For Amir Macalunas, a registered nurse from the Philippines, helping others has always been second nature. From his early years observing hospital visits with family to working as a rural outreach nurse in the mountains, Amir’s passion for care set him on a path that would take him from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia, where her worked for 10 years, and now, hopefully, all the way to the United States.
After passing the NCLEX, Amir recently passed the OET Test on his first attempt — a critical step in his goal of securing a nursing job in the USA.
“I want to inspire other nurses, especially those who aren’t confident in their English, not to be afraid. With the right preparation, you can pass the OET Test. Even in one go.”
Why nursing
Amir studied nursing at Western Mindanao State University and graduated in 2010.
“I wanted to care for my parents and grandparents and I liked the idea of helping people, of being someone they could turn to when they’re unwell.”
After qualifying, Amir first served in a government programme that sent nurses to underserved rural communities.
Facing limited job opportunities, he relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2014, where he spent the next decade working in two hospitals, steadily building his experience and growing in confidence within his role.
Setting his sights on the USA
Amir decided it was time to move forward. He passed his NCLEX in December 2024 and returned to the Philippines to prepare for his English test.
“I knew this would be the hardest part — not because I can’t speak English, but because it’s not my first language. I needed proper preparation.”
For nurses like Amir aiming to work in the United States and other English-speaking countries, the OET Test is a trusted choice recognised by healthcare regulators and employers around the world.
Choosing OET over IELTS and PTE
Amir’s peers took the OET Test, and that’s how he learned about it and set his mind on taking it. Apart from his friends’ recommendation, Amir was drawn to OET for one key reason: it’s profession specific.
“OET is in line with my profession. I know nursing and that helped me apply my knowledge. The speaking part felt natural. I just imagined talking to my patients like I always do.”
He appreciated that OET used real healthcare scenarios, rather than general or abstract topics.
“With IELTS, they can ask anything under the sun, and you need perfect grammar. That’s not realistic. With OET, I felt more confident.”
Focused preparation and a first-time pass
Knowing that his U.S. agency needed his OET results to begin visa paperwork, Amir wasted no time in getting started.
“I joined a one-on-one coaching program. It helped so much, especially in reading and speaking. They corrected my mistakes — guided me. I took every session seriously.”
It only took him one and a half months to prepare by, attending eight intensive coaching sessions while revising on his own daily.
His hard work paid off. Amir passed the OET Test on his first attempt.
Encouraging other international nurses
Amir now awaits final approval for his H-1B visa to work in the United States. He hopes his story can inspire other Filipino and international nurses, especially those who might doubt their English ability.
“To all the nurses like me, who feel shy or unsure: don't be afraid to try. Passing the OET Test is possible. It’s made for us.”
He’s not alone. Other Filipino nurses have also taken the OET Test to pursue international careers. Like Prince, who moved from the Philippines to work in the UK. For him, OET was “a ticket to new opportunities” and helped him build the communication skills needed to thrive in a cardiothoracic ICU. Read Prince’s story.
You have the skills. OET helps you prove them.