Graduate Certificate Spanish Language for Medical Professionals

Conducted entirely in Spanish, this 7-week, online, asynchronous course is the first of two courses leading to the Graduate Certificate in Spanish Language for Medical Professionals Certificate. Designed for students with post-intermediate knowledge of Spanish, this program is ideal for working healthcare professionals including doctors, emergency medical technicians, emergency responders, hospital administrators, medical assistants, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, physician assistants, dentists, social workers and more. Students review grammatical structures needed to interact effectively with patients, acquire intercultural awareness and learn essential medical and technical terminology while engaging in the rigorous practice of reading, writing, speaking and listening. All course work is completed with the goal of providing better health care for Spanish-speaking patients as the need for healthcare professionals with the ability to interview patients, record medical histories, discuss diagnoses, prognoses, treatments and more in a culturally sensitive way continues to increase.

Course curriculum encompasses modules including parts of the body, vital signs, symptoms, physical examinations, testing, treatments, pre-operatory authorization and risk assessment, medications, urgent and emergency care, pharmacology, cardiology, skeletal and muscular, physical fitness, wellness, physical therapy and diabetes.

Project: “False Fluency” of Medical Interpreters: Consequences and Patients' safety

Recent studies reveal the existence of serious problems attributable to the lack of quality medical-health interpreting services. There is a misperception of bilingualism, considering that anyone who is bilingual or claims to have the ability to communicate in two or more languages can be a medical interpreter. Based on this information, students will complete a project from the perspective of healthcare professionals that involves applied research, speaking and writing; students should interview healthcare professionals about the quality of interpretation services available in Spanish for them to interact effectively with patients and any other related issues and problems they encounter. This project offers a unique opportunity to investigate and analyze existing problems and pitfalls in the field of medical interpretation and intercultural understanding.

Conducted entirely in Spanish, this 7-week, online, asynchronous course is the continuation of SP 510 that targets a wide variety of current and future healthcare professionals who understand the urgent need to learn medical Spanish and seek to provide inclusive and quality care to Spanish-speaking patients.

Course curriculum encompasses modules including parts of the mouth, the production of sounds and regional variations, speech and communication disorders, the brain, personality, behavior, mental health and Hispanics in the U.S., vaccines, contagious illnesses, teenage pregnancy, the role of social workers, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, nutrition, abuse and risks associated with alcohol and smoking.

Project: “Integration with Hispanic Community”

To complete this project, students will engage in applied (practical) research, speaking and writing in particular areas of interest. This project aims to interview Hispanic patients for providers to become more informed about the Spanish-speaking community where they live and/or work to identify: a.) available services in Spanish, b.) possible lacunas in services and c.) whether Hispanic needs are being addressed in culturally sensitive ways. Once you have identified a research focus, students will make arrangements for observations and appropriate permissions as needed. Some examples of sites could include Hispanic patients at clinics, doctors’ offices, urgent care facilities and/or Hispanic centers. Students will write about their research in the form of a journal and also include proof of observations/visitations. In addition, students will be expected to create a brief video about their experiences and findings that will be uploaded and shared with other students as a discussion board topic. 

1. Acquire Spanish medical terminology for use in healthcare settings.

2. Practice correct Spanish grammatical structures integrated with medical terminology for professional communication.

3. Practice effective interaction with patients and their families in Spanish through simulations and scenarios.

4. Acquire an understanding of Hispanic cultures and how cultural differences may impact interactions between patients and healthcare professionals.

5. Learn to communicate accurately and confidently in a culturally competent and empathetic manner with Hispanic patients.

6. Learn about social issues related to Hispanics and healthcare.

7. Develop speaking and listening skills for fluid and professional communication with patients and their families.

8. Practice effective interactions with patients and their families in Spanish through simulations and scenarios.

9. Acquire cultural competence and cultivate attitudes of respect with a deeper understanding of Hispanic healthcare beliefs, sensitivities, and needs that are important in interactions with Spanish-speaking patients.