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OET vocabulary — Level 2, 200 words. Free
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All 200 words
Level 2
Healthcare roles / settings2 words
professional
a trained person who works in a skilled job
Say it simply: "a trained healthcare worker"
"The patient was referred to a health professional for advice."
profession
a skilled job that needs training
Say it simply: "a skilled job that needs training"
"The speaker discussed standards in the nursing profession."
Symptoms / conditions3 words
symptoms
changes in the body that may show illness
Say it simply: "problems you feel in your body"
"The nurse asked about the patient’s current symptoms."
severe
serious or strong
Say it simply: "serious or strong"
"The patient reported severe pain after the fall."
asbestosis
lung scarring caused by breathing in asbestos fibres
Say it simply: "lung scarring caused by asbestos dust"
"The patient had a history of asbestosis."
Medication / treatment10 words
notes
written records about a patient's care
Say it simply: "written information about your care"
"The nurse updated the patient’s notes after the review."
feeding
helping someone take food or nutrition
Say it simply: "helping you eat or receive nutrition"
"The nurse provided feeding assistance after the stroke."
procedure
a planned medical action or set of steps
Say it simply: "a medical process or treatment step"
"The nurse explained the procedure before it began."
vaccine
a medicine that helps protect against an infection
Say it simply: "an injection or dose that helps protect you from illness"
"The nurse checked whether the patient needed a flu vaccine."
vaccines
medicines that help protect against infections
Say it simply: "medicines that help protect against infections"
"The nurse checked which vaccines the child had received."
waste
unwanted material to be thrown away
Say it simply: "unwanted material to be thrown away"
"The nurse placed the used dressing in the clinical waste bin."
nasogastric
going through the nose into the stomach
Say it simply: "a tube that goes through the nose into the stomach"
"The nurse checked the position of the nasogastric tube."
aspirate
fluid or material removed by suction
Say it simply: "fluid drawn out with gentle suction"
"The nurse checked the aspirate before using the feeding tube."
surgery
medical treatment where a doctor operates on the body
Say it simply: "an operation"
"The patient felt drowsy after surgery."
prescribed
ordered by a doctor or authorised prescriber
Say it simply: "given officially by the doctor"
"The nurse gave the prescribed medication after checking the chart."
Tests / investigations3 words
sub-test
one part of a larger test
Say it simply: "one section of the test"
"The candidate practised the listening sub-test before the exam."
oet test
the Occupational English Test for healthcare professionals
Say it simply: "an English test for healthcare workers"
"The candidate booked the oet test for next month."
writing sub-test
a word used in healthcare communication to talk about writing sub-test
Say it simply: "a word used in healthcare communication talk about writing sub-test"
"The trainer reviewed the writing sub-test during OET practice."
OET / communication / letters5 words
role-play
a practice activity where people act out a situation
Say it simply: "practice conversation"
"The candidate practised an OET role-play with a patient scenario."
communication
sharing information clearly with another person
Say it simply: "talking and explaining clearly"
"Clear communication helped the patient understand the care plan."
malpractice
serious professional wrongdoing or unsafe practice
Say it simply: "unsafe or improper professional care"
"The complaint raised a concern about possible malpractice."
role-play card
a card that gives a practice scenario
Say it simply: "practice conversation card"
"The candidate read the role-play card before speaking."
discharged
allowed to leave hospital care
Say it simply: "sent home from hospital"
"The patient was discharged home with wound care advice."
Academic / formal vocabulary19 words
appropriate
suitable for the situation
Say it simply: "right for this situation"
"The nurse chose an appropriate dressing for the wound."
ability
what someone can do
Say it simply: "what someone can do"
"The nurse assessed the patient’s ability to walk safely."
action
something done
Say it simply: "something done"
"The nurse took prompt action when the patient became breathless."
investigated
checked carefully to find out what happened
Say it simply: "checked carefully find out what happened"
"The care plan was investigated in the patient’s notes."
investigation
a careful check to find the cause or facts
Say it simply: "a careful check to find the cause or facts"
"The doctor arranged an investigation to check the cause of pain."
