Spanish for Health Sciences Certificate
Speak the language of care. Build a career that stands out.
The Spanish for Health Sciences Certificate at Millsaps College is an undergraduate program designed for students who want to build practical Spanish language skills for healthcare settings. The certificate prepares students to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and communities while gaining real-world experience in community health and public health.
The Spanish for Health Sciences Certificate at Millsaps College is an undergraduate program that teaches students how to use Spanish in healthcare settings. Students learn medical Spanish vocabulary, develop cultural competency and gain hands-on experience through community-based projects and internships. The program prepares students for careers in healthcare and strengthens applications for medical, nursing, and graduate programs.
What Is the Spanish for Health Sciences Certificate?
The Spanish for Health Sciences Certificate is an academic program that combines:
- Spanish language instruction focused on healthcare
- Cultural understanding of Latino, Hispanic and Spanish-speaking (LHS+) communities
- Community-engaged learning and public health experience
- Internship or capstone opportunities in healthcare environments
The program is designed to help students apply Spanish in real healthcare situations, not just in the classroom.
Why Study Spanish for Health Sciences?
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the United States, and healthcare providers increasingly need strong communication skills to serve Spanish-speaking patients.
Students who complete this certificate gain:
- Practical Spanish communication skills for healthcare settings
- Experience working with diverse patient populations
- Understanding of how culture influences health behaviors and outcomes
- A competitive advantage for medical school, nursing programs and healthcare careers
Program Goals
- Equip students with practical Spanish communication skills for healthcare settings
- Provide experiential learning focused on real-world health factors affecting LHS+ communities
- Partner with community organizations to support meaningful health initiatives
- Develop models for community health literacy programs in Jackson and beyond
- Expand access to this type of training for future clinicians and community members
What You’ll Learn
Students who complete the certificate will be able to:
- Use medical vocabulary and terminology in Spanish at an intermediate level
- Understand how cultural values influence patient-provider interactions
- Participate in community-engaged healthcare experiences
- Evaluate factors that influence health outcomes in Spanish-speaking communities
- Demonstrate ethical awareness and professional responsibility
Who Should Enroll
This certificate is designed for students interested in healthcare careers. First-year students are encouraged to begin early, though students may enter at different levels based on prior Spanish experience.
Fields Include:
Biology • Medicine • Nursing • Dentistry • Veterinary Medicine • Public Health • Pharmacy • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Athletic Training • Counseling • Psychology • Social Work • Nutrition • Health Administration • EMS • Health Informatics
Curriculum and Course Requirements
Courses in the program include:
- SPHS 1000
- SPHS 1010
- SPHS 2000
- SPHS 2110
- SPHS 2851 (Internship: 1 credit)
- SPHS 2901 (Capstone: 1 credit)
Course Breakdown
SPHS 1000 & 1010: Intro to Spanish for Health Sciences
Foundational courses focused on grammar, vocabulary, health-related topics and culture.
SPHS 2000: Intermediate Spanish for Health Sciences
Intermediate course that reviews grammar, offers more in-depth specialized vocabulary and introduces cultural and historical background to understand contemporary health concerns in LHS+ communities. Emphasis on reading and writing.
SPHS 2110: Health Literacy in LHS+ Communities
Intermediate course focusing on conversation skills and cultural competency in contemporary settings. Students design and lead community workshops addressing real health needs and concerns. Students also learn how to work with an interpreter and begin to understand the challenges LHS+ communities face when navigating the healthcare system in the U.S. Review of specialized vocabulary and grammar.
SPHS 2851: Internship
Faculty supervised international or local practicum that offers in-person experience to assist in basic health-related tasks where students can apply their health literacy, cultural competency and develop community-based projects.
SPHS 2901: Capstone
Faculty mentorship and structured reflection on the internship and certification courses.
Flexible Entry Into the Program
- Begin at SPHS 1000 with no prior Spanish
- Transition from SPAN 1000 to SPHS 1010
- Transition from SPAN 1010 to SPHS 2000
- Students placed into higher levels may still need SPHS 2000 to complete the certificate
Internship and Capstone in Yucatán, Mexico
Students who complete coursework may participate in a health-related internship or capstone project in Yucatán, Mexico.
Students will:
- Apply Spanish in real healthcare settings
- Work directly with communities
- Participate in health education and outreach
- Gain international experience relevant to healthcare careers
Career and Academic Benefits
The certificate prepares students for:
- Medical school and healthcare graduate programs
- Careers requiring strong patient communication
- Work in diverse healthcare environments
- Community health and public health roles
Students gain an advantage through a combination of language skills, real-world experience and applied learning.
Common Questions About the Spanish for Health Sciences Certificate
What is a Spanish for Health Sciences Certificate?
A program that teaches students how to use Spanish in healthcare settings, including medical vocabulary, cultural competency and real-world experience.
Who should pursue this certificate?
Students pursuing healthcare careers such as medicine, nursing, public health, therapy and social work.
Do I need prior Spanish experience?
No. Students can begin at the introductory level or enter at a higher level but must take a placement test.
Does the program include hands-on experience?
Yes. Students complete community-based projects and may participate in an internship or capstone.
Is this only for pre-med students?
No. It supports a wide range of healthcare fields.
Can first-year students start?
Yes. Starting early is encouraged.
Start Your Application
Take the next step toward a career in healthcare with practical language skills, cultural understanding, and real-world experience.
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