English for the Healthcare Professions

Typical English for the healthcare professions course structure

In general, participants have 20 morning lessons and 10 afternoon sessions which may include visits to hospitals and clinics in the Oxford area. We are also able to tailor English courses to meet your particular requirements in medical specialities.

Sample course content:

1.0 Written English

  • Medical terminology
  • Common medical abbreviations
  • Medical related verbs
  • Discussing general medical texts from newspapers and magazines and case  histories
  • Patient information leaflets

2.0  Spoken English

  • Clarity, pronunciation and intonation
  • Medical-related slang and colloquialisms
  • Language used when examining a patient
  • Vocabulary used by patients when describing their symptoms
  • Making and receiving telephone calls

3.0  Listening and Communication

  • Strategies to facilitate understanding patients
  • Patient communication skills
  • Exploring the  language needed for initiating, building the relationship and gathering information
  • Cross-cultural awareness

Activities and Visits

  • Mock interviews about medical issues
  • Mock consultations with patients
  • Medical videos and TV medical dramas;  analysing issues
  • Discussions on topical health related issue
  • Mock diagnosis and treatment presentation and discussion
  • Visits to local health care centres and hospitals

Learning outcomes:

  • Improve understanding and speaking ability of English as used in healthcare settings
  • Learning strategies for improving communications with patients
  • Gain confidence in expressing oneself and in relating to colleagues
  • Certificate on completion

Optional cultural  programme and excursions

Visits to the Colleges and Libraries of the University of Oxford;

Lunch in a College of the University;

Musical concerts at the Sheldonian Theatre and the Holywell Music Room

Guided tour of the Ashmolean museum, Bodleian library and the Pitt-Rivers Collection;

Day trips to Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds, Warwick Castle and other stately homes and gardens.

Accommodation and meals

Delegates usually stay in a good hotel in the centre of the city. They typically have lunch together and some of these are hosted by teachers and staff.

Interpreter

A bi-lingual simultaneous translator can be provided

Course duration

This depends on the client’s needs and requirements. Training in English for the healthcare professions can be held anytime of the year by arrangement with OICT