discretion
careful judgement about what to say or do
Say it simply: "careful judgement"
"The nurse used discretion when discussing private information."
evidence
information that helps show whether something is true
Say it simply: "information that helps show whether something is true"
"The nurse based the advice on current evidence."
presentation
how something is shown or explained
Say it simply: "how something is shown or explained"
"The nurse gave a short presentation during handover."
effective
working well
Say it simply: "working well"
"The nurse checked whether the pain relief was effective."
sentences
groups of words that express complete ideas
Say it simply: "groups of words that express complete ideas"
"The candidate wrote short clear sentences in the letter."
experience
knowledge gained from doing something
Say it simply: "knowledge gained from doing something"
"The nurse asked about the patient’s previous experience with inhalers."
effectively
in a way that works well
Say it simply: "in a way that works well"
"The nurse communicated effectively during the handover."
greater
larger or more
Say it simply: "larger or more"
"The patient had a greater risk of falls after surgery."
treated
received care or treatment
Say it simply: "received care or treatment"
"The infection was treated with antibiotics."
perspective
a way of looking at a situation
Say it simply: "a way of looking at a situation"
"The nurse considered the patient’s perspective before giving advice."
material
information or substance used for a purpose
Say it simply: "information or substance used for a purpose"
"The nurse gave the patient written material about wound care."
options
choices
Say it simply: "choices"
"The nurse discussed the treatment options with the patient."
demonstrate
a word used in healthcare communication to talk about demonstrate
Say it simply: "a word used in healthcare communication talk about demonstrate"
"The nurse asked the patient to demonstrate the advice carefully."
option
a choice
Say it simply: "a choice"
"The nurse explained one treatment option."
General OET vocabulary156 words
health
the general condition of a person's body and mind
Say it simply: "how well you are physically and mentally"
"The nurse asked about the patient’s general health."
medical
relating to health, illness, or treatment
Say it simply: "about your health or treatment"
"The nurse checked the patient’s medical history."
writing
the act of putting information into written words
Say it simply: "putting it in writing"
"The nurse focused on clear writing in the discharge letter."
details
specific pieces of information
Say it simply: "the important information"
"The receptionist checked the patient’s contact details."
results
information that shows what a test or check found
Say it simply: "what the test found"
"The nurse explained the blood test results to the patient."
complete
to finish something fully
Say it simply: "finish it fully"
"The patient was advised to complete the full course of antibiotics."
called
known by a particular name
Say it simply: "named"
"The condition is called cellulitis."
talking
speaking with someone
Say it simply: "speaking"
"The nurse spent time talking with the patient about pain relief."
assist
to help someone do something
Say it simply: "help"
"The nurse will assist the patient with walking."
disclose
to share information that was private or not known
Say it simply: "tell us private information"
"The nurse explained when it may be necessary to disclose information."
required
needed or necessary
Say it simply: "needed"
"Further monitoring was required overnight."
language
words used to communicate
Say it simply: "the words we use"
"The nurse used simple language when explaining the dressing change."
listening
paying attention to what someone says
Say it simply: "hearing and understanding what you say"
"Good listening helped the nurse understand the patient’s concern."
response
something said or done as an answer
Say it simply: "answer or reaction"
"The nurse recorded the patient’s response to the medication."
tetanus
a serious infection that can affect muscles and nerves
Say it simply: "a serious infection prevented by vaccination"
"The nurse checked whether the patient needed a tetanus injection."
number
a figure or count
Say it simply: "a figure or count"
"The nurse checked the patient’s phone number."
risk
the chance that something harmful may happen
Say it simply: "chance of a problem"
"The nurse assessed the patient’s fall risk."
speaking
using spoken words to communicate
Say it simply: "using spoken words to communicate"
"The candidate practised speaking with a patient role-play."
specific
exact or clearly named
Say it simply: "exact or clearly named"
"The nurse gave a specific explanation during the review."
listen
to pay attention to what someone says
Say it simply: "pay attention what someone says"
"The nurse asked the patient to listen the advice carefully."
