Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have any medical training?
This course does not assume any prior knowledge of medicine or healthcare, although those with a background in healthcare are very welcome to join. The course focuses predominantly on developing effective patient communications, which does not require a knowledge of medical terminology and jargon; quite the opposite in fact. You will however, come across terms that may be new to you. For this, I provide a glossary.
Is the course only applicable for teaching doctors or nurses?
The skills taught in the course are transferable to most aspects of healthcare, whether your (future) learners are in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, ophthalmology, even veterinary science, etc.
I work with university students, is this course really for me?
While the title refers to professionals in the field, the course is equally applicable to anyone working with students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, etc. Please note the course does not currently cover English for Medical Academic Purposes, but it may do in the future.
I want to train OET candidates, should I do your course first?
Many participants found completing this course first highly beneficial, as it gave them the necessary grounding before embarking on the official OET training and gaining their OET Knowledge badge.
I already have experience of OET, what's the benefit of doing the course?
Participants with prior OET teaching experience tell me they have found the course extremely beneficial. While the OET Knowledge prep provides an understanding of the test, this course provides a deeper insight into the rationale behind effective communication in a clinical setting, which is essential to achieving a good score in OET Speaking and Listening. The course also provided them with the necessary skills to develop their own OET materials, meaning they no longer had to rely solely on those provided by OET.
I’m a former healthcare professional, do I really need this course?
Several former healthcare professionals (to date GP, ED physician, community pharmacist, nurses, health research marketer, health administrator) have taken the course and have benefitted in particular from the elements dealing with methodology, course design, materials development and editing. They have also found the in-depth dive into clinical communications skills very comprehensive and complementary to their own experience.
Do we meet face-to-face during the course?
Yes. The course is hybrid, meaning we meet three times on Zoom to allow time for exchange and questions. I also set mini tasks for participants, but nothing too onerous (!) There are no more than 6 participants in any face-to-face session.
Is there a course assessment?
For those who wish to do so, the course allows for an assessment – the details of which will be provided to course participants. The aim of the assessment is to consolidate competence in the different aspects of the course.
How much does the course cost and how can I pay for it?
The course costs £575, payable in up to 3 instalments at no extra cost. Payment(s) can be made via bank transfer. There is a 10% discount for EALTHY members.
I’m an EALTHY member, can I get a discount?
Yes, absolutely. EALTHY members benefit automatically from 10% discount. You just need to send me proof your current membership.
What is EALTHY?
EALTHY is global association for teachers working with international healthcare professionals and students. If you’re not already an EALTHY member, I would stronger suggest joining the association before registering for this course.
When does my access to the course stop?
When you register for the course, you are given lifetime access to the materials on the platform. I update and add materials for the course (videos, links, articles, etc.) on a regular basis.
I work full time. How much time do I need to spend on the course?
This depends on your background, but participants generally spend around 2-3 hours a week on the course. If you have a strong ESP or business English background the 3rd part of the course dealing with needs analysis, methodology and materials design may be more familiar to you and may take you less time. While those with a healthcare background will find the first part of the course more familiar. There are 2 consolidation weeks built into the course which allow time for review and/or catch up.
Do I need to complete Week 3 if I already have OET training experience?
There is no obligation to do Week 3 if you have prior OET teaching experience and/or have the OET Knowledge badge or are an OET Preliminary or Premium Provider. Instead, you can use that time to delve into the additional materials available on the platform.
Is it possible to pause my registration if I need to?
Yes, of course. If you need to take a break, I am happy to pause your access so that you can rejoin the next group session.
I see reference to How to Teach Clinical Communications Skills. Is this the same or a different course?
How to Teach English to Healthcare Professionals was formerly called How to Teach Clinical Communications Skills. Only the title has changed.
Can you help me find work after the course?
The final module is dedicated to exactly this question and includes interviews with colleagues in the field, some of whom give tips and hints that will be useful when looking for work. While I can’t make any guarantees, I am more than happy to point you in the right direction and make suggestions, depending on your background, current location and particular interests.
I understand you also offer 1:1 coaching?
My 1:1 coaching offer, is aimed mainly at alumni of How to Teach English to Healthcare Professionals, wishing for more individual assistance in creating a new course, workshop, promotional webinar, etc. for their target audience. My coaching offer may also be of benefit to experienced English for healthcare trainers. If you’re interested in this offer, please contact me.
