OSCE Mastery - 25 Checklists and One-Page Templates for Acing Stations | MedicalNotes.in
OSCE Mastery - 25 Checklists and One-Page Templates for Acing Stations
Station scripts, examiner expectations, marking tips and printable checklists you can use in timed mocks, ward revision, and the exam.
Download first - use during practice
Download and print the PDF before you start drills. Fold into a pocket card and use it during timed practice to build muscle memory and the right phrases to say in each station.
This guide is exam-focused and ward-friendly. It is not a replacement for local clinical policies. Use the PDF for quick checklists during mocks and wards.
How to use the PDF - three fast workflows
Use the checklist as your rehearsal script. Pick one workflow for each study session and repeat it until your timings and phrases are smooth.
- Micro-practice - 6 minutes per station. Use the checklist to hit all essential items in order. Mark yourself out of 10.
- Mock circuits - rotate through 6 to 8 stations, record each run, then review the checklist to give targeted feedback.
- Ward pocket - fold the single-page checklist into a pocket card. Review on the way to rounds for high-yield lines to say during real encounters.
12+ common OSCE stations - scripts, examiner expectations and marking tips
Below are condensed station scripts. Use the PDF for printable checklists and to run full timed sessions.
1. Respiratory examination - 6 minute script
- Intro and consent - "Hello, I am Irfan. I will examine your chest. Is that okay?" (1 mark)
- Inspection - symmetry, scars, respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles (2 marks)
- Palpation - chest expansion, tactile fremitus (1 mark)
- Percussion - systematic zones, compare sides (2 marks)
- Auscultation - note breath sounds and added sounds with exact location (3 marks)
- Summary and next step - give one immediate management plan, eg, chest x-ray and antibiotics if consolidation suspected (1 mark)
Examiner tip - name the sign then act on it. If you say "dullness at right base" add the immediate next test or action.
2. Short history - acute abdominal pain (5 minutes)
- Opening and ICE - ask about ideas, concerns, expectations (1)
- HOPC - onset, location, radiation, severity, vomiting, bowel habits (2)
- Red flags - peritonitis, high fever, shock signs (1)
- Focused systems and plan - mention imaging and analgesia plan (1)
3. Cardiovascular exam - focused 6 mins
- Check JVP briefly, palpate apex, listen for murmurs with maneuvers if time allows (3)
- State one likely diagnosis and immediate plan, eg, ECG then cardiology referral (2)
4. Communication station - consent or breaking bad news
- Use simple structure - set up, check understanding, give information, check response, summarise (5)
- Prioritise clarity, silence for patient response, and safety planning (2)
5. Neurology - rapid localization
- Power, tone, reflexes, sensation - be brief and clear with numbers and sides (3)
- Give one localisation and next imaging step (2)
6. Practical skills - IV cannulation / suturing
- Patient ID and consent, hand hygiene (1)
- Equipment check and aseptic technique (3)
- Aftercare and documentation (1)
7. Paediatric assessment - growth and feeding
- Age appropriate language and safeguarding questions (2)
- One growth or feeding action and follow up plan (1)
8. Short viva - interpret this blood gas / ECG / x-ray
- Structured answer: immediate findings, cause, one management step (3)
9. Mental state exam - 5 minute screen
- Appearance, speech, mood, thought content, cognition - keep it concise (3)
10. Prescribing station - calculate and justify
- Confirm patient details and allergies, do dose calculation clearly, state monitoring (3)
11. ENT or head and neck - focused exam
- Inspection and focused cranial nerve screen when relevant, state one likely diagnosis (2)
12. Short procedure - catheter insertion or wound care
- Aseptic setup, safe technique, documentation and aftercare (4)
Quick hack - say the checklist item out loud as you complete it. Examiners like to hear the task, and it helps them mark you quickly.
Marking tips - what examiners actually tick
- Open, explain, perform, close - clean structure beats perfection in one or two steps.
- Safety first - hand hygiene, ID check, consent. Missing these loses marks fast.
- One clear plan - after findings, give one immediate next step and an investigation.
- Time management - practise with a strict timer. If you run out of time, state what you would have done next.
7 day OSCE micro-plan
- Days 1-2 - Learn checklists for 6 core stations. Memorise 3 lines to say for each.
- Days 3-4 - Run timed paired practice, swap examiner role and score each other with the checklist.
- Day 5 - Mock circuit with 6 stations back-to-back, record and review.
- Day 6 - Focus on weak stations and procedure practice.
- Day 7 - Light review, rest, rehearsal of opening and closing lines.
Pro tip - combine the OSCE checklist with the ECG Quick Guide and ABG Flowchart on practice days for rapid interpretation stations.
Common pitfalls and quick fixes
- Over talking and skipping steps - fix it by following the checklist order and using short phrases.
- Forgetting safety checks - begin every station with the ID and consent line.
- Poor time pacing - pre-assign times to sections during practice (eg, 60 seconds intro, 3 minutes exam, 90 seconds summary).
Related MedicalNotes resources
Use these quick PDFs together with the OSCE checklists during last-minute revision and wards.
Final pocket checklist - 6 lines to say every station
- "Hello, I am [name]. Can I confirm your name and date of birth?"
- "I will explain what I am going to do and then I will check your safety and comfort."
- "Do you have any allergies or current medications?"
- "I will examine now - please tell me if you feel pain."
- "My main findings are ... and my immediate plan is ..."
- "Do you have any questions - can I help arrange anything else?"