Back to Menu ↩ Already in the room The question is no longer whether AI tools will enter the medical English writing classroom. They already have. The more pressing question is how to integrate them purposefully, without sacrificing the development of genuine language skills or undermining academic integrity. A wave of recent research across medical […]

Back to Menu ↩ A concept whose time has come There is a phrase that has been quietly reshaping workplace learning and development over the past several years, and it is now arriving with some force at the door of language education: learning in the flow of work. Coined by HR analyst Josh Bersin in […]

Back to Menu ↩ Beyond the novelty argument Mention gamification in a staffroom and reactions tend to split along familiar lines: enthusiasts who have seen it transform a reluctant class, and sceptics who worry it is all points and no depth. The research of the past year or so suggests both camps have a point […]

Back to Menu ↩ A new kind of practice partner There is a familiar tension at the heart of clinical communication training: students need to practise high-stakes conversations, but the cost and logistical complexity of doing so with human actors, or standardised patients (SPs), has always placed a ceiling on how much practice any programme […]

Back to Menu ↩ The OET reading paper is widely considered the toughest section of the exam — but most candidates are not using the best resources to prepare for it. In this guide, we share five of the most effective free and paid resources available, along with practical activity ideas so you can get the […]

Contact us Back to Menu ↩ Published on 9 March 2026, Protecting What Matters is the government’s most substantial statement on social cohesion in years. Framed as a “call to action” against extremism, division and declining community trust, the Command Paper has significant implications for ESOL, both as opportunity and as warning. The paper’s most […]

Contact us Back to Menu ↩ For years, ESOL has been promised a national strategy. Now, for the first time in a generation, there is a genuine window of opportunity. The current government has committed to reviewing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision as part of its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper […]

Contact us Back to Menu ↩ The devolution of adult skills funding was meant to bring decision-making closer to communities and their needs. For ESOL provision, it is increasingly looking like a double-edged sword – and learners are caught in the middle. The starkest illustration is Greater Lincolnshire. In February 2026, the Combined County Authority […]

Contact us Back to Menu ↩ Artificial intelligence is everywhere in education right now and ESOL classrooms are no exception. But as the technology becomes more accessible, a debate is sharpening in the sector: is AI a genuine asset for language learners, or is it actually undermining the learning process? The most pointed recent contribution […]

Back to Menu ↩ Did you know you could secure a UK Health and Care Worker visa as a nurse before you’re even fully registered as a nurse in the UK? It sounds surprising, but it is possible, provided you meet all the relevant requirements. If you want to work as a nurse in the […]

ESOL · Case Study We have published a new case study showing how our targeted ESOL and OET training is helping refugee doctors rebuild their careers and return to clinical practice in the UK.

Contact us Back to Menu ↩ A major new survey into the employment situation of refugees and migrants in Devon has shed light on the significant barriers preventing highly qualified people from finding work that matches their skills and experience. Source: https://dcrs-plymouth.org/ Carried out by Dr. Omid Afghan — himself a refugee and former professor […]

Contact us Back to Menu ↩ The recent expansion of the right to work for asylum seekers is welcome news, but gaining permission to work is only the first step. For the thousands of highly qualified asylum seekers now eligible to enter the workforce, the ability to function effectively in a professional environment will depend, in […]

Contact us Back to Menu ↩ New immigration rules that came into force on 26 March 2026 have changed the employment rights of asylum seekers in the UK in ways that are more complex than they might first appear. While the changes open up a wider range of professional roles for some, they may in practice make […]

News · Conference We are delighted to announce that Specialist Language Courses is a sponsor of English for Healthcare: from Expertise to Practice, an international conference taking place on 11–12 September 2026 at Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków, Poland.

News · Institutional We are delighted to announce that Specialist Language Courses has launched a new institutional licence, giving university and college students access to over 850 hours of Medical English courses.

