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OET vocabulary — Level 1, 200 words. Free
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All 200 words
Level 1
Healthcare roles / settings25 words
patient
a person receiving care or treatment
Say it simply: "person we are caring for"
"The patient reported dizziness when standing."
nurse
a trained person who cares for patients
Say it simply: "the person looking after you on the ward"
"The nurse checked the dressing before discharge."
carer
someone who helps look after another person
Say it simply: "the person who helps you at home"
"The carer helped the patient remember her medicines."
ward
an area in a hospital where patients stay
Say it simply: "the hospital area where you will stay"
"The patient was moved to the surgical ward."
clinic
a place where patients get medical advice or treatment without staying overnight
Say it simply: "the place where you come for a check-up or treatment"
"The patient attended the wound clinic for review."
doctor
a medically trained professional who diagnoses and treats patients
Say it simply: "the medical professional who checks and treats you"
"The doctor reviewed the patient’s blood results."
consultant
a senior specialist doctor
Say it simply: "senior specialist doctor"
"The consultant changed the treatment plan after review."
dietitian
a health professional who advises on food and nutrition
Say it simply: "the food and nutrition specialist"
"The dietitian advised the patient about a high-protein diet."
pharmacist
a health professional who supplies and advises on medicines
Say it simply: "the medicine specialist"
"The pharmacist checked the new prescription."
physiotherapist
a health professional who helps patients improve movement and strength
Say it simply: "the movement and exercise specialist"
"The physiotherapist showed the patient safe walking exercises."
specialist
a healthcare professional with expert knowledge in one area
Say it simply: "a doctor or professional for a specific problem"
"The patient was referred to a kidney specialist."
practitioner
a healthcare professional who provides clinical care
Say it simply: "healthcare professional"
"The general practitioner arranged a follow-up appointment."
hospital
a place where patients receive medical care, tests, or treatment
Say it simply: "the place where you receive care or treatment"
"The patient returned to hospital for further tests."
department
a section of a hospital or organisation with a specific role
Say it simply: "part of the hospital"
"The cardiology department arranged an urgent review."
emergency department
the hospital area for urgent medical problems
Say it simply: "the area for urgent care"
"The patient was taken to the emergency department after the fall."
community
the local area where people live and receive support
Say it simply: "your local area"
"The patient receives support in the community."
community nurse
a nurse who visits or supports patients outside hospital
Say it simply: "a nurse who helps you at home or locally"
"The community nurse visited the patient at home."
health professional
a trained person who provides healthcare
Say it simply: "trained healthcare worker"
"A health professional should review the wound."
healthcare professionals
trained people who provide healthcare
Say it simply: "the healthcare team"
"The plan was shared with all healthcare professionals involved."
relative
a family member
Say it simply: "someone in your family"
"The patient asked for a relative to be contacted."
clinical
related to patient care or medical treatment
Say it simply: "about your care or treatment"
"The nurse recorded the clinical findings clearly."
healthcare
care that prevents, diagnoses, or treats illness
Say it simply: "medical care"
"The patient needed ongoing healthcare support."
nursing
care provided by nurses
Say it simply: "care from nurses"
"The patient required daily nursing care."
administration
the act of giving or managing something, especially medicine
Say it simply: "giving or managing medicine or care"
"The nurse documented the administration of insulin."
care professionals
trained people who provide care or treatment
Say it simply: "the care team"
"The discharge plan was sent to the care professionals."
Anatomy / body systems33 words
blood pressure
the force of blood moving through the blood vessels
Say it simply: "how strongly your blood is pushing through your body"
"The nurse checked the patient’s blood pressure before breakfast."
blood
the red fluid that carries oxygen and nutrients around the body
Say it simply: "the fluid in your body’s vessels"
"The nurse collected a blood sample."
blood sugar
the amount of glucose in the blood
Say it simply: "sugar level in your blood"
"The nurse checked the patient’s blood sugar before breakfast."
blood transfusion
giving donated blood to a patient through a vein
Say it simply: "giving blood through a drip"
"The patient required a blood transfusion after surgery."
bowel
the part of the digestive system that carries waste out of the body
Say it simply: "the intestine"
"The nurse asked about the patient’s bowel habits."
brain
the organ in the head that controls the body and thinking
Say it simply: "the organ that controls thinking and body actions"
"The scan showed no injury to the brain."
cardiac
related to the heart
Say it simply: "heart-related"
"The nurse monitored the patient’s cardiac rhythm."
