Overview
Rubén L. Gómez (Modern Languages and Cultures), Program Director
David Baronov (Sociology), Dianne Cooney Miner (Nursing)
Minor
The departments of nursing, modern languages and cultures, and sociology have developed a sequential program to prepare students in the health professions for the realities of the workplace, which include a growing Spanish-speaking population. While the program closely parallels curricular sequences in the Department of Nursing by design, it serves all programs interested in various aspects of the health professions: biology, chemistry, mental health services, nursing, psychology, and sociology.
The minor (20 credits) includes elementary Spanish language training, Latino cultural practice, specialized health-related vocabulary, and community health issues, and it culminates in a community health internship experience in a Spanish-speaking health-related facility. The minor program includes all courses outlined below.
Note: For students starting at the LSPN 103 level (or equivalent), the minor can be completed with 16 credits. This requires a two-credit internship.
Certificate
The certificate program (15 credits) targets working individuals who seek employment or are currently employed in a health-care setting. It does not include the internship component, as participants may apply their learning in their immediate work environment. Many area health-care institutions currently offer a tuition assistance program to their employees. Certificate applicants must take the Spanish language courses at Fisher or receive the permission of the program director.
Program Models
- A two-year model for those requiring beginning Spanish.
- A one-year model for those with beginning Spanish skills.
All courses may be completed in evening classes.
Course substitutes for foreign study or more advanced Spanish coursework are possible, particularly the short summer immersion program: Fisher in Mexico. Permission of the supervising committee is required.
Nursing majors will receive clinical placements at Spanish/bilingual facilities in the Rochester area during their junior and senior years. These placements provide two years of experience in cross-cultural and linguistic communication. The capstone project in LSPN 490 offers experiential service/learning to the student in an environment where Spanish is the dominant language, while the student shares vital health information with Spanish-speaking members of the community. The internship projects will serve public health education.