Back to Menu ↩ In the OET Speaking sub-test, you perform two role plays in which you are assessed on your ability to ask questions, provide information, use appropriate language, and demonstrate effective clinical communication. On paper, those criteria might seem straightforward. In practice, a great deal depends on the questions you ask — when […]

Back to Menu ↩ If you are preparing for the OET Medicine speaking sub-test, questions are not simply a device for gathering information — they are the backbone of the entire role play. Whether you are exploring a patient’s concerns, confirming what they already understand, or giving them space to express how they feel, almost […]

Back to Menu ↩ If you are preparing for the OET and planning to take the computer-based test or OET@Home, the Speaking sub-test will look a little different from what you might imagine. You won’t be sitting in an exam room with an interlocutor across a table — instead, you’ll be at your own desk, […]

Back to Menu ↩ The latest OECD International Migration Outlook 2025, published in November in collaboration with the WHO, paints a striking picture of just how dependent the world’s healthcare systems have become on migrant professionals. In 2020–21, more than 830,000 foreign-born doctors and 1.75 million foreign-born nurses were working across OECD countries — roughly […]

Back to Menu ↩ In February 2026, the University of Tartu in Estonia made history by becoming the first institution in the world to embed the WHO Global Competency Standards for refugee and migrant health into a national medical curriculum. The standards are designed to equip healthcare professionals to deliver trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care — […]

Back to Menu ↩ A new qualitative study published in JMIR Medical Education in February 2026 offers a timely glimpse into the future of clinical communication skills training — and raises some fascinating questions for those of us teaching English for Healthcare. The study, conducted at Great Western Hospital in Swindon, UK, explored medical students’ […]

Webinar · SLC × EALTHY We are delighted to announce that Chris Moore, Managing Director of Specialist Language Courses, will be presenting at the next SLC × EALTHY webinar.

Back to Menu ↩ If you are a doctor, nurse or carer thinking about working abroad this year, you’ve probably felt like the job market’s been changing pretty rapidly. More staff are moving between countries, and patients often need support at home instead of long hospital stays. Understanding what’s going on right now can really […]

YouTube · Season 8 We are delighted to announce that Season 8 of OET Tips & Strategies is coming to our YouTube channel — and it launches on 8th April 2026. From 8th April, we will be publishing one new video every week, packed with exam-focused strategies, practical techniques, and real tips you can use on […]

For Care Managers & Service Leads · 30 March – 20 April 2026 Specialist Language Courses is currently testing a new AI communication training tool built specifically for the care sector — and we need the help of care managers and service leads to get it in front of the right people.

Beta Testing · 30 March – 20 April 2026 Something new is being built for carers like you — and before it launches, the people testing it should be the ones who actually do the job. Specialist Language Courses is looking for frontline carers to try out a brand-new AI communication training tool — one […]

Back to Menu ↩ When the NMC introduced the SIFE pathway in 2023, it was intended to solve a real and pressing problem: internationally educated nurses, many of them highly experienced, were stuck in lower-paid healthcare assistant roles because they couldn’t clear the OET or IELTS hurdle. The idea was straightforward—if an employer could vouch […]

If you’re at all interested in how language works in healthcare, you’d be nuts to miss the upcoming webinar from SLC and EALTHY.

Back to Menu ↩ Vocational ESOL focuses on the language that migrants and refugees need when working in the UK. Different sectors require different language – different conversations, different vocabulary, different skill sets. Vocational ESOL builds learners’ abilities to engage and thrive at work – from social care to accounting to construction to hospitality, marketing, […]

Back to Menu ↩ Succeeding in the OET on Computer requires more than strong language skills — you also need to be ready for the digital environment, timing pressure, and possible technical issues. Many candidates report facing similar challenges during the exam, and being aware of these in advance can help you stay calm and […]

At Specialist Language Courses, your progress doesn’t stop when your subscription ends. All Reach OET B Medicine, Reach OET B Nursing and all professions subscribers automatically benefit from the SLC Progress Promise.

