Strong vocabulary is essential for success in the OET exam. Both doctors and nurses need to use medical English accurately when writing referral letters, speaking in role plays, and understanding patients in listening and reading tasks. Mastering OET medical vocabulary not only helps you score higher but also improves your confidence in real-life healthcare settings.
Below is a list of 30 essential OET vocabulary words with definitions and example sentences. These are common in consultations, referral letters, and workplace communication.
Core OET Vocabulary List
1. Diagnosis – Identification of an illness through examination.
Example: “The diagnosis was pneumonia.”
2. Symptom – A sign of illness experienced by a patient.
Example: “Headache is a common symptom of dehydration.”
3. Prognosis – The likely course or outcome of a disease.
Example: “The prognosis is good with treatment.”
4. Prescription – A written order for medication.
Example: “She received a prescription for pain relief.”
5. Intravenous (IV) – Delivered directly into a vein.
Example: “The patient required intravenous fluids.”
6. Chronic – Long-lasting or recurring.
Example: “He suffers from chronic asthma.”
7. Acute – Sudden and severe in onset.
Example: “She was admitted with acute chest pain.”
8. Side effect – An unintended reaction to treatment.
Example: “Nausea is a possible side effect.”
9. Hypertension – High blood pressure.
Example: “The patient has a history of hypertension.”
10. Hypotension – Low blood pressure.
Example: “Dizziness can be a sign of hypotension.”
11. Inflammation – Swelling or redness due to infection or injury.
Example: “The wound showed signs of inflammation.”
12. Infection – Invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms.
Example: “Antibiotics were prescribed to treat the infection.”
13. Fracture – A broken bone.
Example: “The X-ray confirmed a wrist fracture.”
14. Referral – Sending a patient to another professional.
Example: “He was given a referral to a cardiologist.”
15. Dosage – The specific amount of medicine to be taken.
Example: “Follow the prescribed dosage carefully.”
16. Consent – Permission given by a patient for treatment.
Example: “The nurse obtained consent before the procedure.”
17. Discharge – Release of a patient from hospital care.
Example: “The patient will be discharged tomorrow.”
18. Rehabilitation – Process of recovery after illness or injury.
Example: “Rehabilitation exercises improved his mobility.”
19. Screening – Testing for early signs of disease.
Example: “Regular screening can detect cancer early.”
20. Consultation – A meeting with a healthcare professional.
Example: “The consultation lasted 20 minutes.”
21. Immunisation – Protection against disease by vaccination.
Example: “Children receive immunisations at an early age.”
22. Allergy – An adverse reaction to a substance.
Example: “She has a peanut allergy.”
23. Anemia – A condition with low red blood cells.
Example: “The blood test revealed anemia.”
24. Obesity – Excess body weight harmful to health.
Example: “Obesity increases the risk of diabetes.”
25. Dehydration – Loss of too much fluid from the body.
Example: “The patient was treated for dehydration.”
26. Sedation – Use of drugs to calm or make sleepy.
Example: “Light sedation was given before the scan.”
27. Prognostic factor – Something influencing the likely outcome.
Example: “Smoking is a poor prognostic factor.”
28. Palliative care – Care focused on comfort, not cure.
Example: “She is receiving palliative care.”
29. Vital signs – Key body measurements (pulse, BP, temperature).
Example: “The nurse recorded the vital signs.”
30. Complication – A new problem that develops during illness.
Example: “Infection was a complication after surgery.”
How to Learn OET Vocabulary Effectively
- Practice using these terms in role plays and writing tasks.
- Write your own sentences with each word.
- Revise regularly with flashcards.
👉 To make studying easier, we’ve created a downloadable OET vocabulary glossary and flashcards for doctors and nurses. Keep them on your phone or print them out for quick review.
By learning and practicing these essential OET vocabulary words, you’ll strengthen your professional English, improve your exam performance, and feel more confident when working with patients.