The first independent paper-based Occupational English Test (OET) Centre at the Wisconsin International University College (WIUC), Ghana, was yesterday launched in Accra.
The OET is an international test that assesses the English language and Clinical Communication Skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and work in an English-speaking country.
In an address, the Director of the Centre for Professional Studies, Dr Charles Acheampong said the understanding was that, candidates who passed the OET test would be capable of providing high quality and safe patient care.
“Most candidates who write these tests normally start by going through some form of preparations on their own or through institutions accredited by OET,” he said.
Dr Acheampong noted that, it was the institution’s dream to assist Ghana’s professional healthcare sectors to raise its international standards and become a beacon for best practice in healthcare throughout Africa.
“This will enable Ghana to build on its strengths, build expertise and deepen its knowledge base with healthcare issues,” he stated.
Launching the OET Centre, the President of the WIUC, Ghana, Prof. Obeng Mireku said the WIUC Centre for Professional Studies would also house and facilitate the administration of the tests.
“Unlike other English Proficiency examinations, the OET is an internationally recognised examination, designed for healthcare professionals to test them of their skills, in order to provide world class and safe healthcare for patients,” he explained.
Again, Prof. Mireku said the United States of America (USA) was the latest country amongst others, to recruit healthcare professionals with OET certificates in English proficiency.
“The latest milestone is in line with the university’s mission to develop world-class human resources equipped with the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet national development needs, as well as global challenges through quality teaching, learning, research, knowledge dissemination and collaboration with key stakeholders,” he added.
Further, he stated that the establishment of the OET Centre was made possible through a partnership agreement between WIUC, Ghana and Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA).
“The Centre is equipped with all the required facilities according to OET standards, interlocutors, invigilators and administrators have all been recruited and given the appropriate orientation in readiness for the start of the exams slated on November 19, 2022” he mentioned.
BY ANITA ANKRAH