Back to Menu ↩ Preparing for the OET on Computer requires a combination of strong language skills, confidence with the digital interface, and awareness of the test-day environment. Many successful candidates say that the key is practice—both with OET materials and with typing under pressure. This guide brings together the most helpful insights shared by […]

Alongside the continued development of our course portfolio, Specialist Language Courses is advancing its AI-Powered English for Care project — an innovative learning tool designed to help carers practise real-life workplace communication in English through safe, guided role-play scenarios.

Back to Menu ↩ Preparing for the OET takes focus, structure, and the right resources. If you start now and commit to a consistent plan, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.   This article gives you a week-by-week roadmap, combined with tips, an FAQ section and guidance on how to integrate your own time and resources.  […]

As 2025 comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on what has truly been an inspiring and rewarding year for Specialist Language Courses. It has been a year filled with growth, innovation, collaboration, and—most importantly—people.

We are proud to announce the development of a new OET preparation course for all Professions, designed for healthcare professionals preparing for OET in: Dentistry, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, and Veterinary Science.

We’re delighted to have been commissioned to provide an online ESOL programme for refugee and migrant learners by the South East Strategic Partnership for Migration (SESPM).

We are excited to announce our Black Friday Mega Sale, designed to help healthcare professionals prepare for their exams with high-quality, flexible online learning at an unbeatable price.

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership between Specialist Language Courses (SLC) and the University of Sharjah’s Clinical & Surgical Training Center (CSTC) — one of the UAE’s leading institutions for medical education and professional development. 

Back to Menu ↩ Specialist Language Courses (SLC) is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of Sharjah’s Clinical & Surgical Training Center (CSTC) — one of the region’s most prestigious hubs for medical education, simulation, and professional skills development. Through this collaboration, CSTC will deliver SLC’s Medical English and OET preparation programmes […]

Do you teach Medical English to pharmacists and other healthcare professionals? Or are you a pharmacist with English as a second or third language? Join us for this insightful EALTHY Teacher Development Webinar with Reena Mistry on Thursday, 6th November 2025 at 10am GMT / 11am CET.

7 courses, 105 places, gone in under a week. We were delighted to have been asked by Local Government East Strategic Migration Partnership to deliver a set of online informal ESOL courses across the region, focusing on learners from Hong Kong, Ukrainian and Afghan communities.

The annual UK SkillsFest, organised by the Department of Business and Trade and the UK Skills Partnership, showcases the best in British education and training, focusing on innovation, internationalisation, and vocational education that is used – or can be used – by governments, educators and employers across the world. We were delighted to be selected […]

Back to Menu ↩ Breaking bad news is one of the most challenging tasks for healthcare professionals. It requires a careful balance of empathy, clarity, and professionalism. For learners of Medical English, mastering this type of communication is especially important—not just for exams like OET but also for their daily clinical practice. As teachers, we […]

Back to Menu ↩ Preparing for the OET Speaking sub-test can be one of the most challenging parts of your exam journey. The role-play tasks require you to communicate naturally, demonstrate empathy, and use accurate medical English in a professional context. Practicing with another person is one of the best ways to develop these skills. […]

Back to Menu ↩ Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing everything from healthcare to classrooms; the teaching of Medical English is no exception. From AI chatbots that role-play patients to analytics that surface common language errors, today’s tools can draft, translate, and even simulate clinical conversations. So where does the teacher fit? Front and centre. In […]

We are delighted to announce that SLC has joined the UK Skills Partnership as an Associate Member.

We’re delighted to have won a grant from Ufi VocTech Trust to develop an AI-driven technology solution that provides cheap phone-based language and communication skills training for overseas social carers at scale, improving their communicative confidence and enabling their progression within the sector.

We’re delighted to announce a partnership with leading Medical English app, Doxa.

