Spanish for Health Professions (Certificate)
Welcome to the Graduate Certificate in Spanish for Health Professions at Rutgers University–Camden. This innovative online program invites healthcare providers, public health professionals, and medical students to deepen their impact by building fluency in Spanish and strengthening cultural responsiveness. Designed with flexibility in mind, the certificate empowers those working across clinical, community, and global health settings to deliver more equitable care and connect meaningfully with Spanish-speaking populations.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Language barriers remain one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. With over 37 million native Spanish speakers in the U.S.—and more than 16 million with limited English proficiency—health professionals must be prepared to communicate clearly and deliver inclusive, culturally responsive care. This fully online, 12-credit graduate certificate equips students with the language skills and cultural fluency to better serve Spanish-speaking patients across a variety of clinical and public health settings.
Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible, asynchronous coursework rooted in real-world healthcare interactions. Participants may also pursue optional certification as a Medical Community Interpreter. Recognized for its excellence in teaching and community engagement, the program has received several prestigious awards:
Clement A. Price Human Dignity Award
AACN Innovations in Professional Nursing Education Award
Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching and Community Engagement
Recognition from the Fulbright Foundation
Graduates gain practical skills that foster trust, improve patient outcomes, and open new career pathways in hospitals, clinics, and global health initiatives—while helping to close critical gaps in access and understanding.
Program Overview
DETAIL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| DEGREE | Graduate Certificate |
| CREDITS | 12 credits |
| FORMAT | Full-time or part-time, online |
| DURATION | 2-4 semesters |
Online Information Session
Course Requirements
To earn the certificate, complete 12 credits drawn from the following course categories (Download the sequence of courses).:
CONTENT COURSES
Choose two (6 credits)
Spanish Proficiency for the Health Professions (3 credits)
Health and Wellness in Latinx Communities (3 credits)
Humanism in Healthcare (3 credits)
Cultural Literacy for Effective Healthcare Delivery (3 credits)
APPLICATION COURSES
Choose two (6 credits)
Improving Population Health (3 credits; taught in English and Spanish)
Field Experience in Latin America (3 credits)
Experiential Learning in Spanish for Health (3 credits)
Internship in Spanish for the Health Professions (3 credits)
Community Interpreter Accreditation (Span 637) – optional (3 credits)
Admissions Requirements
DETAIL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION | Two letters of recommendation |
| PERSONAL STATEMENT | A letter of interest/purpose |
| COVER LETTER & CURRICULUM VITAE | A curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter should be included if one’s work experience is relevant to the application |
Application Deadlines
Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints.
Fall
AUG 1
Spring
DEC 15
Summer
Not Offered
Reach Out to Us
Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus, tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.
PROGRAM CONTACT
Dr. Ana Laguna
Graduate Director
alaguna@camden.rutgers.edu
(856) 225-7042
Eveling Hondoros
Coordinator
emh160@camden.rutgers.edu
(856) 225-7042
GRADUATE SCHOOL CONTACT
Erick E. Watt-Udogu
Assistant Dean, Graduate School-Camden
erick.watt.udogu@camden.rutgers.edu
(856) 225-6149
Take the Next Step.
We invite you to explore the boundless opportunities that await you here, where a world-class faculty, diverse community, and innovative curriculum converge to nurture your intellect and foster your professional growth. Your future starts with a simple yet significant act – learning more about the exceptional programs we offer. So, why wait? Start your application journey with us, and together, we’ll unlock a future filled with possibilities and endless success.