a third, change method, not just volume (tutor or targeted remediation).