200 Medical English Words Every OET Candidate Should Know

Introduction 

200 Medical English words every OET candidate should know is an article we think essential to read, because success in the OET exam depends not only on medical knowledge, but also on how accurately and professionally you learn Medical English and use it to communicate. From writing referral letters to handling speaking role-plays, the right words help you communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively.

This article covers 200 essential Medical English words every OET candidate should know, carefully selected from real exam and clinical contexts. Mastering these terms will help you improve clarity, avoid common language mistakes, and boost your overall OET score. 

Categorized List of 200 Medical English Words for OET

A strong command of Medical English is essential for success in the Occupational English Test (OET). Moreover, healthcare professionals are expected to communicate accurately, clearly, and professionally across clinical situations. Using the right Medical English vocabulary improves performance in OET Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. 

This categorized list of 200 Medical English terms, every OET candidate should know, is carefully curated to reflect real exam scenarios. It will help candidates build confidence and enhance clinical communication skills.

1. Patient Symptoms & Complaints Terms

1. Chronic – Long-lasting
2. Radiating – Spreading to another area
3. Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing
4. Wheezing – Whistling breathing sound
5. Palpitations – Awareness of rapid or irregular heartbeat
6. Oedema – Swelling caused by fluid retention
7. Pyrexia – Fever or elevated body temperature
8. Emesis – Vomiting
9. Anorexia – Loss of appetite
10. Malaise – General feeling of discomfort or illness
11. Numbness – Loss of sensation
12. Dizziness – Sensation of spinning
13. Paraesthesia – Tingling or abnormal sensation in limbs
14. Lethargy – Persistent lack of energy or fatigue
15. Tachypnoea – Abnormally rapid breathing
16. Cyanosis – Bluish discoloration due to poor oxygenation
17. Fatigue – Extreme tiredness
18. Anuria – Absence of urine output
19. Haematuria – Presence of blood in urine
20. Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing

II. Medical Conditions & Diseases Vocabulary

1. Infection – Invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms
2. Inflammation – Redness, swelling, and pain due to tissue response
3. Hypertension – Persistently high blood pressure
4. Diabetes – Condition affecting blood glucose regulation
5. Asthma – Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways
6. Arthritis – Inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness
7. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – Progressive lung disease causing airflow limitation
8. Anaemia – Reduced red blood cells or haemoglobin
9. Osteoporosis – Reduced bone density leading to fractures
10. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus
11. Coronary artery disease – Narrowing of coronary arteries reducing blood supply to the heart
12. Hypothyroidism – Underactive thyroid gland
13. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) – Sudden loss of brain function due to interrupted blood supply
14. Myocardial infarction – Death of heart muscle due to blocked blood flow
15. Chronic kidney disease – Gradual loss of kidney function over time
16. Sepsis – Life-threatening systemic response to infection
17. Pulmonary embolism – Blockage of pulmonary artery by a blood clot
18. Autoimmune disorder – Condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue
19. Malignancy – Cancerous growth with potential to spread
20. Neurodegenerative disease – Progressive loss of nerve cell function

III. Diagnosis & Assessment Vocabulary

1. Examination – Systematic physical evaluation of a patient
2. Assessment – Overall evaluation of a patient’s condition
3. Diagnosis – Identification of a disease or condition
4. Screening – Testing to detect disease in asymptomatic individuals
5. History taking – Collection of a patient’s medical background
6. Observation – Monitoring clinical signs and behaviour
7. Differential diagnosis – List of possible conditions with similar symptoms
8. Clinical findings – Information obtained from examination and tests
9. Investigation – Diagnostic tests performed to confirm a condition
10. Imaging – Diagnostic use of X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound
11. Laboratory tests – Analysis of blood, urine, or other samples
12. Risk assessment – Evaluation of potential health risks
13. Provisional diagnosis – Initial diagnosis pending confirmation
14. Definitive diagnosis – Final confirmed diagnosis
15. Clinical impression – Professional judgement based on assessment
16. Severity grading – Classification of disease seriousness
17. Functional assessment – Evaluation of physical or cognitive ability
18. Prognostic indicator – Factor predicting disease outcome
19. Red flags – Warning signs indicating serious pathology
20. Comorbidity – Presence of additional diseases alongside a primary condition
    

IV. Treatment & Management Terms

1. Treatment – Medical care given to manage or cure a condition
2. Medication – Drugs prescribed to treat illness
3. Therapy – Planned treatment to improve health
4. Treatment adherence – Degree to which a patient follows the prescribed plan
5. Specialist appointment – Scheduled visit with a specialist clinician
6. Care transition support – Assistance during transfer between care settings
7. Management plan – Structured approach to patient care
8. Conservative management – Non-surgical treatment approach
9. Intervention – Action taken to improve a medical condition
10. Rehabilitation – Process of restoring function and ability
11. Dosage adjustment – Modification of drug dose
12. Compliance – Degree to which a patient follows treatment advice
13. Pharmacological management – Treatment using medications
14. Non-pharmacological management – Treatment without drugs
15. Surgical intervention – Treatment involving operative procedures
16. Symptomatic relief – Treatment aimed at reducing symptoms
17. Palliative care – Care focused on comfort and quality of life
18. Adverse effects – Unwanted reactions to treatment
19. Treatment escalation – Increasing intensity of care
20. Multidisciplinary approach – Care involving multiple healthcare professionals