This course does not assume any prior knowledge of medicine or healthcare, although those with a background in healthcare are very welcome to join. The course focuses predominantly on developing effective patient communications, which does not require a knowledge of medical terminology and jargon; quite the opposite in fact. You will however, come across terms that may be new to you. For this, I provide a glossary.
Is the course only applicable for teaching doctors or nurses?
The skills taught in the course are transferable to most aspects of healthcare, whether your (future) learners are in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, ophthalmology, even veterinary science, etc.
I work with university students, is this course really for me?
While the title refers to professionals in the field, the course is equally applicable to anyone working with students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, etc. Please note the course does not currently cover English for Medical Academic Purposes, but it may do in the future.
I want to train OET candidates, should I do your course first?
Many participants found completing this course first highly beneficial, as it gave them the necessary grounding before embarking on the official OET training and gaining their OET Knowledge badge.
I already have experience of OET, what's the benefit of doing the course?
Participants with prior OET teaching experience tell me they have found the course extremely beneficial. While the OET Knowledge prep provides an understanding of the test, this course provides a deeper insight into the rationale behind effective communication in a clinical setting, which is essential to achieving a good score in OET Speaking and Listening. The course also provided them with the necessary skills to develop their own OET materials, meaning they no longer had to rely solely on those provided by OET.
I’m a former healthcare professional, do I really need this course?
Several former healthcare professionals (to date GP, ED physician, community pharmacist, nurses, health research marketer, health administrator) have taken the course and have benefitted in particular from the elements dealing with methodology, course design, materials development and editing. They have also found the in-depth dive into clinical communications skills very comprehensive and complementary to their own experience.
Do we meet face-to-face during the course?
Yes. The course is hybrid, meaning we meet three times on Zoom to allow time for exchange and questions. I also set mini tasks for participants, but nothing too onerous (!) There are no more than 6 participants in any face-to-face session.
Is there a course assessment?
For those who wish to do so, the course allows for an assessment – the details of which will be provided to course participants. The aim of the assessment is to consolidate competence in the different aspects of the course.
How much does the course cost and how can I pay for it?
The course costs £575, payable in up to 3 instalments at no extra cost. Payment(s) can be made via bank transfer. There is a 10% discount for EALTHY members.
I’m an EALTHY member, can I get a discount?
Yes, absolutely. EALTHY members benefit automatically from 10% discount. You just need to send me proof your current membership.
What is EALTHY?
EALTHY is global association for teachers working with international healthcare professionals and students. If you’re not already an EALTHY member, I would stronger suggest joining the association before registering for this course.
When does my access to the course stop?
When you register for the course, you are given lifetime access to the materials on the platform. I update and add materials for the course (videos, links, articles, etc.) on a regular basis.
I work full time. How much time do I need to spend on the course?
This depends on your background, but participants generally spend around 2-3 hours a week on the course. If you have a strong ESP or business English background the 3rd part of the course dealing with needs analysis, methodology and materials design may be more familiar to you and may take you less time. While those with a healthcare background will find the first part of the course more familiar. There are 2 consolidation weeks built into the course which allow time for review and/or catch up.
Do I need to complete Week 3 if I already have OET training experience?
There is no obligation to do Week 3 if you have prior OET teaching experience and/or have the OET Knowledge badge or are an OET Preliminary or Premium Provider. Instead, you can use that time to delve into the additional materials available on the platform.
Is it possible to pause my registration if I need to?
Yes, of course. If you need to take a break, I am happy to pause your access so that you can rejoin the next group session.
I see reference to How to Teach Clinical Communications Skills. Is this the same or a different course?
How to Teach English to Healthcare Professionals was formerly called How to Teach Clinical Communications Skills. Only the title has changed.
Can you help me find work after the course?
The final module is dedicated to exactly this question and includes interviews with colleagues in the field, some of whom give tips and hints that will be useful when looking for work. While I can’t make any guarantees, I am more than happy to point you in the right direction and make suggestions, depending on your background, current location and particular interests.
I understand you also offer 1:1 coaching?
My 1:1 coaching offer, is aimed mainly at alumni of How to Teach English to Healthcare Professionals, wishing for more individual assistance in creating a new course, workshop, promotional webinar, etc. for their target audience. My coaching offer may also be of benefit to experienced English for healthcare trainers. If you’re interested in this offer, please contact me.
Interested to chat about the course and how it can benefit you and your learners in the healthcare sector,
then contact me to schedule a free 30-min call.
then contact me to schedule a free 30-min call.