chest
the front part of the body between the neck and stomach
Say it simply: "the upper front part of your body"
"The doctor examined the patient’s chest."
chest pain
pain or discomfort in the chest
Say it simply: "pain in your chest"
"The patient reported sudden chest pain."
chest x-ray
an x-ray image of the chest
Say it simply: "a chest picture using x-rays"
"The doctor requested a chest x-ray."
dental
related to teeth or dental care
Say it simply: "about your teeth"
"The patient was referred for dental review."
face
the front part of the head
Say it simply: "the front of your head"
"The nurse checked the patient’s face for swelling."
gastric
related to the stomach
Say it simply: "stomach-related"
"The patient reported gastric discomfort after meals."
heart
the organ that pumps blood around the body
Say it simply: "the organ that pumps blood"
"The nurse listened to the patient’s heart sounds."
heart attack
a serious condition where blood flow to part of the heart is blocked
Say it simply: "a serious heart emergency"
"The patient was treated for a suspected heart attack."
heart disease
a condition affecting the heart or blood vessels around it
Say it simply: "a heart condition"
"The patient has a history of heart disease."
kidney
an organ that filters blood and makes urine
Say it simply: "the organ that helps clean the blood"
"The blood test showed reduced kidney function."
kidney failure
when the kidneys cannot clean the blood well enough
Say it simply: "kidneys not working well enough"
"The patient is being treated for kidney failure."
knee
the joint between the thigh and lower leg
Say it simply: "the joint in the middle of your leg"
"The patient reported pain in the right knee."
legs
the lower limbs used for standing and walking
Say it simply: "your lower limbs"
"The nurse checked the patient’s legs for swelling."
limb
an arm or leg
Say it simply: "an arm or leg"
"The nurse elevated the injured limb."
lung
an organ used for breathing
Say it simply: "the organ that helps you breathe"
"The doctor listened to the patient’s left lung."
muscle
body tissue that helps movement and strength
Say it simply: "body tissue that helps you move"
"The patient reported muscle pain after exercise."
muscle spasms
sudden uncontrolled tightening of a muscle
Say it simply: "sudden muscle tightening"
"The patient complained of muscle spasms at night."
neck
the body part between the head and shoulders
Say it simply: "the part between your head and shoulders"
"The patient had stiffness in the neck."
nose
the part of the face used for breathing and smelling
Say it simply: "the part you breathe through"
"The child had bleeding from the nose."
oral
related to the mouth or taken by mouth
Say it simply: "by mouth or about the mouth"
"The patient was given medicine by the oral route."
respiratory
related to breathing or the lungs
Say it simply: "breathing-related"
"The nurse recorded the patient’s respiratory rate."
skin
the outer covering of the body
Say it simply: "the outside covering of your body"
"The nurse checked the skin for redness."
spine
the column of bones in the back that protects the spinal cord
Say it simply: "your backbone"
"The scan showed no damage to the spine."
tissue
a group of similar cells in the body
Say it simply: "body material"
"The wound affected the surrounding tissue."
airways
the passages that carry air into and out of the lungs
Say it simply: "breathing tubes"
"The nurse checked that the airways were clear."
nerves
body fibres that carry messages between the brain, spinal cord, and body
Say it simply: "message wires in the body"
"The injury affected the nerves in the hand."
Symptoms / conditions32 words
fever
a higher than normal body temperature
Say it simply: "a high temperature"
"The child developed a fever overnight."
pain
an unpleasant feeling in the body
Say it simply: "hurt or discomfort"
"The patient complained of severe pain in the left knee."
cough
a sudden forceful breath out to clear the throat or chest
Say it simply: "coughing"
"The patient reported a dry cough."
breathlessness
difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath
Say it simply: "feeling short of breath"
"The patient experienced breathlessness while walking."
breathless
having difficulty breathing
Say it simply: "short of breath"
"The patient became breathless after climbing stairs."
allergic
having a reaction to a substance the body does not tolerate
Say it simply: "your body reacts badly to something"
"The patient is allergic to penicillin."
anxiety
a feeling of worry, fear, or nervousness
Say it simply: "feeling very worried"
"The patient described increasing anxiety before surgery."
depression
a condition with low mood that affects daily life
Say it simply: "ongoing low mood"
"The patient has a history of depression."
dementia
a condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily activities
Say it simply: "memory and thinking problems"
"The patient with dementia needed extra reassurance."
diabetes
a condition where blood sugar is too high
Say it simply: "high blood sugar condition"
"The patient manages diabetes with diet and medicine."
