The reality for many health care professionals is that Spanish is the first language of a large percentage of the population served. Today's medical professionals must adapt to meet the challenges that come with the growing demographic diversity in the health care population. These challenges are linguistic and cultural ar their roots. This often requires that health care providers learn to communicated clearly and effetively with patients and their relatives in a second language.

Miscommunication and misunderstanding of critical information can have a negative impact on every day patient care, including matters of life and death. The ability to speak basic Spanish reduces the need for providers to entlist the services of an interpreter for common everyday communication tasks and can assist health care professionals in providing culturally sensitive care.

A Certificate in Medical Spanish is available through the Boston College School of Nursing’s Continuing Education Program. The Certificate is awarded upon completion of:

• Conversational Medical Spanish I
• Conversational Medical Spanish II
• Conversational Medical Spanish III
• Conversational Medical Spanish Practicum

(Total contact hours: 63.0)

Conversational Medical Spanish I, II & III may be taken together for a $100 discount.

"A bilingual education is not only preferable in healthcare, but a necessity in my area. I can now strongly compete for the best job opportunities." — Samantha Unnela, NP

"I was able to transition and get a new job by taking all the Spanish courses - It was great preparation." — S. Haviland '96

Cancellation Policy

A full refund (less $50 administrative costs) will be provided if your request is received in writing four weeks prior to the start of the course.  No refunds can be made thereafter.  No shows will receive neither a refund nor transfer credit.