The Wisconsin International University College has opened the first independent paper-based Occupational English Test (OET) Center in West Africa.
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 county.
The understanding is that candidates who pass this test are capable of providing high-quality and safe patient care.
The tests will be made up of four sections, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and will take about three hours to complete.
Speaking at the launch of the OET Centre, the President of the Centre for Professional Studies, Wisconsin International University College, Professor Obeng Mireku, made it known that the University through its professional studies center began the application process with Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA), the lawful owner of the OET Worldwide.
He said in September 2022, an official agreement was signed by the two parties, Wisconsin International University College and Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA).
He continued, “This bilateral agreement in effect approved the Accra Campus of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana as an appropriate hosting facility for the administration of the paper-based OET test in Ghana.”
Prof. Obeng Mireku added that ” The WIUC Centre for professional studies will house and facilitate the administration of the test. This agreement makes Wisconsin International University College, Ghana the first and only venue to be licensed to host the administration of a paper-based OET in Ghana.”
Director of the Centre for Professional Studies at the Wisconsin International University College, Dr. Charles Acheampong noted that the Centre was equipped with all the required facilities according to OET standards.
He said the interlocutors, invigilators, and administrators have all been recruited and given the appropriate orientation in readiness for the start of the exams.
Meanwhile, he said the first test starts on 19th November 2022.
“In the future, we hope to open Centres in other locations such as Kumasi in order to get closer to our potential customers. It is the dream of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana to assist Ghana’s professional healthcare sector 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,” he stated.
Ghana l Atinkaonlinem.com l Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori