Learn more about the graduate certificate in Spanish for Health Professions.
About the Certificate
The online graduate certificate in Spanish for Health Professions prepares professionals in healthcare fields to engage in culturally sensitive, knowledgeable Spanish communication with the Latinx and Spanish-speaking community in healthcare settings. This exclusively online certificate offers maximum flexibility in recognition of the unique time and geographical constraints of the working professional. The coursework allows students to:
- hone and improve their oral, aural, reading and writing skills in Spanish;
- appreciate, recognize and comprehend the varieties of language used by the target population;
- engage in the practice of the techniques of interpretation and translation between Spanish and English; and
- learn to recognize their own linguistic capacities and how to harness them.
Cultural competency is developed as students examine the diversity of the Latinx population in the United States, discussing cultural norms, concerns and expectations around healthcare. Students also acquire an overview of the most prominent health issues in the community to enable them to engage with patients on these topics.
As the coursework is completed entirely in Spanish, both a theoretical and a practical grasp of the issues and the language are attained by completion of the certificate. Once completed, graduates are better able to meet the needs of a healthcare system that demands culturally competent, bilingual individuals be able to serve a diverse set of patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 years
Campus Location: Online, with virtual synchronous sessions held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The graduate certificate is completed on a part-time basis. Students may take one course per academic term. Courses are offered in seven-week sessions with two sessions in the Fall semester and two sessions in the Spring semester. NOTE: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program. Please contact the certificate program's administrator for more information.
Job Prospects: The certificate program is designed for those either working in the healthcare professions or with the background to do so. Completion of the certificate advances an employee’s professional training, adding value to their agency and their salary.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may take up to 9 credits of coursework before applying to the graduate certificate program.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Fall: Admission is rolling. Students may begin when SPAN 5601 is offered.
Submit your application at https://form.jotform.com/200635209925050.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree at Temple University with a GPA of 2.5 or better.
Statement of Goals: In 500 to 1,000 words, outline your interest in seeking the certificate in Spanish for Health Professions.
Resume: Current resume required.
Language Requirement: All applicants must demonstrate proficiency equivalent to completion of SPAN 1003 at Temple University through the placement exam, AP credits, previous coursework, or Spanish advising placement.
Certificate Requirements
Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 12
Required Courses:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPAN 5601 | Spanish for Health Professions 1 | 3 |
| SPAN 5602 | Advanced Medical Spanish 1 | 3 |
| SPAN 5603 | Latino Health Issues in the US | 3 |
| SPAN 5604 | Spanish/English Interpretation Techniques for Healthcare | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
- 1
If demand warrants, this course may be offered in the summer.
Healthcare professionals may elect to complete the certificate through this intensive one-year schedule:
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| SPAN 5601 | Spanish for Health Professions 1 | 3 |
| SPAN 5602 | Advanced Medical Spanish 2 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SPAN 5603 | Latino Health Issues in the US 3 | 3 |
| SPAN 5604 | Spanish/English Interpretation Techniques for Healthcare 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
- 1
SPAN 5601 is taken as a 7-week (7A) course that begins at the start of the regular Fall term.
- 2
SPAN 5602 is taken as a 7-week (7B) course that begins in the middle of the regular Fall term.
- 3
SPAN 5603 is taken as a 7-week (7A) course that begins at the start of the regular Spring term.
- 4
SPAN 5604 is taken as a 7-week (7B) course that begins in the middle of the regular Spring term.
GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum
Culminating Event: Students must successfully pass all four courses to earn the certificate. None of these courses can be applied toward a master’s or doctoral degree in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese.
Contacts
Certificate Program Web Address:
Admissions Information:
Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese
428 Mazur Hall
1114 W. Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6090
215-204-8285
Mailing Address for Application Materials:
Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese
428 Mazur Hall (022-34)
1114 W. Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6090