paragraph
a short section of writing
Say it simply: "part of the written information"
"The candidate wrote one clear paragraph about discharge advice."
understand
to know the meaning of something
Say it simply: "know the meaning of something"
"The nurse asked the patient to understand the advice carefully."
content
the information or material in a text
Say it simply: "information in the text"
"The trainer checked the content of the referral letter."
homeopathy
an alternative therapy using very small amounts of substances
Say it simply: "an alternative treatment some people use"
"The nurse asked whether the patient used homeopathy or other remedies."
phrase
a small group of words
Say it simply: "a small group of words"
"The candidate used a polite phrase to reassure the patient."
personal
belonging to one person
Say it simply: "belonging one person"
"The nurse gave a personal explanation during the review."
course
a set of lessons or a period of treatment
Say it simply: "a set of lessons or a period of treatment"
"The patient was advised to finish the course of antibiotics."
suspected
thought to be possible but not yet confirmed
Say it simply: "thought be possible but not yet confirmed"
"The care plan was suspected in the patient’s notes."
better
improved or more suitable
Say it simply: "improved or more suitable"
"The nurse gave a better explanation during the review."
effects
changes caused by something
Say it simply: "changes caused by something"
"The nurse asked about any side effects from the medicine."
clear
easy to understand
Say it simply: "easy understand"
"The nurse gave a clear explanation during the review."
according
as stated by something or someone
Say it simply: "as stated by something or someone"
"The nurse gave the medicine according to the prescription chart."
particular
specific or special
Say it simply: "specific or special"
"The nurse asked about one particular concern before discharge."
remedies
treatments used to improve a problem
Say it simply: "treatments or things people use to feel better"
"The nurse asked whether the patient had used any home remedies."
history
past health information
Say it simply: "past health information"
"The nurse took the patient’s medical history."
control
to manage or keep something within limits
Say it simply: "manage or keep something within limits"
"The nurse asked the patient to control the advice carefully."
asbestos
a harmful building material that can damage the lungs when breathed in
Say it simply: "a material that can harm the lungs if breathed in"
"The nurse asked about previous asbestos exposure."
concerns
worries or problems
Say it simply: "worries or problems"
"The nurse listened to the patient’s concerns about discharge."
relevant
connected to the matter being discussed
Say it simply: "connected the matter being discussed"
"The nurse gave a relevant explanation during the review."
include
to have something as part of a group
Say it simply: "have something as part of a group"
"The nurse asked the patient to include the advice carefully."
fibres
thin thread-like pieces
Say it simply: "tiny thread-like pieces"
"The patient reported possible exposure to asbestos fibres."
effect
a change caused by something
Say it simply: "a change caused by something"
"The nurse monitored the effect of the painkiller."
likely
expected or possible
Say it simply: "expected or possible"
"The nurse explained the likely cause of the rash."
regulations
official rules that must be followed
Say it simply: "official rules"
"The nurse followed hospital regulations when handling medication."
passed
successfully completed
Say it simply: "successfully completed"
"The nurse asked whether the patient had passed urine after surgery."
pursue
to continue trying to do or get something
Say it simply: "continue trying do or get something"
"The nurse asked the patient to pursue the advice carefully."
pressure
force or stress
Say it simply: "force or stress"
"The nurse checked the patient’s skin for pressure areas."
training
practice and learning for a skill
Say it simply: "practice and learning for a skill"
"The nurses attended training on patient handover."
disciplinary
related to action taken when rules are broken
Say it simply: "about formal action for breaking rules"
"The hospital began a disciplinary review after the incident."
disciplinary action
formal action taken because rules were broken
Say it simply: "formal action after a rule is broken"
"The report led to disciplinary action by the employer."
disqualified
not allowed to continue because rules were broken
Say it simply: "not allowed to continue"
"The candidate was disqualified for using unauthorised notes."
cheating
breaking rules to gain an unfair advantage
Say it simply: "breaking the rules to get an unfair advantage"
"The test centre investigated possible cheating."
ignore
a word used in OET healthcare contexts
Say it simply: "ignore symptoms"
"Patients should not ignore chest pain."
