Undergraduate Certificate in Spanish for Health

Program Overview

The Spanish for Health Professions Certificate at Rutgers–Camden is designed for students seeking to enhance their Spanish language proficiency in healthcare contexts. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and communities, while gaining cultural literacy and practical experience in health-related settings.

Students must complete 18 credits to earn the certificate. The curriculum includes:

Core Courses (6–12 credits):

• Emergency Spanish (50:940:103)
• Spanish for the Health Professions I (50:940:127)
• Spanish for the Health Professions II (50:940:227)
• Spanish for the Health Professions III or Spanish Proficiency for the Health Professions (50:940:327 / 50:940:492)
• Health and Wellness in Latinx Communities (50:940:427)

Elective and Experiential Courses (minimum 3 credits):

• Learning Abroad Spanish
• Population Health in Cuba, Bolivia, or Guatemala (940:292 / 705:399)
• Experiential Learning in Spanish for Health
• Internship in Spanish for the Health Professions (50:940:391 / 447)
• Humanism in Healthcare (50:940:391 / 477)
• Cultural Literacy & Health Equity in Healthcare (50:940:492 / 467)

Required Course (3 credits):

• Community Interpreter: Medical Interpreter Certificate (50:940:437)

Students must be enrolled in a Rutgers degree program and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and in certificate courses. Certificate completion is verified during the BA degree review process.

Why Choose This Program?

• Cultural Competency: Develop language skills and cultural awareness essential for healthcare professionals.
• Experiential Learning: Opportunities for internships, study abroad, and fieldwork.
• Career Enhancement: Adds a valuable credential for students pursuing health-related careers.
• Flexible Curriculum: Combines classroom learning with real-world experience.

Career Opportunities

This certificate supports careers in:

• Clinical healthcare roles with Spanish-speaking populations
• Public health and community outreach
• Medical interpreting and translation
• Health education and advocacy
• Preparation for graduate studies in health or language fields

Bilingual healthcare professionals are increasingly in demand across clinical, administrative, and policy settings.