Burlington English, an English language education provider, has launched Burlington English for Nurses to enhance the communication proficiency of student nurses. Developed specifically for the healthcare sector, this programme has been designed with a view to elevate learners’ CEFR levels to B1, combining social and professional communication models to build real-world language competence. In response to the growing importance of communication prowess in clinical environments, the course equips learners with the confidence and clarity needed in both general and nursing-specific contexts.
The launch event at the Nursing Leadership Conclave in Kochi on May 20 was marked by an insightful panel discussion on “Bridging Education, Employability, and Excellence in Nursing,” which brought together renowned voices in healthcare education and workforce development.
The launch featured a panel moderated by Kalpesh Amin, Head of Teaching and Training at Burlington English, and included industry and academic leaders such as Amit Upadhyay, Regional Director – South Asia, OET; Dr. Elizabeth David, Director of Nursing and Organisational Excellence at Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi; Joseph Cherian, Country Head of Global Nurse Force; Prof. (Dr.) Roy K George, Director Academics at Baby Memorial Hospital and Principal of BMCN, Calicut; and Prof. (Dr.) Susan Jose, Principal of KIMS College of Nursing, Trivandrum. The event also featured a dedicated workshop titled “Advancing Nursing Employability Through Communication Excellence”, led by George John, Master Trainer at Burlington English, who introduced educators to evidence-based strategies for integrating language skills training into nursing curricula.
In his keynote address, Mr. Amit Baveja, Managing Director of Burlington English India & South Asia, underscored the programme’s relevance in today’s healthcare context. He stated, “In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, effective communication is not just a soft skill—it’s a life skill. After all, nurses are often the first point of contact for patients. They play a vital role in recording symptoms accurately and acting as a crucial bridge between patients and doctors. In such scenarios, clear and confident communication can make the difference between effective treatment and treatment that falls short.
However, our market research reveals that many of our future healthcare professionals are being held back not by lack of medical knowledge, but by language barriers. At Burlington English, we see this gap not just as a challenge but as a call to action. That’s why we’re proud to launch our one-of-a-kind programme—Burlington English for Nurses. Developed specifically for the healthcare sector, this programme elevates learners’ CEFR levels to B1, combining social and professional communication models to build real-world language competence.
Whether it’s engaging with patients and their families or collaborating within clinical teams, we aim to equip nurses with the language tools they need to succeed. By enabling this level of proficiency, we are not only opening doors to further opportunities, such as OET preparation, overseas employment and job opportunities at premium wage medical institutions but also contributing a more compassionate and more effective patient care. This conversation about language, empowerment, and professional growth is long overdue. And we’re proud to be at the forefront of it.”
According to a recent study, 38.9% of General Nursing and Midwifery students had poor English communication skills, 60.3% demonstrated only average ability, and just 0.7% were found to be proficient. These gaps—rooted in limited vocabulary, weak grammar, and lack of fluency—can severely hinder patient care, academic success, and access to global career opportunities.