issued
given officially
Say it simply: "given officially"
"The clinic issued written advice after the consultation."
reserves
keeps or holds for a special purpose
Say it simply: "keeps or holds for a special purpose"
"The test centre reserves the right to check candidate identity."
signing
writing a signature to confirm something
Say it simply: "writing a signature confirm something"
"The nurse was signing the patient’s concerns during the review."
unfair
not right or equal
Say it simply: "not right or equal"
"The patient felt the waiting time was unfair."
sprint
a short fast run
Say it simply: "a short fast run"
"The patient avoided a sprint during early rehabilitation."
choose
to select one option
Say it simply: "select one option"
"The nurse asked the patient to choose the advice carefully."
understanding
knowledge of what something means
Say it simply: "knowledge of what something means"
"The nurse checked the patient’s understanding of the medicine schedule."
correct
right or accurate
Say it simply: "right or accurate"
"The nurse gave a correct explanation during the review."
involved
taking part in something
Say it simply: "taking part in something"
"The family was involved in the discharge plan."
whether
used when checking between possibilities
Say it simply: "used when checking between possibilities"
"The nurse checked whether the patient had eaten breakfast."
concussion
a brain injury caused by a blow to the head
Say it simply: "a head injury that can affect the brain for a short time"
"The patient was monitored for concussion after the fall."
placebo
a treatment with no active medicine, often used in research
Say it simply: "a harmless dummy treatment used in studies"
"Some participants received a placebo during the study."
skills
abilities learned through practice
Say it simply: "abilities learned through practice"
"The nurse used good communication skills during the handover."
interview
a formal conversation to ask questions
Say it simply: "a formal conversation to ask questions"
"The nurse used open questions during the patient interview."
consider
to think carefully about something
Say it simply: "think carefully about something"
"The nurse asked the patient to consider the advice carefully."
necessary
needed
Say it simply: "needed"
"The doctor said further monitoring was necessary."
certain
sure or particular
Say it simply: "sure or particular"
"The nurse asked about certain symptoms after the medication."
family
relatives or people close to the patient
Say it simply: "relatives or people close to the patient"
"The patient’s family attended the discharge discussion."
result
what a test or action shows
Say it simply: "what a test or action shows"
"The nurse checked the latest blood test result."
attack
a sudden medical problem or harmful event
Say it simply: "a sudden medical problem or harmful event"
"The patient had an asthma attack during the night."
speech
spoken communication
Say it simply: "spoken communication"
"The nurse noted slurred speech after the fall."
current
happening now
Say it simply: "happening now"
"The nurse checked the patient’s current medication list."
initial
first
Say it simply: "first"
"The nurse completed the initial assessment on admission."
points
important ideas or marks
Say it simply: "important ideas or marks"
"The nurse summarised the key points before discharge."
clearly
in an easy-to-understand way
Say it simply: "in an easy-to-understand way"
"The nurse explained the wound care clearly."
difficult
not easy
Say it simply: "not easy"
"The patient reported difficult breathing during the night."
particularly
especially
Say it simply: "especially"
"The nurse said hand hygiene was particularly important."
sports
physical games or activities
Say it simply: "physical games or activities"
"The patient asked when he could return to sports."
writer
person writing the letter or text
Say it simply: "person writing the letter or text"
"The writer used a polite tone in the referral letter."
recently
not long ago
Say it simply: "not long ago"
"The patient had recently started a new medicine."
including
with something as part of the group
Say it simply: "with something as part of the group"
"The discharge plan covered diet and exercise, including the new medicine."
meaning
what a word or message says
Say it simply: "what a word or message says"
"The trainer checked the meaning of key medical words."
filling
putting information into a space or form
Say it simply: "putting information into a space or form"
"The nurse helped the patient with filling in the consent form."
focus
main attention
Say it simply: "main attention"
"The nurse kept the focus on the patient’s main concern."
exposure
contact with something harmful or important
Say it simply: "contact with something harmful or important"
"The nurse asked about possible exposure to asbestos."
stress
mental or physical pressure
Say it simply: "mental or physical pressure"
"The nurse discussed ways to reduce stress."