Back to Menu ↩ What is the UK Foundation Programme? The UK Foundation Programme is a two-year, structured, work-based training programme which is designed to bridge the gap between medical school and specialty or general practice training. It gives newly qualified doctors essential clinical and professional skills, ensuring they can deliver safe and effective patient […]

Back to Menu ↩ Many still believe refugee and migrant learners must attend in-person English classes to build social connections. But this overlooks so many learners who: ✅ Can’t leave home due to childcare, health, or cultural reasons✅ Work shifts that don’t allow fixed schedules✅ Live far from colleges or centres running ESOL classes✅ Need […]

Many people feel that refugee and migrant English language learners need to be in physical classrooms so they can meet others and build social connections.

Back to Menu ↩ Listening Part C of the Occupational English Test (OET) assesses your ability to understand extended spoken texts—like interviews, presentations, and discussions—on healthcare topics. These can involve complex language, subtle meaning, and contrasting opinions. In this article, we break down how to approach Listening C successfully using sample questions and key strategies. […]

Back to Menu ↩ OET Listening Part B tests your ability to understand short workplace conversations in healthcare settings. Whether it’s a nurse briefing a colleague or a doctor giving instructions, this part of the test focuses on identifying the purpose, main points, and specific details of the exchange. Let’s look at how to approach […]

Back to Menu ↩ Listening Part A of the Occupational English Test (OET) focuses on your ability to understand consultations between a healthcare professional and a patient. This is a critical skill for real-world clinical practice—and one that you can absolutely improve with the right strategies and preparation. In this article, we’ll walk through essential […]

Back to Menu ↩ The OET Speaking sub-test for Medicine is your opportunity to demonstrate the clinical communication and linguistic skills you use every day as a doctor. But it’s also a structured test—with specific criteria and expectations. In this article, we break down how the test works, what you’re assessed on, and how to […]

Back to Menu ↩ Getting work can make a life-changing difference to refugees and migrants. Employment offers more than just financial stability—it can provide dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging. A job helps refugees and migrants rebuild their lives and integrate into new communities. It boosts confidence and provides opportunities to improve English and […]

Given the weather forecast – a rare explosion of sunshine and warmth in the UK – and that I only live 5 minutes from Brighton beach, it was perhaps with a little reluctance that I set the EALTHY Symposium in motion by hitting the start button on Zoom.

We’re excited to share an inspiring article by Sam Pepper, originally published in ESOL Matters, now republished on our platform!

Back to Menu ↩ We’re delighted to re-publish an article written by Sam Pepper for ESOL Matters on the work he did on an online ESOL programme SLC delivered to Syrian refugees across Northern Ireland during the pandemic. In the article, Sam describes how he worked with learners who had very low levels of English, […]

This Saturday, April 26th, we’re delighted to be co-hosting ‘Innovating Medical English Teaching with AI’ with EALTHY, the global association of teachers of English for Healthcare.

Back to Menu ↩ Calling all healthcare students and professionals! Whether you’re a doctor, a nurse or another healthcare professional, at Specialist Language Courses (SLC), we offer expertly designed online courses tailored to every stage of your English language journey—whether you’re just starting out, building on an existing foundation, or preparing for an English language […]

Spring into learning this Easter with Specialist Language Courses (SLC)! From April 18 to April 24, 2025, we’re offering exclusive discounts on all our 1-month and 3-month subscriptions across every course on our website.

Back to Menu ↩ English for Nursing Foundation is for nursing students and professional nurses with an elementary or lower-intermediate level of English (A2-B1) who want to develop a strong foundation in profession-specific English language and communication skills. English for Nursing Foundation includes sections on communicating with patients and colleagues, building medical terminology, describing symptoms, […]

Back to Menu ↩ Are you struggling with OET Reading Part B? This section of the exam tests your ability to understand the main idea and details of workplace texts, such as hospital memos, guidelines, or policy documents. In this guide, we’ll break down the key strategies for answering Part B questions, using real exam-style […]

Back to Menu ↩ Are you preparing for OET Reading Part C and unsure how to approach it? This section of the OET requires strong critical reading skills to analyze opinion-based texts and select the best answer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key strategies using real exam-style questions from a passage titled The […]

