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OET vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam is Easiest for Healthcare Professionals? (2026 Guide)
- Sefa Kırlı
- Jan 10
- 4 min read
For a doctor in Dubai, a nurse in Manila, or a physical therapist in Mumbai, the dream of working in the USA, UK, or Australia often hits the same roadblock: The English Proficiency Exam.
In 2026, the stakes are higher than ever. Regulatory bodies like the GMC, NMC, and ECFMG have updated their pathways, and the exams themselves have evolved. You’ve likely heard colleagues debating: "Is the OET really easier because it’s medical?" or "Should I just take the IELTS since it’s cheaper?"
This guide breaks down the "Big Three"—OET, IELTS, and TOEFL—to help you choose the path of least resistance for your international medical career.
1. The Occupational English Test (OET): The Specialist’s Choice
The OET is unique because it doesn't ask you to write about climate change or listen to a lecture on ancient history. It tests your English within a healthcare context.
Why Healthcare Professionals Love It
The OET is divided into 12 versions based on your profession (Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, etc.). If you are a doctor, your "Speaking" test is a consultation with a patient. Your "Writing" test is a referral letter to a colleague.
The Comfort Factor: You already know the terminology. You don't have to learn "General English" idioms; you just need to communicate effectively in a clinical setting.
The Scoring: Most regulators require a Grade B (350+). In 2026, many boards (like the UK’s NMC) allow "clubbing" or partial retakes, making the OET a very forgiving option for busy clinicians.
The Catch
The OET is significantly more expensive than the IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, it is strictly for healthcare. If you decide to pivot to a Master’s degree in a non-medical field later, the OET may not be accepted.
2. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The Global Standard
The IELTS Academic is the most recognized English test in the world. It’s the "Old Guard" of proficiency exams.
Why It’s Still Relevant in 2026
Accessibility: You can find an IELTS test center in almost any major city, and dates are available nearly every week.
The 2026 Update (One Skill Retake): If you hit a Band 7.5 in three sections but slip to a 6.5 in Writing, you no longer have to retake the whole exam. You can simply retake the Writing module.
Lower Cost: It is roughly half the price of the OET.
The Difficulty Gap
The biggest complaint from doctors and nurses is the Academic Writing Task 1. Describing a bar chart about "global coffee consumption" feels irrelevant to a surgeon. The Speaking section can also be intimidating, as it covers unpredictable general topics.
3. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT): The Academic Powerhouse
While traditionally the favorite for US-bound students, the TOEFL iBT has made massive strides in the healthcare sector, especially for those targeting the USA.
The 2026 Shift: The Adaptive TOEFL
Starting in January 2026, the TOEFL introduced an adaptive testing model. The exam now adjusts its difficulty based on your performance in the first few questions, significantly shortening the total test time to under two hours.
Best for Computer-Savvy Pros: If you prefer typing over handwriting and feel comfortable talking to a microphone rather than a human examiner, TOEFL is your best bet.
USA Preference: Many US state boards and some ECFMG pathways still view TOEFL as the "gold standard" for academic readiness.
Feature | OET (Medicine/Nursing) | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026) |
Content Focus | 100% Medical/Healthcare | General Academic | General Academic |
Speaking Test | Roleplay with a human | Interview with a human | Recorded via computer |
Writing Task | Referral/Discharge Letter | Essay & Data Analysis | Academic Discussion |
Test Duration | ~3 hours | ~2 hours 45 mins | ~2 hours (New Adaptive) |
Cost (Approx.) | $400 - $450 USD | $230 - $260 USD | $200 - $250 USD |
Score Validity | 2 Years | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Key Advantage | Professional relevance | One Skill Retake | Fast results (2-4 days) |
5. Which Exam is "Easier"?
"Easy" is subjective, but for a healthcare professional, we can categorize it based on your strengths:
Choose OET If...
You are an experienced clinician who hasn't been in a "classroom" for years. You will find the vocabulary familiar, and the Speaking section will feel like a normal day at the hospital. Objectively, OET is the "easiest" for those with strong clinical backgrounds but average general English.
Choose IELTS If...
You have a high level of general English fluency and are on a budget. If you are comfortable writing essays and describing data, the IELTS is a cost-effective way to get your registration. The One Skill Retake is a massive safety net in 2026.
Choose TOEFL If...
You are targeting the USA specifically and prefer a high-tech, fast-paced testing environment. If "exam anxiety" is triggered by face-to-face interviews, the computer-based Speaking section of the TOEFL is a relief.
6. Profession-Specific Advice
For Doctors (IMGs)
Most doctors targeting the UK (GMC) or USA (ECFMG) now lean heavily toward OET Medicine. The ECFMG 2026 Pathways have made OET Medicine mandatory for most applicants who haven't passed the old Step 2 CS.
Target Score: 350 (Grade B) in all sub-tests.
For Nurses
The UK’s NMC and Australia’s AHPRA have recently updated their requirements. In 2026, Australia now accepts a 6.5 in IELTS Writing (down from 7.0), provided your overall is 7.0. This makes IELTS much more attractive for nurses than it was three years ago.
Target Score (UK): IELTS 7.0 (6.5 Writing) or OET Grade B (C+ Writing).
For Dentists & Pharmacists
OET remains the preferred choice because of the high technicality of dental and pharmaceutical English. The "Writing" section in IELTS is often the "glass ceiling" that keeps these professionals from registering.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
Underestimating the OET: Just because it’s "medical" doesn't mean it's easy. You still need to master the structure of a referral letter.
Ignoring the "One Skill Retake" Rules: Not all countries accept the IELTS One Skill Retake for visa purposes yet. Always check the Home Office or Department of Home Affairs guidelines for 2026.
Wait-and-See Approach: Test dates fill up 3-4 months in advance during the "Match" season for doctors.
Final Verdict: The Nona Recommendation
At Nona, we’ve tracked the success rates of many of candidates.
If you want the fastest path with the highest first-time pass rate, go with OET.
If you want the cheapest path and are confident in your writing, go with IELTS.
Your Next Step with Nona
Choosing the exam is only 10% of the journey; passing it is the other 90%.
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