V. Hospital Departments & Healthcare Settings Terms

1. Outpatient department (OPD) – Area where patients receive care without admission
2. Inpatient ward – Hospital area for admitted patients
3. Emergency department – Unit providing urgent medical care
4. Intensive care unit (ICU) – Unit for critically ill patients
5. Operating theatre – Room where surgical procedures are performed
6. Pharmacy – Department responsible for dispensing medications
7. Medical ward – Unit managing non-surgical medical conditions
8. Surgical ward – Unit for patients requiring surgery
9. Maternity unit – Department providing obstetric care
10. Paediatric ward – Unit for children’s healthcare
11. Geriatric unit – Department specialising in elderly care
12. Rehabilitation centre – Facility for recovery and functional improvement
13. Ambulatory care – Medical services provided without hospital admission
14. Primary care setting – First point of patient contact in healthcare
15. Tertiary care centre – Specialist hospital providing advanced care
16. Long-term care facility – Institution for ongoing nursing or medical care
17. Palliative care unit – Department focused on comfort and quality of life
18. Day surgery unit – Facility for same-day surgical procedures
19. Isolation ward – Area for patients with contagious conditions
20. Community healthcare setting – Healthcare services delivered outside hospitals

VI. Medical Procedures & Tests Vocabulary

1. Blood test – Laboratory analysis of a blood sample
2. Urine analysis – Examination of urine for diagnostic purposes
3. X-ray – Imaging test using radiation to view internal structures
4. Ultrasound – An imaging technique using sound waves
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Test measuring the heart’s electrical activity
6. Vital signs monitoring – Measurement of basic body functions
7. Computed tomography (CT scan) – Detailed cross-sectional imaging
8. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Imaging using magnetic fields
9. Endoscopy – Visual examination of internal organs using a scope
10. Biopsy – Removal of tissue for microscopic examination
11. Pulmonary function test – Assessment of lung capacity and airflow
12. Blood culture – Test to detect infection in the bloodstream
13. Echocardiography – Ultrasound examination of the heart
14. Angiography – Imaging of blood vessels using contrast dye
15. Colonoscopy – Endoscopic examination of the colon
16. Lumbar puncture – Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid
17. Arterial blood gas analysis – Measurement of blood oxygen and acid-base status
18. Holter monitoring – Continuous ECG recording over 24–48 hours
19. Screening test – A test used to detect disease early
20. Diagnostic procedure – Test performed to confirm a diagnosis

VII. Patient Care & Nursing Vocabulary

1. Patient care – Assistance provided to meet a patient’s physical and emotional needs
2. Monitoring – Regular observation of a patient’s condition
3. Vital signs – Basic physiological measurements indicating health status
4. Hygiene care – Assistance with cleanliness and personal care
5. Mobility assistance – Support provided to help patients move safely
6. Wound care – Cleaning and dressing of wounds
7. Nursing assessment – Systematic evaluation of a patient’s needs
8. Care plan – Structured plan outlining nursing interventions
9. Pressure injury prevention – Measures to prevent skin breakdown
10. Pain management – Interventions aimed at relieving pain
11. Fluid balance monitoring – Tracking fluid intake and output
12. Patient education – Teaching patients about their condition and care
13. Infection control – Practices to prevent the spread of infection
14. Clinical documentation – Accurate recording of patient information
15. Continuity of care – Consistent care across healthcare settings
16. Holistic care – Care addressing physical, emotional, and social needs
17. End-of-life care – Care provided to patients nearing death
18. Risk management – Identification and prevention of potential harm
19. Patient advocacy – Acting in the patient’s best interests
20. Multidisciplinary coordination – Collaboration among healthcare professionals

VIII. Medication & Prescription Vocabulary

1. Medication – A drug used to treat or prevent illness
2. Prescription – Authorisation to supply medication
3. Dosage – Amount of medication to be taken
4. Administration – Method of giving medication
5. Frequency – How often a medication is taken
6. Duration – Length of time a medication is prescribed
7. Route of administration – Path by which a drug is given
8. Therapeutic effect – Intended beneficial effect of a drug
9. Side effects – Unintended effects of a medication
10. Drug interaction – Effect of one drug on another
11. Medication compliance – The extent to which a patient follows instructions
12. Over-the-counter medication – A drug available without a prescription
13. Contraindication – A condition in which a drug should not be used
14. Adverse drug reaction – Harmful or unintended response to a medication
15. Titration – Gradual adjustment of drug dosage
16. Pharmacotherapy – Treatment using medications
17. Prophylactic medication – A drug used to prevent disease
18. Polypharmacy – Use of multiple medications simultaneously
19. Medication reconciliation – Review of a patient’s medication list
20. Controlled substance – Drug regulated due to potential misuse

