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OET Score for Nurses in Canada: Requirements, Tips & Top Universities

The Occupational English Test (OET) was recognized in Canada in 2021. This test helps organizations assess whether healthcare workers have the necessary English language skills for safe and effective practice. For nurses seeking licensure in Canada, specific OET scores must be achieved. To learn more about the requirements, accepted universities, the Canada OET score for nurses, and the process for submitting scores to Canadian institutions, read on. 

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Table of Contents

Is OET Accepted in Canada?

Yes, Canada accepts the Occupational English Test (OET) as it is a recognised and reliable method for assessing English language proficiency in healthcare contexts. This is particularly relevant for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and other healthcare professionals seeking to work in Canada. The OET emphasises real-life communication skills that are essential in daily healthcare tasks, making it an appropriate test for demonstrating the necessary language skills required in the Canadian healthcare system. Therefore, the OET accepted in Canada for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Requirements to Work as a Nurse in Canada

Here is a list of requirements you should fulfil to work as a nurse in Canada, look below:

  • Evidence of nursing education in Canada. If the international student then that is equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma in Canada.
  • Proof of authorization to work in Canada
  • Successfully qualifying for the NCLEX-RN for those applying for Registered Nurse, which is a registration examination.
  • Also, qualify for the RN Jurisprudence Exam.
  • Nursing practice is the category for which the international student applies within three years before the issuance of the certificate of registration.
  • Submit if any offers for jobs were made previously, and if they agreed to work or not, with relevant reasons.
  • Proof of language proficiency in English (or French).
  • Applicants must also disclose if they are suffering from any health ailments while they apply to become a Registered Nurse in Canada.

These are the requirements to work as a nurse in Canada.

Minimum OET Score Required for Nurses

In Canada, the minimum OET score for nurses is a B grade (350 or above) in all four sections: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. This means nurses need to achieve at least 350 out of 500 in each of the exam subsets to fulfil OET eligibility for registration in Canada. Take a look below for a detailed breakdown:

  • Overall Score: A minimum score of 350 out of 500 is required in each OET subtest.
  • Individual Subtests: This means nurses need a B Grade (350 or above) in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and a C+ grade (300 or above) in writing.
  • Acceptance: The OET exam is recognized by healthcare regulators in Canada including the College of Physicians and Surgeons and provincial nursing boards.

Thus, you have to achieve a Canada OET score of 350 or above to become a nurse.

Top Canadian Universities Accepting OET Score

Several Canadian universities and institutions accept Canada OET score for nurses. Take a look at the table for the top university names with their accepted profession:

University NameAccepted Professions
University of TorontoNursing, Medicine, Dentistry
McGill UniversityNursing, Pharmacy
University of British Columbia (UBC)Nursing, Medicine
McMaster UniversityNursing
University of AlbertaNursing, Medicine
University of OttawaNursing, Allied Health
Queen’s UniversityNursing
Dalhousie UniversityMedicine, Dentistry

This was the list of university names along with their accepted profession. However, there are many OET accepted countries other than Canada.

How to Send OET Scores to Canadian Institutions?

To send your OET score to a Canadian institution, you need to use the OET online results verification service. This allows the institution to directly access your scores online, ensuring verification and authenticity. Take a look below to learn the step-by-step guide:

  • Log in to your OET account: Access your account on the official OET website.
  • Navigate to My Result: Find the “My Results” tab or section within your account.
  • Manage Verifies Access: Locate the “Manage Verifier Access” option.
  • Find the Institutions: Search for the specific Canadian institution or organization that requires your OET score for nurses.
  • Grant Access: Select the institution and initiate the process of sharing your results with them.
  • Follow Instructions: Follow the guidelines provided by OET to grant permission and complete the sharing process.
  • Institution Access: Once you have granted access, the institution will be able to verify the OET score

You have to follow these steps to send your OET score for nurses in Canada. In addition, allow sufficient time for the institution to access and verify your results, as there may be a processing period.

Tips to Achieve the Required OET Score for Canada

Here are some tips to achieve the required OET score for nurses in Canada, look below:

  • Become familiar with the structure of each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and the types of questions.
  • Practice regularly with the OET mock test to understand the types of questions, OET syllabus, and time allotments.
  • Engage in regular practice tests for all four sections to improve your skills and time management.
  • Focus on understanding the specific requirements of each section, such as the type of responses expected.
  • Expand your vocabulary and grammar knowledge, particularly for writing and speaking.
  • Develop your reading skills by practising skimming and scanning techniques.
  • Enhance your listening skills by listening to English-language broadcasts, podcasts, and conversations.
  • Learn to manage your time effectively during the test to ensure you can complete all sections within the allotted time.
  • Consider seeking feedback from teachers, mentors, or language experts to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Summing up, we have discussed the OET score for Canada nurses in this blog. Hopefully, now you are clear about the requirements for this country. We have also shared information regarding the requirements, minimum scores, top colleges, tips, and how to send OET Scores to Canadian institutions. This exam is important for nurses in Canada, so prepare well to gain a good OET result in your resume.

FAQs

1. What Is the Required OET Score for Canada?

In Canada, a minimum grade of B (350 or above) is required for each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) of the OET. This is the minimum OET score for Canada requirement for many healthcare professionals seeking registration in Canada.

2. Does Canada Accept the OET for Nurses?

Yes, the OET score for nurses in Canada is accepted. The OET is recognized by key Canadian healthcare regulators, including nursing boards and the Medical Council of Canada. Specifically, the OET is now recommended by the Canadian Nurse Regulators Collaborative (CNRC) as a standard for English proficiency for nurses.

3. Which is better, OET or IELTS for Nurses in Canada?

For nurses in Canada, the OET is generally considered a better option than IELTS because it specifically focuses on healthcare communication, making it highly relevant to the profession.

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