Penn State Berks has added a new certificate program in Spanish for Healthcare this fall. The program is offered in response to community needs. It will benefit students who want to enhance their Spanish speaking, reading, writing and translating skills in various health care and human services fields. It is currently open to degree-seeking students and plans are underway to offer the certificate to nondegree seeking members of the community.

This certificate program in Spanish for health care will complement Penn State Berks' Spanish minor, several other existing baccalaureate degrees throughout Penn State, and continuing education programs. The four-course certificate program may be started and/or completed at Penn State Berks or any other Penn State location offering these courses. It can also be completed in conjunction with a major or minor in Spanish. 

Students who complete the program will have the knowledge and skills to communicate in Spanish in health care settings at an intermediate to advanced level (depending on each student's background) and translate basic (nonspecialized) documents accurately; employ knowledge of specialized health care terminology and services relevant to their particular fields; and recognize cultural practice, apply cultural knowledge, and practice cultural humility in health care settings, while considering regional differences in Hispanic cultures and cultural identity. 

This certificate is a useful credential for the job market, and the skills are relevant to several professional futures. This certificate complements many degrees offered by Penn State Berks, including the associate degree in occupational therapy, and baccalaureate degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, global studies, kinesiology, psychology, rehabilitation and human services, and science. 

For more information, contact Maria Fellie at mcf46@psu.edu or see the University’s Undergraduate Bulletin.