issues
problems or matters to discuss
Say it simply: "problems or matters to discuss"
"The nurse discussed the main issues before discharge."
actually
really or in fact
Say it simply: "really or in fact"
"The nurse checked what medicine the patient was actually taking."
general
not specific; relating to the whole situation
Say it simply: "not specific; relating to the whole situation"
"The nurse asked about the patient’s general health."
significant
important or large enough to notice
Say it simply: "important or large enough notice"
"The nurse gave a significant explanation during the review."
techniques
ways of doing a task
Say it simply: "ways of doing a task"
"The nurse taught simple breathing techniques."
contact
to communicate with someone
Say it simply: "to communicate with someone"
"The nurse checked the patient’s emergency contact."
levels
amounts or stages
Say it simply: "amounts or stages"
"The nurse monitored the patient’s oxygen levels."
recording
making a written or audio record
Say it simply: "making a written or audio record"
"The nurse was recording the patient’s observations."
system
an organised set of parts
Say it simply: "an organised set of parts"
"The nurse explained how the immune system helps fight infection."
simply
in an easy or plain way
Say it simply: "in an easy or plain way"
"The nurse explained the dressing change simply."
dealing
handling or managing a situation
Say it simply: "handling or managing a situation"
"The nurse discussed ways of dealing with pain at home."
overall
in general
Say it simply: "in general"
"The patient’s overall condition improved overnight."
approach
a way of doing something
Say it simply: "a way of doing something"
"The nurse explained the new approach to wound care."
receiving
getting something
Say it simply: "getting something"
"The patient was receiving antibiotics for the infection."
available
ready or able to be used
Say it simply: "ready or able be used"
"The nurse gave an available explanation during the review."
social
relating to people and relationships
Say it simply: "relating people and relationships"
"The nurse gave a social explanation during the review."
feeling
an emotion or body sensation
Say it simply: "an emotion or body sensation"
"The nurse asked if the patient was feeling dizzy."
cleaning
removing dirt or germs
Say it simply: "removing dirt or germs"
"The nurse explained the steps for cleaning the wound."
survey
a set of questions used to collect information
Say it simply: "a set of questions used to collect information"
"The clinic used a survey to collect patient feedback."
assesses
a word used in healthcare communication to talk about assesses
Say it simply: "a word used in healthcare communication talk about assesses"
"The nurse asked the patient to assesses the advice carefully."
interest
attention or desire to know more
Say it simply: "attention or desire to know more"
"The nurse asked about the patient’s interest in joining the support group."
simple
easy to understand or do
Say it simply: "easy understand or do"
"The nurse gave a simple explanation during the review."
issue
a problem or topic
Say it simply: "a problem or topic"
"The nurse reported a safety issue during handover."
address
to deal with a problem or speak to someone
Say it simply: "deal with a problem or speak someone"
"The nurse asked the patient to address the advice carefully."
remove
to take something away
Say it simply: "take something away"
"The nurse asked the patient to remove the advice carefully."
reduce
to make something less
Say it simply: "make something less"
"The nurse asked the patient to reduce the advice carefully."
increased
became higher or more
Say it simply: "became higher or more"
"The patient reported increased pain after walking."
products
items or medicines used
Say it simply: "items or medicines used"
"The nurse asked about any herbal products the patient used."
side effects
unwanted effects of medicine or treatment
Say it simply: "unwanted effects of medicine"
"The nurse explained possible side effects of the medicine."
follow
to do what instructions say
Say it simply: "do what instructions say"
"The nurse asked the patient to follow the advice carefully."
accident
an unexpected event that causes harm or damage
Say it simply: "an unexpected event that causes harm or damage"
"The patient was admitted after a road accident."
impact
effect or influence
Say it simply: "effect or influence"
"The nurse asked about the impact of pain on sleep."
errors
mistakes
Say it simply: "mistakes"
"The nurse checked the chart to prevent medication errors."
manage
to deal with or control something
Say it simply: "deal with or control something"
"The nurse asked the patient to manage the advice carefully."
