Specialist Language Courses

SLC is gold sponsor at 2024 English for Healthcare conference

SLC is delighted to not only be one of the co-organisers of the 2024 English for Healthcare conference, but also a gold sponsor. This unique conference brings together the Medical English community from around the world, from lecturers at medical schools to linguistics researchers to materials writers and publishers to OET preparation teachers. This has […]

SLC at Eaquals conference April 11 th -13 th

SLC’s Managing Director, Chris Moore, is also a Trustee on the Board of Eaquals, the world’s leading international language education accreditation association, where he has served for the last 5 years.

New Course! Mastering Communication in Social Care

Many overseas care workers may therefore need language and communication support. However, those who attend local evening classes, for example, will find that lessons have a general focus and won’t target the kind of English they need to use for work.

‘Kidney disease is not just a death sentence, you can live a full life

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading, listening, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to ‘Kidney disease is not just a death sentence, you can live a full life Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, other Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation Vocabulary check: Do you understanding the following […]

Dementia dogs

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading, listening, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to Dementia Dogs. Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar Vocabulary check: Do you understanding the following terms? Match the terms to their correct meanings. Draw a line from […]

Fake Xanax – Anxiety drug deaths an ‘escalating crisis’

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading, listening, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to Fake Xanax – Anxiety drug deaths an ‘escalating crisis’. Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, pharmacy Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary/idiom, pronunciation Vocabulary check: Do you understanding the following terms? Match the terms to […]

OET Test Dates 2024

The OET test is conducted twice in a given month, check complete schedule for the 2024 OET exam here.

What happened in December?

n December, we were delighted to launch our new subscriptions service for all courses. At the same time we launched the 4th editions of our flagship OET Preparation courses, Reach OET B Medicine and Reach OET B Nursing.

About the PTE Academic English Test

Back to Menu ↩ PTE Academic is taken on a computer in a test centre. There are 3 sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening, which include 20 different kinds of questions. The test takes 2 hours to complete, and you do it in one sitting. Your answers are marked using sophisticated AI (Artificial Intelligence) […]

Alzheimer’s Disease (Not inevitable) – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading, listening, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to the Alzheimer’s Disease (Not inevitable). Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, other Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation Part 1: Vocabulary Complete the definitions using terms in the vocabulary list. CGI to distil […]

Welcome Reach OET B Nursing 4th edition!

We’re delighted to share our latest edition of Reach OET B Nursing with you. The 4th edition has everything a nurse needs to achieve a high score in their OET Nursing test.

What happened in November?

November was a great month, we got the chance to attend the Nursing Times Workforce Summit in our capacity as knowledge partner for one of the sponsors, EBEK Language Labs.

We had a great time meeting friends, colleagues and clients including Neu professionals, NHS professionals and BSW ICB.

We are also delighted to announce that we will be co-hosting the 6th English for Healthcare conference in 2024.

Santa’s Elves Managing William’s syndrome – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B1-B2 listening, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation worksheet practises related to Santa’s Elves (Managing William’s syndrome). Level: B1-B2 Sector: medicine, nursing, care, otherMedical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, otherSkill focus: listening, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation Part 1: VocabularyReview the terms in the vocabulary list. The stressed syllables are in bold.acrophobiaattention seeking behaviourhyperacusispastoral […]

Medical Ethics – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B2-C1 reading and vocabulary worksheet practises reading for detail and reviews language related to medical ethics using Quizlet flashcards and activities. A. Click the link and read the abstract. Then choose the correct answer for each question. 1. In cases of medical futility, physicians may decide to stop certain treatments […]

Acne – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ This B1-B2 vocabulary worksheet reviews language related to acne using Quizlet flashcards and activities. 1. Go the Quizlet flashcards and do the activities. 2. Complete the summary using words from the Quizlet flashcards. When oil and dead skin clog the pores of the skin, (1) _______________ can develop. The term for […]

Understanding the Importance of Linking and Time Referencing

Back to Menu ↩ In this quick guide, we will explore the essential elements of linking and time referencing in OET writing. Table of Contents Adding information: In addition, Additionally, In addition to Comparing and contrasting: However Expressing results or cause and effect: as a result of, due to Timing sequencing: Currently, Prior to/After the […]

Mastering Present Perfect and Past Simple for OET Writing

Back to Menu ↩ In this quick  guide, we’ll explore present perfect and past simple and look at when to use each one. Knowing how to use them accurately will help you in your OET writing, and in communication more generally. Table of Contents Present perfect: unfinished actions Past simple: finished actions Find the mistakes […]

The Pearson Test of English (PTE): A Path to Academic and Career Success

Back to Menu ↩ Are you an international student looking to study in English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom? Or perhaps you’re a professional looking to boost your career prospects in a global marketplace? If so, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) could be your ticket to success. Table of […]

What happened in October?

