Overview
Rubén L. Gómez (Modern Languages and Cultures), Program Director
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, and psychology, as well as sociology.
The minor (20 credits) includes intermediate Spanish language training, Latino cultural practice, specialized health-related vocabulary, and community health issues, culminating in a community health internship experience in a Spanish-speaking health-related facility. The minor program includes all courses outlined below.
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.
Course substitutes for study abroad or more advanced Spanish coursework are possible. 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 (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. Internship projects will serve public health education.