asthma
a condition that can make breathing difficult because the airways narrow
Say it simply: "breathing condition affecting the airways"
"The child has asthma and uses an inhaler."
hypertension
a condition where blood pressure is persistently too high
Say it simply: "high blood pressure"
"The patient has a long history of hypertension."
cancer
a disease where abnormal cells grow and can spread
Say it simply: "a serious illness involving abnormal cell growth"
"The patient is receiving treatment for lung cancer."
anaemia
a condition where the blood has too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin
Say it simply: "low blood count"
"The blood test showed mild anaemia."
infection
illness caused by germs such as bacteria or viruses
Say it simply: "germs causing illness"
"The wound showed signs of infection."
inflammation
swelling, heat, redness, or pain caused by the body’s response to injury or infection
Say it simply: "irritation or swelling in the body"
"The nurse noted redness and inflammation around the wound."
injury
damage to the body from an accident, fall, or strain
Say it simply: "harm to the body"
"The patient had a knee injury after the fall."
fracture
a break or crack in a bone
Say it simply: "broken bone"
"The x-ray confirmed a wrist fracture."
insomnia
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Say it simply: "trouble sleeping"
"The patient reported insomnia for two weeks."
cholesterol
a fatty substance in the blood that can affect heart health
Say it simply: "fat in the blood"
"The patient’s cholesterol level was high."
chronic
lasting for a long time or coming back often
Say it simply: "long-term"
"The patient has chronic back pain."
acute
starting suddenly or lasting for a short time
Say it simply: "sudden or short-term"
"The patient was admitted with acute abdominal pain."
complications
extra problems that happen because of an illness, injury, or treatment
Say it simply: "extra problems"
"The nurse checked for complications after surgery."
condition
a health problem or state of health
Say it simply: "health problem"
"The patient’s condition remained stable overnight."
disease
an illness that affects the body or mind
Say it simply: "illness"
"The patient has a family history of heart disease."
disorder
a problem that affects normal body or mind function
Say it simply: "health problem"
"The patient was diagnosed with a sleep disorder."
impairment
a loss or reduction in ability or function
Say it simply: "reduced ability"
"The patient has mild hearing impairment."
wound
an injury where the skin or tissue is cut or broken
Say it simply: "cut or injury in the skin"
"The nurse cleaned the wound before applying a dressing."
nausea
the feeling that you may vomit
Say it simply: "feeling sick"
"The patient complained of nausea after the medicine."
vomiting
bringing stomach contents up through the mouth
Say it simply: "being sick"
"The patient had repeated vomiting overnight."
swelling
an enlarged area of the body, often from fluid or inflammation
Say it simply: "puffiness or enlargement"
"The nurse observed swelling around the ankle."
pain relief
treatment or medicine that reduces pain
Say it simply: "help for pain"
"The patient requested stronger pain relief."
Medication / treatment40 words
painkiller
a medicine that reduces pain
Say it simply: "medicine for pain"
"The doctor prescribed a painkiller after the procedure."
dose
the amount of medicine taken at one time
Say it simply: "the amount of medicine you take each time"
"The nurse confirmed the correct dose before giving the medicine."
antibiotic
a medicine used to treat bacterial infections
Say it simply: "medicine for a bacterial infection"
"The patient was started on an antibiotic for the infection."
management
planned care or treatment for a condition
Say it simply: "how the condition is looked after"
"The team discussed pain management."
medicine
a substance used to treat or prevent illness
Say it simply: "treatment you take"
"The nurse checked the patient’s medicine chart."
medication
medicine used to treat or prevent illness
Say it simply: "your medicine"
"The nurse reviewed the patient’s medication."
medications
medicines used to treat or prevent illness
Say it simply: "your medicines"
"The patient brought all current medications to the clinic."
antibiotics
medicines used to treat bacterial infections
Say it simply: "medicines for bacterial infections"
"The patient must complete the course of antibiotics."
aspirin
a medicine used for pain, fever, or to reduce blood clotting risk in some patients
Say it simply: "a medicine for pain or blood thinning when prescribed"
"The patient takes aspirin once daily as prescribed."
oxygen
a gas the body needs for breathing and normal function
Say it simply: "air support to help breathing"
"The nurse gave oxygen through a face mask."
oxygen therapy
treatment that gives extra oxygen to help breathing
Say it simply: "extra oxygen to help you breathe"
"The patient required oxygen therapy overnight."
analgesia
pain relief or medicine used to reduce pain
Say it simply: "pain relief"
"The nurse gave analgesia before the dressing change."
