Health Careers is proud to collaborate with Occupational English Test (OET) owners, Cambridge Box Hill Language Assessment Pty Ltd (CBLA) for the development of English language courses and teaching materials. A memorandum of understanding was signed by both parties on the 11th of May 2016. The memorandum sets out five key areas for collaboration including the development of a variety of courses and embedded English language content to help students attain the language proficiency they require for study, work and registration with professional bodies. Collaborative course development projects will benefit students both in Australia and in a number of key international markets such as India, the Middle East and East Asia. The memorandum also covers areas such as English language testing, evaluation and quality improvement as well as aspirations for international business collaboration.
The vocational education division of Health Careers, the Institute of Health and Nursing Australia, has helped over seven thousand overseas Nurses to gain registration in Australia, addressing a very significant skills shortage in the Australian and healthcare system whilst changing the lives of those nurses for the better. One of the key struggles faced by nurses seeking registration, education and work in English-speaking healthcare environments is meeting the rigorous English Language requirements. General English tests do not assess nurses ability to communicate in a healthcare setting, whereas OET, a test developed specifically for healthcare professionals, gives a better indication of how nurses will perform in their workplace. OET and HC share a mutual interest in quality, consistency and relevance. Our interests are aligned as we strive to help nurses and other healthcare professionals to contribute to healthcare through education and testing.
Health Careers IHNA and Institute of Health and Management (IHM) has a proven track record of excellence in nurse education. For example IHNA’s Initial Registration of Overseas Nurses (IRON) program, a premium course incorporating more clinical placement hours than are provided by competitors has 100% graduate employment. HC is implementing many exciting new courses such as the Nursing Career Advancement Program, OET preparation courses and other courses that relate to English language proficiency. HC has extensive experience in overseas engagement, strategic contacts in key markets abroad and has an active software division, which develops integrated education management software systems and mobile applications. Perhaps most importantly, HC shares with its partners a dedication to excellence and quality, which results in sustainable ongoing achievement and progression.
Designed specifically for the healthcare sector, OET has been assessing English language skills for over thirty years. The test is continuously evaluated and validated to ensure it is fit for purpose, and test design and materials are regularly updated in consultation with English assessment and healthcare experts. OET shares the mission of Health Careers in ensuring that nurses acquire English language skills through contextualised learning during their courses, with the aim of taking an OET test to become registration and work-ready on graduation. Such a collaboration will enhance patient safety and quality of care in the long term.