NEAC Launches MedTalk with Melissa Avila — Unique English Program for NCLEX Success and U.S. Workplace Readiness

By Lysa Balboa

NEAC, a global leader in NCLEX processing and medical licensure support, has launched MedTalk- a first-of-its kind program in partnership with Medical English expert- Melissa Avila- a Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Science of Nursing (graduated with honors) at the University Pennsylvania, that will surely boost your NCLEX success and nursing career abroad.  

Announced at the MedTalk Live Webinar on September 24, 2025, MedTalk is a unique English program designed to improve internationally-trained nurses’ proficiency in Medical English—bridging the gap between academic English and the colloquial, context-rich language used in American hospitals—to enhance performance on licensing exams (notably the NCLEX) and readiness for clinical practice abroad. The collaboration pairs NEAC’s licensure expertise with Avila’s clinical and instructional experience as a U.S.-trained Nurse Practitioner and nurse educator. 

The webinar drew over 400 live attendees from Canada, parts of the United States, the Middle East, Africa, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Systems Plus College Foundation faculty — multilingual language facilitator Marcelina “Celine” Guerra and nurse educator USRN Rose Ann Celis-Sotto — co-hosted the event and joined nursing students in attendance.

In opening remarks, NEAC Founder and CEO Dr. Elbe Akman positioned MedTalk as a practical complement to conventional NCLEX review courses, reinforcing NEAC’s commitment to improving nurses’ licensure outcomes and international mobility. In her keynote, Melissa Avila outlined her teaching approach and stressed that targeted Medical English instruction not only improves comprehension of NCLEX items but also reduces clinical miscommunication and increases employability in U.S. healthcare settings.

What makes the curriculum exceptional is its authenticity—developed over more than five years of working closely with international nurses, observing their struggles firsthand, studying cultural sensitivities of patients and colleagues, and compiling the most common mistakes they face in clinical communication. 

Melissa gave real-world examples of misinterpreted terms and idioms, provided a concise mini-training on commonly confused expressions, and concluded with an interactive Q&A where participants raised questions about exam strategies, language barriers, and adapting to U.S. clinical practice. 

MedTalk in collaboration with Medical English expert-Melissa Avila, is designed to bridge theory and practice: by equipping candidates with the specific language used at the bedside, the program aims to boost NCLEX pass rates, lower communication-related risks in patient care, and make nurses more competitive and preferable hires for American employers. 

For program details and pre-enrollment information, visit NEAC’s official website.

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Lysa Balboa

NEAC’s Licensing Supervisor, bringing 9 years of expertise in international medical licensing. As a specialist in NCLEX, License Endorsement, and Visa Screen processing, she has helped thousands of healthcare professionals obtain international licensure. Known for her dedication and in-depth knowledge of licensing regulations, Lysa ensures a smooth and hassle-free application process, guiding applicants at every step. She has also played a key role in major initiatives at NEAC, including co-founding the Processing Department. Her commitment to excellence has established her as a trusted expert in the field.

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