care
help, treatment, or support given to a patient
Say it simply: "help and treatment"
"The patient needs daily care at home."
care planning
making a plan for a patient’s care and support
Say it simply: "planning your care"
"The team started care planning before discharge."
course of treatment
a planned period or set of treatments
Say it simply: "the full treatment plan"
"The patient completed the course of treatment."
current medications
the medicines a patient is taking now
Say it simply: "the medicines you take now"
"The nurse recorded the patient’s current medications."
exercise
planned physical activity to improve health or movement
Say it simply: "movement to help your health"
"The patient was encouraged to do gentle exercise."
exercise programme
a planned set of exercises for recovery or health
Say it simply: "your exercise plan"
"The physiotherapist explained the exercise programme."
hydrotherapy
treatment using exercises in water
Say it simply: "water-based exercise treatment"
"The patient attended hydrotherapy for knee pain."
immunisation
protection against disease, usually by vaccination
Say it simply: "protection from infection by a vaccine"
"The nurse checked the child’s immunisation record."
vaccination
giving a vaccine to help protect against disease
Say it simply: "having a vaccine"
"The nurse discussed vaccination with the patient."
intervention
an action or treatment done to help a patient
Say it simply: "a treatment or action to help"
"Early intervention helped prevent further decline."
treatment
care or medicine given for a health problem
Say it simply: "care to help the problem"
"The patient responded well to treatment."
therapy
treatment to improve health or function
Say it simply: "treatment"
"The patient continued speech therapy after discharge."
rehabilitation
support and exercises that help recovery after illness or injury
Say it simply: "help to recover and regain strength"
"The patient began rehabilitation after surgery."
prescription
written instructions from a clinician for medicine or treatment
Say it simply: "the medicine order from the doctor"
"The doctor updated the patient’s prescription."
drug
a medicine or substance that affects the body
Say it simply: "medicine"
"The patient had a reaction to the new drug."
drugs
medicines or substances that affect the body
Say it simply: "medicines"
"The nurse checked for interactions between the drugs."
catheter
a thin tube placed in the body to drain fluid, often urine
Say it simply: "a small tube to drain urine or fluid"
"The nurse checked the catheter was draining well."
syringe
a device used to inject or draw up fluid
Say it simply: "a device for giving or drawing medicine"
"The nurse prepared the syringe for the injection."
needle
a thin sharp metal tube used for injections or blood tests
Say it simply: "the small sharp part used for an injection or blood test"
"The nurse disposed of the used needle safely."
tube
a hollow flexible or firm pipe used to move fluids or air
Say it simply: "a small pipe used for fluid or air"
"The nurse checked the feeding tube position."
pump
a device that moves fluid or medicine at a controlled rate
Say it simply: "a machine that gives fluid or medicine slowly"
"The infusion pump was set to the correct rate."
dressing
a covering placed on a wound to protect it
Say it simply: "wound cover"
"The nurse changed the wound dressing."
dressings
coverings placed on wounds to protect them
Say it simply: "wound covers"
"The nurse prepared clean dressings for the wound."
wound dressings
special coverings used to protect and support wound healing
Say it simply: "covers for a wound"
"The nurse selected suitable wound dressings."
specimens
samples taken from the body for testing
Say it simply: "samples for testing"
"The nurse labelled the specimens before sending them."
container
a clean holder used to store a sample, medicine, or equipment
Say it simply: "a clean holder"
"The urine sample was placed in a sterile container."
chart
a written or digital record used to track patient information
Say it simply: "patient record chart"
"The nurse updated the fluid balance chart."
clinical notes
written records about a patient’s care, condition, and treatment
Say it simply: "notes about your care"
"The nurse wrote clear clinical notes after the review."
Tests / investigations18 words
monitor
to check regularly over time
Say it simply: "keep checking"
"The nurse will monitor the patient’s temperature overnight."
assessment
a careful check of a patient, problem, or performance
Say it simply: "a careful check"
"The nurse completed a pain assessment."
diagnosis
the identification of an illness or condition
Say it simply: "naming the health problem"
"The doctor explained the diagnosis to the patient."
diagnosed
identified as having a particular illness or condition
Say it simply: "found to have a condition"
"The patient was diagnosed with asthma."
examination
a careful physical check by a healthcare professional
Say it simply: "a physical check"
"The doctor completed a physical examination."
scan
a medical test that creates pictures inside the body
Say it simply: "a test that takes pictures inside the body"
"The patient was sent for a brain scan."
scans
medical tests that create pictures inside the body
Say it simply: "tests that take pictures inside the body"
"The doctor reviewed the scans with the patient."
