OET and the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPi) have officially partnered to support the professional development of Filipino nurses. This collaboration was launched during the Luzon Regional Management Seminar 2024 in Baguio City, with the shared aim of empowering nurses to meet the ever-evolving demands of the healthcare sector with confidence.
PHAPi is a national association that represents over 600 privately owned clinics, hospitals, and other health facilities across the Philippines. It works closely with key government agencies, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health (DOH), to navigate laws that impact private hospitals.
As the world's leading English language test designed for healthcare professionals, OET is proud to partner with PHAPi as their official healthcare English partner. Together, we plan to launch several initiatives, including free OET skills workshops focused on healthcare communication, as well as nurse recruitment and retention programs.
“The partnership with PHAPi is a fantastic opportunity for member hospitals to access high-quality training in healthcare communications," said Tom Keenan, OET's Regional Director for APAC. "With the growing reputation of the Philippines as a healthcare tourism destination, effective communication in healthcare has never been more critical. OET, as a specialised healthcare assessment, is uniquely positioned to enhance the communication skills of Filipino healthcare professionals. We look forward to a lasting and productive relationship with PHAPi.”
Through this collaboration, Filipino nurses will gain access to communication skills training tailored specifically to healthcare settings. OET will provide free preparation materials and access to its expert-developed language training and assessment programs.
Dr. Jose de Grano, President of PHAPi, expressed his optimism for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration between PHAPi and OET will help increase our nurses’ competence and boost their career growth. It will also help them become more adaptable to future challenges and provide them with a competitive edge, whether they choose to remain in the Philippines or pursue opportunities abroad.”
In addition to professional development, OET and PHAPi will focus on nurse retention by providing career growth opportunities and collaborating on campaigns to attract and engage non-practicing nurses.
“We are honoured to be entrusted by PHAPi to equip Filipino healthcare professionals with the resources they need to confidently deliver care without language barriers,” said Krizelle Kilicaslan, OET’s Regional Manager. “At OET, our mission is to transform language proficiency into a bridge for better healthcare, empowering nurses to communicate effectively in English no matter where they work.”
This groundbreaking partnership will position OET as PHAPi's healthcare English partner, elevating the global competence of Filipino nurses, ensuring they are workplace-ready, and ultimately raising the standards of patient care in the Philippines.