Back to Menu ↩ Are you preparing for the OET Reading test and wondering how to tackle Part A effectively? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential skills of skimming and scanning, helping you navigate the reading texts with confidence. We’ll also go through some sample questions using a real exam-style text on […]

Back to Menu ↩ At SLC, we’ve been providing online English language courses to refugee and migrant communities since 2018 when we worked with learners on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme in Northern Ireland. Courses focused on integration and employability. Learners were scattered across the region with little access to colleges, often with childcare […]

Back to Menu ↩ We’ve mapped the CEFR levels (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) used globally to describe language ability to the scores you can achieve in the British Council EnglishScore, IELTS and OET tests. Here’s our at-a-glance table: For more information: CEFR British Council EnglishScore IELTS OET Our Medical English and exam […]

Back to Menu ↩ The following comes from a research article published by Cambridge University Press[1]. It illustrates the progress expected of a group of well-motivated adult learners, who spend 50% of their hours with a teacher in class and 50% of their hours on guided self-study tasks set by their teacher. Together, these hours […]

Are you planning a Nursing Career in UK? Do you have questions about the NMC’s CBT exam? Are you struggling to find the right materials? SLC would like to introduce IR Academy, our partners in delivering resources to help you succeed in your UK Nursing career.

Are you planning to work as a nurse in Australia? Big changes are coming in 2025 to the English language requirements for internationally qualified nurses. These updates will make it easier for many applicants to meet the registration criteria while maintaining the high communication standards required in healthcare.

Back to Menu ↩ The OET Listening test is one of the most challenging parts of the exam. Healthcare professionals must understand consultations, workplace conversations, and medical presentations—all in real-time with only one chance to listen. Table of Contents Understanding the OET Listening Exam Common Challenges in OET Listening Best Resources to Improve OET Listening […]

Back to Menu ↩ Booking any kind of training is never easy. On the surface, training companies promise the same thing. It’s difficult to differentiate. However, dig a little deeper and you should see where the best choices lie. You just need to know the right questions to ask. Download the guide More To Explore […]

At SLC, we are incredibly proud to share the success of a truly groundbreaking project—one that is changing lives, strengthening NHS mental health services, and creating new opportunities for skilled professionals in India.

We’re delighted to be working with Hannah Ames, Nurse Tutor, on OSCE Preparation programmes for international nurses.

Then join us on March 18th! We’re delighted to be co-hosting a professional development webinar on Medical Writing as a Career Choice, given by medical writer extraordinaire Virginia Chachati.

Back to Menu ↩ Taking Too Long to Get Started A slow start wastes valuable time and reduces the time available for completing tasks. ❌ Don’t: Ask for the patient’s name and date of birth in settings like general practice, a home visit, or a community clinic (this is only necessary in hospital settings). Repeat […]

Back to Menu ↩ The OET Reading exam is designed to test your ability to understand professional and academic healthcare texts. To succeed, you need to develop the right reading strategies and practice with real medical texts. Here’s how to master OET Reading and improve your score! Understanding OET Reading Texts The texts in the […]

We’re delighted to have been asked to provide the winners of the Medical University of Bialystok’s Postgraduate Research Showcase with Writing for Publication, our specialist course for researchers who want to publish their work in international journals.

Back to Menu ↩ Writing an effective OET letter requires clarity, structure, and accuracy. Many candidates lose marks because of avoidable mistakes. Understanding these common errors can help you write a high-scoring letter and improve your overall performance. Table of Contents 1. Not Expressing the Purpose Clearly 2. Not Planning Before Writing 3. Using Overly […]

Back to Menu ↩ The UK healthcare service has relied for many years on the invaluable contributions made by overseas trained healthcare professionals. To register to work here, those who do not come from a country where English is the first language must demonstrate their language level by taking an English test and achieving the […]

We’re delighted to see that the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK regulator for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), now accept OET for a number of different AHPs, namely chiropodists, podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, and radiographers.