IX. Discharge, Referral & Follow-Up Terms

1. Discharge – Release of a patient from hospital care
2. Referral – Transfer of patient care to another professional or service
3. Follow-up – Continued care after initial treatment
4. Outpatient appointment – Scheduled visit without hospital admission
5. Transfer – Movement of a patient to another facility or unit
6. Aftercare – Care provided following discharge
7. Discharge summary – Document outlining hospital stay and treatment
8. Referral letter – Formal communication requesting further care
9. Ongoing management – Continued treatment plan
10. Care coordination – Organisation of services across providers
11. Appointment scheduling – Arrangement of future visits
12. Home care services – Healthcare provided in the patient’s home
13. Continuity of care – Consistent management across healthcare settings
14. Rehabilitation follow-up – Ongoing assessment after rehab
15. Specialist consultation – Assessment by a medical specialist
16. Discharge planning – Process of preparing a patient for safe discharge
17. Readmission risk – Likelihood of return to hospital
18. Post-discharge monitoring – Observation after leaving the hospital
19. Multidisciplinary follow-up – Follow-up involving multiple professionals
20. Escalation of care – Increase in level of medical support

X. Profession-Specific Vocabulary

1. Aseptic technique – Practices used to prevent contamination
2. Medication administration record (MAR) – Chart documenting administered drugs
3. Patient positioning – Placing a patient to promote comfort or recovery
4. Intake and output charting – Recording fluid intake and elimination
5. Early warning score – A tool used to detect patient deterioration
6. Clinical correlation – Linking symptoms with diagnostic findings
7. Clinical decision-making – Process of choosing appropriate medical actions
8. Comorbidity management – Managing co-existing medical conditions
9. Informed consent – Patient’s agreement after understanding the treatment
10. Diagnostic criteria – Standards used to confirm a diagnosis
11. Medication adherence counselling – Educating patients to take medicines correctly
12. Formulary management – Selection and control of approved medications
13. Drug contraindication screening – Identifying unsafe drug use
14. Therapeutic drug monitoring – Measuring drug levels in blood
15. Dispensing accuracy – Correct preparation and supply of medications
16. Gait assessment – Evaluation of walking pattern
17. Postural alignment – Correct body positioning
18. Muscle strength grading – Measurement of muscle power
19. Functional mobility – Ability to move independently
20. Exercise tolerance – Capacity to perform physical activity

Conclusion 

Medical vocabulary is a decisive factor in OET success, shaping how clearly and professionally you communicate clinical information. The ability to choose precise terms reflects both language competence and clinical awareness. The 200 Medical English words in this guide are drawn from real healthcare contexts and common OET scenarios. Regular practice will help you use them naturally across writing, speaking, reading, and listening tasks. When vocabulary becomes instinctive, confidence follows, and so do stronger OET results.

Want to Clear OET? Start Learning Medical English from Sohaara

Sohaara is an ecosystem designed to support professionals and entrepreneurs across the world reach their last mile to the success they want. We run Medical English programs to help healthcare professionals accelerate their careers in their countries and abroad. Our Medical English program focuses on building strong clinical vocabulary, accurate sentence construction, and professional tone required for real healthcare communication. 

Learners are trained through practical exercises, exam-oriented tasks, and real-life clinical scenarios aligned with OET Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. As an ecosystem, Sohaara also provides live facilitation of the Medical English program with American doctors, guidance and coaching, and job readiness packages that support candidates throughout their journey and until that last mile of the goal they set. 

By combining targeted training with continuous guidance, Sohaara acts as the final step that helps healthcare professionals convert preparation into performance and clear OET successfully.

FAQs on Learning Medical English 

Why is medical vocabulary important for the OET exam?

Medical vocabulary enables clear, accurate, and professional communication of clinical information. It helps candidates describe symptoms, diagnoses, and management plans appropriately. Strong vocabulary improves performance across all OET sub-tests, especially Writing and Speaking. It also reflects clinical competence and language accuracy.

Are these medical vocabulary terms used in real healthcare settings?

Yes, the vocabulary included is commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and professional medical documentation. These terms reflect real clinical communication rather than theoretical language. They are also frequently encountered in OET case notes and role-play scenarios.

How can I practice medical vocabulary effectively for OET?

The best approach is to use vocabulary in context rather than memorizing definitions. Practice by writing referral letters, summarizing case notes, and role-playing patient interactions. Regular revision and active usage help develop fluency and accuracy.

Is this vocabulary list suitable for all healthcare professions?

Yes, the terms are applicable across multiple healthcare roles, including nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. They focus on general clinical communication rather than profession-specific jargon. This makes the list relevant for most OET candidates.

Can learning medical vocabulary improve my OET Writing score?

Absolutely, using precise and appropriate medical terms improves clarity, relevance, and professional tone in referral and discharge letters. It helps convey clinical information efficiently and accurately. This directly impacts task achievement and language criteria.

Should I use advanced medical terms to score higher in OET?

Not necessarily, OET prioritizes clarity and appropriateness over complexity. Advanced terms should be used only when they fit the clinical context. Overuse of complex vocabulary can reduce clarity and negatively affect your score.