Author Archives: OET Bank

Intergluteal Cleft – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Intergluteal Cleft – The Medical Term for “the Groove Between the Buttocks”

👁 What Does “Intergluteal Cleft” Mean? Intergluteal cleft literally means the groove between the buttocks. The word comes from Latin: inter meaning between, and gluteus meaning buttock, while cleft comes from Old English meaning a split or groove. In medical English, this term is used to describe the central skin fold separating the two buttocks, […]

Understanding OET Passing Requirements

Overview of OET passing requirements, including section scores, grades, and assessment standards for healthcare professionals

Understanding how OET scores are calculated—and what is actually required to pass—is an important step for healthcare professionals planning to work abroad. Many candidates feel uncertain not because the exam is unclear, but because the requirements are often misunderstood. This article aims to clarify what the passing standards mean in practical terms, and how they […]

Understanding the Structure of the OET Exam

Overview of the OET exam structure including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections for healthcare professionals

OET consists of four core skills, each designed around realistic clinical scenarios. Together, they assess whether you have the English ability actually required to work safely and effectively in healthcare settings. Rather than testing language in isolation, OET evaluates how English is used in everyday clinical practice, where accuracy, clarity, and judgement matter. Each section […]

UK NMC CBT Explained: Overview, Format, and How to Prepare

Explaining the NMC CBT exam overview and preparation strategies for international nurses seeking UK nursing registration

If foreign nurses aim to practice clinically in the UK, they must obtain registration with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). The NMC is the UK’s statutory regulatory body responsible for registering and regulating nurses and midwives. To register with the NMC, applicants are required to pass the following assessments: To work clinically in the […]

Buttocks – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Buttocks – The Medical Term for “the butt”

👁 What Does “Buttocks” Mean? Buttocks refers to the rounded, fleshy area at the back of the hips that people sit on. The word comes from Old English buttoc, meaning “end” or “bottom.” In modern medical English, buttocks is treated as a plural noun, even when referring to the area as a whole. In healthcare […]

Who Is Eligible to Take OET?

Who can take the OET exam for healthcare professionals and how eligibility is defined

OET is not just another English exam. It does not simply test general fluency. Instead, it assesses whether healthcare professionals can communicate safely and professionally in clinical settings, where language accuracy directly affects patient care. This focus determines who OET is designed for. OET is intended for healthcare professionals who use English in their professional […]

Auscultatory Triangle – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Auscultatory Triangle – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

👁 What Does “Auscultatory Triangle” Mean? The auscultatory triangle is a small triangular area on the upper back where the chest wall is relatively thin. The term comes from Latin: auscultare, meaning to listen, combined with triangle, referring to its three-sided shape. In medicine, this term is used mainly in anatomy and physical examination contexts. […]

UK Nurse Salaries Explained: From Band 5 to Band 9 (2025)

UK nurse salaries by NHS band from Band 5 to Band 9 in 2025

The salary structure for nurses in the United Kingdom is set by the National Health Service (NHS), the country’s public healthcare system. In this article, we provide a detailed overview of annual nurse salaries in the UK, broken down by role and seniority. This guide is intended for international nurses who are planning to work […]

Why OET Fits Healthcare Professionals Better Than General English Exams

Why OET is often a better fit for healthcare professionals than general English exams

“Aren’t IELTS and TOEFL the only English tests that matter?” This is a question many healthcare professionals ask when they first start exploring overseas registration. It is true that exams such as IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted for professional registration in countries like Australia, the UK, and the United States. They are well established […]

Lumbar Triangle – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Lumbar Triangle – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

👁 What Does “Lumbar Triangle” Mean? The lumbar triangle refers to a small triangular area in the lower back. The word lumbar comes from the Latin lumbus, meaning lower back, while triangle simply describes its shape. In anatomy, this term is used to describe a defined region rather than a muscle or organ. 🔍 Clinical […]