Spanish for the Health Professions
Health professionals are daily confronted by the challenges of serving a population with whom they have difficulty communicating. Over 37 million people in the United States speak Spanish as their native language and more than 16 million have limited English proficiency.
At Rutgers–Camden, we offer two distinct Spanish for Health Certificate programs designed to prepare students—both native English speakers and those with native or heritage Spanish language backgrounds—for effective communication in healthcare settings.
Undergraduate Certificate in Spanish for Health
This certificate program is open to all Rutgers undergraduate students currently enrolled in a degree program. It enhances students’ linguistic and cultural competency in medical contexts, equipping future professionals with the skills needed to serve Spanish-speaking populations more effectively.
Course Requirements:
Students must earn 18 credits. Download the sequence of courses for the Undergraduate Certificate in Spanish for Health here.
Graduate Certificate in Spanish for Health
This advanced certificate is designed for graduate students or professionals seeking to deepen their medical Spanish proficiency and cultural understanding in healthcare environments.
Course Requirements:
Students must earn 12 credits. Download the sequence of courses for the Graduate Certificate in Spanish for Health here.
Admission Requirements for the Graduate Certificate:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Two Professional References
These materials allow us to assess the applicant’s academic and professional background, motivation for pursuing the certificate, and potential contributions to the program.
Award-Winning Program
Clement A. Price Human Dignity Award – For the creation of the Spanish for Health Professions Curriculum and serving as the main curriculum designer
Chancellor’s Award for Community-Engaged Scholarship
Innovations in Professional Nursing Education Award – American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Chancellor’s Award for Community Engagement – Awarded to Eveling Hondros
Chancellor’s Award for Teaching – Awarded to Ana Laguna
Fulbright Foundation – Award-winning researcher, Ana Laguna
Global Medical Brigades – The Spanish for Health Professions participates in ongoing collaborations with the Global Medical Brigades
Undergraduate Certificate in Spanish for Health Goals
Learning outcomes of this training in the Spanish for Health Professions Certificate Program
- Students will acquire language proficiency at the intermediate to advanced levels or beyond as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and scored on the computerized Oral Proficiency Interview (OPIc).
- Students will be able to initiate and continue dialogue with Spanish speaking patients in a clinical setting by recording an accurate patient health history and responding to patient questions in the target language.
- Students will be able to communicate with Spanish speaking community members in health, social services and/or education settings through engaged civic learning courses.
- Students will complete a 40-hour Community Interpreter course and receive a nationally-recognized Certificate as a qualified Community Interpreter. [1]
- Students will understand the cultural idiosyncrasies that play a role in how Hispanic communities face health needs, initiatives, and/or crisis.
[1] Certificate is internal, open to all Rutgers University students.
Graduate Certificate in Spanish for Health Goals
Bridge the Language Gap – Elevate Patient Care
- 100% Online Certificate Program
- Designed for Working Professionals
- 12-credits – Start where you are
- Optional Certification as a Medical Community Interpreter – Earn an industry-recognized Medical Interpreter Certificate to expand career opportunities
Career and Professional Benefits
- Improve patient trust and communication –Gain the tools to foster deeper patient relationships and reduce medical misunderstandings
- Expand career prospects – Bilingualism in healthcare is a top skill sought in hospitals, medical schools, and public health sectors
- Enhance patient safety and clinical efficiency – Eliminate language barriers that lead to treatment delays and errors
- Stand out in competitive healthcare fields – Set yourself apart with high-demand skills that elevate your impact in medicine, social work, and global health
Why this Certificate?
Advance Patient Centered Care:
Effective communication improves patient adherence to treatment plans, reduces hospital readmissions, and enhances overall health outcomes.
Gain a Competitive Edge:
Bilingual medical professionals and culturally aware caregivers are increasingly sought after in hospitals, clinics, research institutes, and global health organizations.
Build Patient Trust/Reduce Misdiagnosis:
Miscommunication is a leading cause of diagnostic errors. Language and cultural understanding significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction.
Specialized Trainig with Real-World Application
The Certificate in Spanish for Health Professionals integrates language acquisition with real-world patient interactions, and real-world scenarios.
Contact us for more information or to apply
Carly Hart
Associate Instructor
cf510@camden.rutgers.edu