We have very exciting news this October: SLC Progress Promise for all of our Reach OET B students, we welcome our new OET Lead, Alexia Sporidis and more

SLC Introduces PTE Academic training

We are thrilled to announce the addition of PTE Academic course, a preparation training designed to empower students and professionals to excel in the PTE.

Medical Gaslighting – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, other Skill focus: reading, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Speaking Discuss questions 1–3 with your partner or group. How do medical professionals reach a diagnosis? 2. How can misdiagnosis occur? 3. […]

Where is PTE Academic accepted for nurses?

PTE Academic is now accepted by a growing number of nursing boards, enabling healthcare professionals to use it to show their English language proficiency. If you’re a nurse, you can use the PTE Academic test in Australia and the US. Table of Contents Australia USA SLC courses Related articles Subscribe to our newsletter Australia The […]

Mastering the OET Test: your comprehensive guide to test day success

Navigating through the OET exam day can be daunting, but in this article we’ll go through the crucial details for your OET test day, ensuring you’re well-prepared for success. Table of Contents Before the test day: preparation and arrangements What to take on test day What happens on test day What happens in the exam […]

Mastering Patient Interviews: a guide to using effective question techniques

In the world of healthcare, effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is paramount. However, conducting interviews with patients can often be a challenging task, especially when you’re unsure of where to begin. In today’s article, we’ll explore different ways of gathering critical information efficiently while helping you establish rapport with your patients. Table of […]

SmartSocks and dementia care – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, other Skill focus: listening, vocabulary, speaking Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary You’re going to watch a video about a piece of wearable technology. Before you watch, match the words and definitions. 1. sensor […]

What happened in August?

August was a busy month here at SLC. We started working with six groups of newly arrived refugee nurses through our partnership with NHS England and NHS Professionals.

English for Medical Purposes: The Importance of Language Proficiency in Healthcare

English is a global language for science, technology, business, and medicine. Its widespread use fosters cross-cultural communication and international cooperation, facilitating the exchange of ideas, research, and medical innovations. Being proficient in English is crucial for professionals across all disciplines, including medicine, to remain competitive and informed in a rapidly evolving global landscape. In medicine, […]

What happened in July?

This month SLC Director Peter Rodway worked to support clients and partners in the UK in their efforts to increase knowledge and take-up of OET training as part of international recruitment pathways.  

We are now on Instagram and TikTok!

We are excited to announce its official presence on Instagram and TikTok, promoting language learning and engaging with language enthusiasts.

The Benefits of Using Mobile Devices to Learn Healthcare English

In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives. From communication to entertainment, these compact gadgets have revolutionised the way we interact with the world. However, their usefulness extends far beyond mere convenience. Mobile devices can also serve as powerful tools for learning, especially when it comes to acquiring specialised […]

English Language and Communication Skills Services for NHS Employers

Share This Post SLC works with NHS Trusts and NHS England to enable international nurses, doctors and AHPs to pass English tests, relocate successfully to the UK, and improve their clinical communication skills so they can both meet regulatory requirements and provide safe and effective care to patients in the UK. Download the Brochure Subscribe […]

AS early diagnosis – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary Match the terms with their correct meanings. algorithm ankylosing         arthritis                 data sensitivity         enthesitis model                 prediction           […]

Fighting Influenza – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: listening, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary Match the terms with their correct meanings. 1.  strain a)            habitat in which an infectious agent lives 2.  bivalent b)            […]

Understanding the Risks of Relying on ChatGPT for English Language Learning in Healthcare

As technology continues to advance, language learning tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Among them, ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, has gained popularity for its ability to generate human-like responses. However, it is essential to recognise the limitations and potential risks when it comes to relying on ChatGPT for English language acquisition, particularly for healthcare professionals. […]

Cold Water Therapy – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary Review the pronunciation terms. The stressed syllables are in bold. exposure hypothermia immersion sensation sensitive tingling Part 2: Match […]

How to Pass OET Listening: Strategies and Self-Study Tips

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a language proficiency test for healthcare professionals, designed to assess their ability to communicate effectively in English in a healthcare setting. One of the four components of the OET is the Listening subtest, which assesses the test-taker’s ability to comprehend and respond to spoken English in a healthcare context. […]

New course! Writing for Publication

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new course, “Writing for Publication,” designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to achieve your publication goals.