MRI scan
a scan that uses magnets to create detailed images inside the body
Say it simply: "a detailed scan using magnets"
"The doctor requested an MRI scan of the knee."
ct scan
a scan that uses x-rays to create detailed images inside the body
Say it simply: "a detailed x-ray scan"
"The patient had a ct scan after the head injury."
x-ray
a test that uses radiation to create pictures of bones or body areas
Say it simply: "a picture taken to look inside the body"
"The patient was sent for a chest x-ray."
measurement
the result of checking the size, amount, or level of something
Say it simply: "a checked reading or amount"
"The nurse recorded the oxygen measurement."
monitoring
regular checking over time
Say it simply: "regular checking"
"The patient needed close monitoring overnight."
research
careful study to find or check information
Say it simply: "study to learn more"
"The nurse read recent research on wound care."
study
a planned piece of research or learning
Say it simply: "a research project"
"The patient agreed to join the study."
trial
a planned test of a treatment or method
Say it simply: "a research test"
"The trial compared two treatment plans."
sample test
a practice test used to show the test format
Say it simply: "practice test"
"The candidate completed a sample test before exam day."
writing sample
a piece of writing used for practice or assessment
Say it simply: "practice writing"
"The tutor reviewed the writing sample."
speaking sub-test
the speaking part of the OET test
Say it simply: "the speaking part of the test"
"The candidate practised the speaking sub-test."
OET / communication / letters21 words
discharge
to allow a patient to leave hospital care
Say it simply: "go home from hospital"
"The doctor agreed to discharge the patient this afternoon."
referral
a request for a patient to see another service or specialist
Say it simply: "sending you to another doctor or service"
"The nurse prepared a referral for physiotherapy."
consent
permission given after understanding what is planned
Say it simply: "your permission"
"The nurse checked the patient’s consent before the procedure."
explain
to make something clear and easy to understand
Say it simply: "tell you clearly"
"The nurse took time to explain the new medicine."
communicate
to share information clearly with another person
Say it simply: "talk or write clearly"
"Nurses must communicate changes clearly during handover."
clarification
extra information that makes something clear
Say it simply: "making something clearer"
"The nurse asked for clarification about the dose."
reassure
to help someone feel less worried
Say it simply: "help you feel less worried"
"The nurse tried to reassure the anxious patient."
feedback
comments about performance or progress
Say it simply: "comments to help improve"
"The assessor gave clear feedback after the role-play."
guidelines
official advice about how to do something safely or correctly
Say it simply: "rules or advice to follow"
"The nurse followed the infection-control guidelines."
letter
a written message sent to another person or service
Say it simply: "a written message"
"The nurse drafted a referral letter for the specialist."
an electronic written message
Say it simply: "a message sent online"
"The clinic sent an email confirming the appointment."
summarise
to give the main points briefly
Say it simply: "say the main points"
"The nurse will summarise the patient’s progress in the letter."
recommend referral
to advise that a patient should be sent to another service or specialist
Say it simply: "suggest seeing another doctor or service"
"The nurse decided to recommend referral to a specialist."
discharge plan
the plan for a patient leaving hospital safely
Say it simply: "your plan for going home"
"The team discussed the discharge plan with the patient."
discharge letter
a letter that explains the care given and follow-up after hospital discharge
Say it simply: "the letter about your hospital stay and next steps"
"The discharge letter included medication changes."
referral letter
a letter asking another healthcare professional to see a patient
Say it simply: "letter to another doctor or service"
"The referral letter explained the patient’s symptoms."
appropriate register
the right level of formal or informal language for the reader
Say it simply: "the right tone for the person reading"
"The nurse used an appropriate register in the referral letter."
tone
the feeling or attitude shown in spoken or written language
Say it simply: "how the message sounds"
"The letter’s tone was polite and professional."
audience
the person or group a message is written or spoken for
Say it simply: "the person you are speaking or writing to"
"The nurse adapted the explanation for the audience."
reader
the person who reads a written message
Say it simply: "the person reading the letter"
"The reader needs a clear reason for referral."
interlocutor
the person speaking with the candidate in an OET role-play
Say it simply: "the person you speak to in the role-play"
"The candidate listened carefully to the interlocutor."