Back to Menu ↩ Designed for schools and teachers preparing nurses for OET Nursing, OET Prepare provides a full learning pathway, taking candidates from an elementary A2 level all the way to a C1 advanced level where they are ready to sit the test. Candidates can start at A2 elementary, B1 intermediate or B2 upper-intermediate […]

Back to Menu ↩ This article reviews the recently published updated NHS International Recruitment Toolkit and what is says about how English language and communication skills training can support recruitment, retention and the pastoral care provided to overseas trained staff. All quotes are from the Toolkit. Overseas staff make a significant contribution to the care […]

Back to Menu ↩ The OET speaking test can feel daunting, but using the right phrases can make all the difference. In the test, you’ll perform two role plays with a patient or carer. Table of Contents 1. Show Empathy 2. Explore Concerns 3. Signpost Your Explanations 4. Check Existing Knowledge 5. Encourage Patient Input […]

Back to Menu ↩ The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) follows the ‘learn, earn and return model’. MTI provides a route for overseas doctors, primarily from lower income countries, wishing to train and develop their skills in the NHS for a fixed period of time before returning to their home country where they can put their […]

Back to Menu ↩ If you use SLC’s digital materials, you’ll be able to use a wide range of features that enable you to give great lessons and courses. In this article, we’ll look at two of those features. Table of Contents Assignments Discussion forums In conclusion Book a tour Related articles Subscribe to our […]

Back to Menu ↩ Language training can transform careers in healthcare. It provides learners with the tools they need to effectively communicate with patients and colleagues at work, carry out research projects, join international teams, and access overseas work and study opportunities. This is true as much for beginner level students building a foundation in […]

Back to Menu ↩ Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of healthcare, making groundbreaking contributions that have transformed medical practices, saved countless lives, and advanced the well-being of humanity. Their perseverance and innovations have paved the way for better healthcare worldwide. Below, we highlight some extraordinary pioneers whose legacies continue to inspire and […]

In 2024 SLC Director, Peter Rodway, visited Uzbekistan as part of a mission to discuss education and vocational opportunities in the UK which included the signing of an agreement between the Uzbek Ministry of Labour and our long-term partner Neu Professionals.

Back to Menu ↩ Clinical communication describes the interactions between healthcare professionals, patients or service users in the case of social care, and their families. Clinical communication is very different to everyday communication, and the skills required to navigate what can be very challenging conversations are quite specific. Using strong clinical communication skills is widely […]

Back to Menu ↩ Medical students can find it hard to engage in anything that is not clinically focused. This includes Medical English, an essential part of most undergraduate Medicine degrees. This article looks at what kind of course – paper-based or digital –  will best engage and motivate today’s students. Table of Contents The […]

Back to Menu ↩ Table of Contents Classroom Strategies Classroom Activities Homework or Extension Activities Related articles Subscribe to our newsletter This article sets out a number of ways a teacher can use digital Medical English content with their students in a physical classroom.  Using a digital course with Medical English students makes all kinds […]

Back to Menu ↩ This article looks at the NHS’s commitment to EDI and asks whether the ambitions it expresses can be fully realised given the experiences of many overseas trained staff working in the service – and if not, what needs to change. Table of Contents EDI in the NHS Empowering overseas trained staff […]

Back to Menu ↩ Running a residential care home is rewarding but challenging, especially when a significant percentage of your staff come from abroad and English isn’t their first language. While staff diversity brings rich experiences and perspectives to the care you provide, it can also create communication barriers that negatively impact the quality of […]

Back to Menu ↩ Table of Contents Overview What English level is required for overseas carers to work in the UK? What’s a B1 level? Is a B1 level sufficient for overseas health and care workers? What carers can do with B1 English What carers cannot do with B1 English Solving the problem: improving overseas […]

Back to Menu ↩ Preparing for the OET exam can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can achieve the high score you need to progress in your healthcare career. In this guide, we’ll outline what you need to do before and during your OET preparation, including understanding the format, improving your English, using […]