Flyer: Writing for Publication

Share This Post This 30-hour course is for healthcare researchers, professionals and students who want to write research articles in English for submission to international journals. Writing for Publication teaches the structure and language needed to publish. It describes the conventions used, analyses multiple examples, and provides tasks to complete. By the end of the […]

Candida Auris – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Student worksheet Part 1: Vocabulary: Infections Stressed syllables are in bold. asymptomatic carrier colonisation (to) contaminate infectious agent resistance (to) shed subclinical Complete the […]

Preparing for the OET exam: a step-by-step guide for beginners

Are you planning to take the OET exam but not sure where to start? With so much information available online, it can be overwhelming to begin. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll help you prepare for the exam, learn about the different skills and strategies needed to pass, and share some useful resources that can help […]

English Language and Communication Skills Services for the NHS

Share This Post SLC specialises in providing test preparation and clinical English services to the global healthcare sector. It was the first OET-accredited Premium Preparation Provider in Europe and is one of the world’s leading OET preparation providers, as well as having outstanding in-house IELTS expertise. We support thousands of healthcare professionals to achieve the […]

Preparation for the Nursing OSCE

Share This Post This self-study course is for internationally educated nurses preparing for the NMC OSCE for adult nursing. It provides them with the knowledge, language and communication skills they need to successfully pass their OSCE so they can register with the NMC. Download the Flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and […]

NMC SIFE FAQs: Guidance for Employers

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has introduced additional supporting information called SIFE, which applicants can provide as evidence that they meet the NMC’s English language requirements.

Lesson plan: Describing Pressure Ulcers

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post In this lesson students learn the language used to describe pressure ulcers. It includes speaking, writing, reading & vocabulary activities. B1-B2 level Teacher Notes ●    Topic: describing pressure ulcers ●    Timing: 45–60 minutes ●    Lesson Type/Focus: speaking, reading, vocabulary and writing Aims ●      Speaking: discuss and describe pressure […]

The NMC new OET & IELTS Test combining calculator

We are excited to share with you the latest development from the NMC: the Test Combining Calculator, designed to make it easier for OET and IELTS candidates to meet the language requirements for registration.

OET Foundation Courses for Closed Groups

Share This Post Download the flyer about OET Foundation Courses for Closed Groups. SLC offers OET Foundation training courses for candidates who need to develop their English language knowledge and skills before starting an OET Preparation course. Download the flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More […]

OET Preparation Courses for Closed Groups

Share This Post Download the flyer about this OET Preparation Courses for Closed Groups. SLC’s OET Preparation courses have been developed over 6 years of intensive teaching, syllabus and materials design. Download the flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More to explore

Tutored OET Relearn Courses for Closed Groups

Share This Post Download the flyer about this Tutored OET Relearn Courses for Closed Groups. SLC offers tailored training courses for candidates who did not achieve their required OET scores first time. Download the flyer Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More to explore

Living and working in the UK – NHS

Share This Post Download the flyer about this short course is for nurses relocating to the UK. It provides them with the essential knowledge they need to successfully settle into the UK as a nurse. Download the Brochure Subscribe to our newsletter Get your monthly updates and latest materials on Medical English More to explore

Why is English important for healthcare?

Back to Menu ↩ Like it or not, English is the global language. Because of this, it’s also the language of global healthcare. If you’re a medical professional, it’s useful to know English for your job. Firstly, because many medical terms are English. Secondly, it’s important if you work in an area with lots of […]

Smoking and dental health – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, other Medical Area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, speaking, vocabulary Aims developing topic-specific vocabulary reading for detail Teaching notes and answer key Part 1: vocabulary Have students work in pairs to match the words […]

IELTS Test Date 2024

Back to Menu ↩ The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an exam taken by millions every year.  It is accepted by over 11,000 organisations (including universities, companies, professional bodies such as the GMC and NMC, immigration authorities and government institutions) in more than 140 countries around the world as a measure of English language proficiency. […]

OET practice tests… are they enough to pass the OET exam?

Back to Menu ↩ OK, you’re a healthcare professional who wants to pass the Occupational English Test (OET). Your English is quite good, so you think that maybe all you need to do is take an OET practice test online. Right? Well, not always. Table of Contents When is an OET sample test enough to […]

Should you go for OET remarking? Is it worth it?