Academic / formal vocabulary12 words
appointment
a planned time to see a healthcare professional
Say it simply: "your planned visit"
"The patient missed her follow-up appointment."
accurate
correct and without mistakes
Say it simply: "correct"
"The nurse kept an accurate record of fluid intake."
additional
extra or more than what is already there
Say it simply: "extra"
"The patient needed additional support at home."
adequate
enough for what is needed
Say it simply: "enough"
"The patient had adequate pain control overnight."
adherence
following a treatment or instruction as advised
Say it simply: "following the plan"
"The nurse discussed medication adherence with the patient."
immediate
happening now or without delay
Say it simply: "right away"
"The patient required immediate medical attention."
information
facts or details about something
Say it simply: "details you need to know"
"The nurse gave clear information about the procedure."
indicate
to show or suggest something
Say it simply: "show or suggest"
"The test results may indicate an infection."
isolation
keeping a patient separate to reduce infection spread
Say it simply: "being cared for separately"
"The patient was placed in isolation to reduce infection spread."
position
the way someone or something is placed
Say it simply: "how you are lying or sitting"
"The nurse changed the patient’s position to prevent pressure injury."
negative
showing that something was not found or is not present
Say it simply: "not found on the test"
"The swab result was negative."
positive
showing that something was found or is present
Say it simply: "found on the test"
"The blood test was positive for infection."
General OET vocabulary17 words
avoid
to keep away from something or not do it
Say it simply: "do not do it; stay away from it"
"Patients should avoid heavy lifting after surgery."
continue
to keep doing something
Say it simply: "keep doing it"
"The patient was advised to continue the exercises at home."
assess
to check a patient or situation carefully
Say it simply: "check carefully"
"The nurse will assess the wound this morning."
admission
the process of entering hospital for care
Say it simply: "coming into hospital for care"
"The patient’s admission was arranged by the emergency department."
admitted
taken into hospital for care
Say it simply: "brought into hospital for care"
"The patient was admitted for observation overnight."
advise
to tell someone what they should do
Say it simply: "give advice"
"The nurse will advise the patient about wound care."
advice
guidance about what someone should do
Say it simply: "helpful guidance"
"The patient was given advice about diet and exercise."
arrange
to organise or plan something
Say it simply: "set something up"
"The nurse will arrange a follow-up appointment."
access
to reach, use, or get a service
Say it simply: "get or use a service"
"The patient found it difficult to access local services."
allow
to let someone do something
Say it simply: "let"
"The new walking frame will allow the patient to move safely."
accepted
agreed to or received as suitable
Say it simply: "agreed or taken in"
"The referral was accepted by the specialist clinic."
provide
to give something that is needed
Say it simply: "give"
"The nurse will provide wound-care instructions."
support
to help someone physically, emotionally, or practically
Say it simply: "help"
"The family will support the patient after discharge."
review
to check again or look at progress
Say it simply: "check again"
"The doctor will review the patient tomorrow."
follow-up
done after earlier care to check progress
Say it simply: "later check-up"
"The patient needs a follow-up visit next week."
progress
improvement or change over time
Say it simply: "how you are getting on"
"The nurse documented the patient’s progress."
fatigue
strong tiredness that does not improve easily
Say it simply: "feeling very tired"
"The patient reported severe fatigue after treatment."
Abbreviation / acronym2 words
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging; a scan that uses magnets to create detailed body images
Say it simply: "a detailed scan using magnets"
"The patient was booked for an MRI tomorrow."
CT
computed tomography; a scan that uses x-rays to create detailed images
Say it simply: "a detailed x-ray scan"
"The doctor requested a CT scan after the fall."
FAQ
Is this OET nursing vocabulary list really free?
Yes. All 200 Level 1 words, the Learn flashcards, and the Practice quiz are free with no login required. First Academy's paid tiers cover later levels and additional OET preparation.
Who created this OET vocabulary list?
It was built by First Academy, whose trainers are the authors of published OET preparation books — the words, meanings, and example sentences are written for how nurses actually speak on the ward, not generic dictionary definitions.
How many words are in OET Vocabulary Level 1?
Level 1 has 200 words, covering general OET nursing vocabulary across categories like healthcare roles, symptoms, medication, anatomy, and OET communication. Other levels follow the same format as they're released.
Do I need to log in to practice?
No. Learn and Practice are both open with no account or login — just visit the page and start.
How is this different from a general English dictionary?
Every word here is chosen and defined for OET nursing contexts specifically — with patient-friendly phrasing, nursing-use examples, and OET-style paraphrases, rather than the broader, non-clinical definitions a general dictionary gives.
Free · no login required · part of First Academy's OET preparation tools.
Other levels follow this same page pattern once content is enriched and validated.