Best Apps for Improving English Language Skills for OET | Comprehensive Guide

Levi Cheptora

Sat, 07 Jun 2025

If you're preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET), you're already aware of the unique challenges it presents. Unlike other language proficiency exams like the IELTS or TOEFL, OET is specifically tailored for healthcare professionals. Whether you're a nurse, doctor, dentist, or any other healthcare provider, you need not only good command over English but also proficiency in medical and healthcare-related language.

One of the most effective ways to improve your English language skills for OET is by utilizing mobile applications. These apps help in honing your skills on the go, fitting easily into your busy schedule. In this guide, we will cover the best apps available for OET preparation, provide valuable tips, debunk myths, and recommend additional resources that can further assist you in achieving success.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the OET Exam
2. Top Apps for Improving English Language Skills for OET
   • 2.1 Babbel
   • 2.2 Grammarly
   • 2.3 OET Preparation by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment
   • 2.4 Duolingo
   • 2.5 Memrise
   • 2.6 Medihub
   • 2.7 Anki
3. Tips for Maximizing Your Learning with Apps
4. Debunking Myths About OET Preparation
5. Additional Online Resources for OET Preparation
6. Conclusion

1. Overview of the OET Exam

The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed to assess the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practice in an English-speaking environment. It covers four key areas:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

Each of these skills is tested in the context of a healthcare setting, making OET highly specialized. The writing and speaking components are particularly unique because they are centered around tasks related to patient care, such as writing referral letters or conducting consultations.

While traditional methods such as textbooks and formal courses are great, incorporating technology through mobile apps can make learning more interactive, convenient, and personalized.

2. Top Apps for Improving English Language Skills for OET

2.1 Babbel

Babbel is one of the most popular language-learning apps and is a great tool for improving general English skills. While not designed specifically for medical English or OET, it provides structured lessons across various levels of proficiency. You can focus on grammar, vocabulary, and conversational English, which are crucial for the reading and listening components of OET.

• Website: Babbel
• Key Features:
  • Daily lessons designed for short study sessions
  • Real-world conversational practice
  • Speech recognition technology to improve pronunciation

2.2 Grammarly

Although primarily a writing assistant, Grammarly is invaluable for healthcare professionals preparing for the OET Writing section. This app helps in refining your grammar, sentence structure, and clarity, ensuring that your referral and discharge letters are coherent and professional.

• Website: Grammarly
• Key Features:
  • Contextual grammar and spelling checks
  • Tone detection to ensure professionalism in healthcare communication
  • Vocabulary enhancement suggestions
  • Dedicated writing style goals for formal and technical writing

2.3 OET Preparation by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment

This is the official app provided by the developers of OET. The app offers practice material, including sample tests, writing tips, and interactive exercises tailored specifically for the OET exam.

• Website: OET Official Website
• Key Features:
  • Official practice materials and model answers
  • Videos and listening exercises relevant to healthcare settings
  • Speaking exercises tailored for role-plays commonly found in OET

2.4 Duolingo

Known for its gamified approach to language learning, Duolingo is another excellent app for improving general English skills. While it’s not specialized for OET or healthcare English, it is effective for beginners and intermediates aiming to strengthen their foundational skills.

• Website: Duolingo
• Key Features:
  • Bite-sized lessons focusing on grammar and vocabulary
  • Fun, engaging learning style
  • Streak-based rewards to keep learners motivated

2.5 Memrise

Memrise specializes in teaching vocabulary through spaced repetition and multimedia. You can customize your experience to focus on medical English and healthcare-specific terms, which is crucial for the OET exam.

• Website: Memrise
• Key Features:
  • User-generated content with specific OET and medical vocab courses
  • Engaging learning with videos and mnemonics
  • Personalized study plan based on user progress

2.6 Medihub

For healthcare professionals, Medihub offers vocabulary and language courses specifically tailored for medical settings. The app features clinical scenarios and medical case studies that are directly applicable to the OET exam.

• Website: Medihub
• Key Features:
  • Medical vocabulary building
  • Simulated patient-doctor interactions
  • Study plans targeted toward healthcare professionals

2.7 Anki

Anki is a flashcard app based on spaced repetition, which is extremely helpful for memorizing vocabulary and phrases that you might encounter during the OET exam. You can create custom decks for medical vocabulary, which helps in the retention of healthcare-related terminology.

• Website: Anki
• Key Features:
  • Customizable flashcards for medical terms
  • Spaced repetition algorithm to enhance long-term retention
  • Extensive library of shared decks created by other learners

3. Tips for Maximizing Your Learning with Apps

Here are some useful tips to get the most out of these language-learning apps:

• Set a Regular Schedule: Consistency is key when learning a new language. Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to using these apps.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify which areas of the OET you find most challenging—whether it's listening, reading, writing, or speaking—and choose an app that strengthens those skills.
• Incorporate Real-World Practice: For apps like Grammarly and Babbel, try writing medical reports, letters, or conducting mock consultations. Practice real-world scenarios to simulate exam conditions.
• Use Apps Together: Instead of relying on a single app, use multiple apps to cover different aspects of your preparation. For example, use Grammarly for writing, Medihub for medical English, and Babbel for grammar and vocabulary.
• Track Your Progress: Many apps offer tracking tools that let you see how much you've improved over time. Regularly reviewing your progress will keep you motivated and help you identify areas needing further work.

4. Debunking Myths About OET Preparation

Myth #1: Only Healthcare-Specific Language Is Important for OET.
While OET focuses on healthcare settings, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in general English. The listening and reading sections require you to understand general topics, and clear communication is key to the writing and speaking sections.

Myth #2: You Don’t Need to Practice Speaking.
Some candidates believe that since they work in healthcare, their speaking skills are already sufficient. However, practicing role-plays and consultations in English helps you structure your communication better, ensuring that you cover all necessary points during the exam.

Myth #3: Memorizing Medical Vocabulary Is Enough.
OET is not just about using medical terms but about how well you can use them in context. Practice forming coherent sentences and clear explanations, especially when it comes to explaining complex medical conditions in simple language.

5. Additional Online Resources for OET Preparation

Beyond apps, there are several online resources that can supplement your OET preparation:

• OET Preparation Courses: Websites like FutureLearn and Udemy offer online courses specifically for OET preparation.
• YouTube Channels: Channels like OET Online provide free video lessons and tips for tackling different sections of the OET exam.
• OET Practice Materials: The official OET website offers free sample tests and materials for candidates.
• Podcasts: Listening to medical English podcasts like The BMJ Podcast can help improve your listening skills while familiarizing yourself with real-world healthcare conversations.

6. Conclusion

Preparing for the OET exam requires a multi-faceted approach, and using mobile apps is a convenient and effective way to boost your English language skills. Whether you're working on grammar, expanding your medical vocabulary, or practicing your speaking skills, there's an app designed to help you succeed. Remember to complement your app usage with other resources, practice consistently, and focus on both general and healthcare-specific English. With dedication and the right tools, you’ll be well-prepared for the OET exam and ready to excel in your healthcare career.