spelling
the correct way to write a word
Say it simply: "the correct way to write a word"
"The candidate checked the spelling of medical terms."
grammar
rules for how words are used
Say it simply: "rules for how words are used"
"The trainer corrected the grammar in the discharge letter."
discussing
talking about something
Say it simply: "talking about something"
"The nurse was discussing discharge plans with the family."
concern
a worry or problem
Say it simply: "a worry or problem"
"The nurse asked about the patient’s main concern."
ensure
to make sure
Say it simply: "make sure"
"The nurse asked the patient to ensure the advice carefully."
failure
when something does not work as expected
Say it simply: "when something does not work as expected"
"The patient had a history of heart failure."
affect
to change or influence something
Say it simply: "change or influence something"
"The nurse asked the patient to affect the advice carefully."
concerned
worried
Say it simply: "worried"
"The patient was concerned about ongoing chest pain."
participants
people taking part
Say it simply: "people taking part"
"The participants gave consent before joining the study."
memory
ability to remember
Say it simply: "ability to remember"
"The nurse asked about memory problems after the fall."
anxious
worried or nervous
Say it simply: "worried or nervous"
"The patient felt anxious before the procedure."
homeopathic
related to homeopathy or alternative remedies
Say it simply: "related to alternative remedies"
"The nurse asked whether the patient was taking any homeopathic remedies."
scientific
based on science
Say it simply: "based on science"
"The advice was based on scientific evidence."
criterion
a standard used to judge something
Say it simply: "a standard used to judge something"
"The candidate reviewed each marking criterion."
practise
a word used in healthcare communication to talk about practise
Say it simply: "a word used in healthcare communication talk about practise"
"The nurse asked the patient to practise the advice carefully."
thirty
the number 30
Say it simply: "the number 30"
"The nurse asked the patient to rest for thirty minutes."
structure
the way parts are arranged
Say it simply: "the way parts are arranged"
"The trainer reviewed the structure of the referral letter."
purpose
the reason for doing something
Say it simply: "the reason for doing something"
"The nurse explained the purpose of the inhaler."
despite
even though something happened
Say it simply: "even though something happened"
"The patient walked slowly despite mild pain."
provided
gave or supplied
Say it simply: "gave or supplied"
"The care plan was provided in the patient’s notes."
although
even though
Say it simply: "even though"
"The patient attended the clinic although she felt tired."
easily
without difficulty
Say it simply: "without difficulty"
"The patient could not move easily after surgery."
decide
to choose after thinking
Say it simply: "choose after thinking"
"The nurse asked the patient to decide the advice carefully."
described
explained what something is like
Say it simply: "explained what something is like"
"The care plan was described in the patient’s notes."
correctly
in the right way
Say it simply: "in the right way"
"The nurse checked that the patient could use the inhaler correctly."
length
how long something is
Say it simply: "how long something is"
"The nurse discussed the expected length of stay."
daughter
a female child
Say it simply: "a female child"
"The patient’s daughter attended the appointment."
suffering
having pain or distress
Say it simply: "having pain or distress"
"The patient was suffering from severe back pain."
marked
shown clearly or written with a mark
Say it simply: "shown clearly or written with a mark"
"There was a marked improvement in the wound."
confirm
to check that something is true
Say it simply: "check that something is true"
"The nurse asked the patient to confirm the advice carefully."
public
open to other people
Say it simply: "open other people"
"The nurse gave a public explanation during the review."
service
care or help provided
Say it simply: "care or help provided"
"The nurse referred the patient to a community service."
certainly
surely or definitely
Say it simply: "surely or definitely"
"The nurse said it was certainly important to finish the antibiotics."
Abbreviation / acronym2 words
OET
Occupational English Test; an English test for healthcare professionals
Say it simply: "an English test for healthcare workers"
"The nurse prepared for the OET speaking test."
GP
general practitioner; a primary care doctor
Say it simply: "your regular doctor"
"The patient was advised to see her GP for follow-up."
FAQ
Is this OET nursing vocabulary list really free?
Yes. All 200 Level 2 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 2?
Level 2 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.