Back to Menu ↩ So you’ve taken the OET – and you haven’t got the results you wanted. In fact, you thought you did well on the test, and you’re disappointed you received the low marks you did. Of course you’re frustrated. Especially if you need to get a B in the OET. Even more […]

3 tips to pass the OET speaking sub-test

Back to Menu ↩ Do you need to practise for the OET speaking exam? Get our 3 top OET speaking tips here. Table of Contents Tip 1 – Learn the structure of the test Tip 2 – Practise the role plays Tip 3 – Prepare wisely Preparation Courses Related articles Subscribe to our newsletter Tip […]

5 essential OET listening tips to succeed in the OET exam

Back to Menu ↩ Do you find the OET Listening sub-test difficult? Many candidates do. This test is designed to assess your listening skills through note-completion tasks and multiple-choice questions. You will need to reach a Grade B to pass this sub-test, so follow our guide to getting the result you need. Table of Contents […]

OET Reading tips – Improve your performance and PASS the test

Back to Menu ↩ How are your reading skills? Do you want to get better so you can pass the OET Reading sub-test? We at SLC have a step-by-step guide to improving your abilities, and reaching a grade B in OET Reading. Table of Contents Free OET reading practice materials Tips to improve your score […]

The Occupational Health of Santa Claus – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Topic: occupational health Timing: 30–40 mins Lesson type/focus: reading and vocabulary Level: B2 C1 Sector: medicine, nursing, care, other Medical Area: history and assessment, symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment and medication, other Skill focus: reading, vocabulary, pronunciation Aims developing topic-specific vocabulary reading for detail Teaching notes […]

5 OET writing tips and tricks – How to score HIGHLY in the test

Back to Menu ↩ For the OET Writing sub-test, you are asked to write a letter. This letter will be specific for your healthcare profession – for example, a doctor’s referral letter. Most English-speaking countries need you to pass the OET writing task with a B Grade. So how can you do that? Follow our […]

The 5 best OET resources to prepare for your exam

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a medical professional who wants to work in an English-speaking country? Then OET is the standard exam to test your language skills. OET covers 12 healthcare professions, and it has 4 sections – Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. You need to pass each one, usually with a Grade B […]

How to work as a foreign doctor in Australia. A complete guide to what to do

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a foreign medical professional who’d like to work in Australia (or Oz, as it’s known)? Do you want to know the process for getting a job Down Under? Then follow SLC’s step-by-step process for overseas doctors who plan to move to Australia. Table of Contents What is the pathway […]

Porphyria – 30 Minute Worksheet

Back to Menu ↩ Share This Post Teacher Notes Topic: porphyria (vampire syndrome) Timing: 30–40 mins Lesson type/focus: reading and vocabulary Level: B2–C1 Sector: Medicine, Nursing Medical area: symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment Skills Focus: Reading, vocabulary Aims developing topic-specific vocabulary reading for detail Teaching notes and answer key Part 1: speaking Part 1: Review […]

A guide to working in Canada as a DOCTOR

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a doctor who wants to make your home in Canada? Then follow SLC’s guide to getting a job in the land of Mounties and maple trees. Table of Contents Can foreign doctors work in Canada?  Obtaining a licence to practise in Canada What should you do to begin the […]

How to WORK in the USA as a nurse

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a nurse who’d love to live and work in the United States of America? Whether you want California sunshine or the busy streets of New York, here’s your guide to getting a job in the USA. Table of Contents Requirements for nursing in the USA English language exams needed […]

How you can move to Ireland as a nurse?

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a registered nurse who wants to work in an English-speaking country? Over the next few weeks you’ll get a foreigner’s guide to working in Ireland, the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada. This week, we’re looking at Ireland. So let’s dive in! Table of Contents Can UK nurses work […]

How to WORK in the UK if you’re an overseas DOCTOR

Back to Menu ↩ Are you a qualified doctor who’s thinking of applying to live and work in the UK? If so, read on and discover SLC’s guide for foreign medical professionals. Table of Contents Does the UK need doctors? What’s a UK doctor’s salary? Can I work in the UK as a doctor without […]

SLC Return to Moscow!

As part of our ongoing partnership with Sechenov University, Russia’s leading medical university, SLC will be working on three projects with the Linguistics and Intercultural Communication department over the next week.