How to Learn Medical Spanish with Free Lessons, Courses, & Immersion Trips for Healthcare Professionals
Why learn medical Spanish?
Because it makes a huge difference in the lives of your Spanish speaking patients when you can connect with them in their language (even if you only know basic medical Spanish phrases).
You can physically see signs of relief when you use medical Spanish with patients to establish a positive rapport and understand their situation.
You have more confidence and insight on patient conversations when using interpreters because you know basic medical Spanish & common medical Spanish phrases for your most common patient scenarios you need to communicate.
Many health care jobs prefer candidates with some level of bilingualism, and most health care students’ schools don’t have space in their schedules to take medical Spanish courses.
Our Spanish classes and immersion programs are laser focused, relevant, engaging and fun! Since 2001 we’ve been providing Spanish language services that help Spanish-only patients connect with their healthcare providers.
Sign up here to join our next session!
Our perspective on learning & teaching medical Spanish:
We all know that patient outcomes improve when patients receive care in their primary language. Most healthcare professionals have access to medical interpreters for patients who struggle with English, but nothing strengthens rapport and improves health outcomes more than understanding and communicating clearly with your patients directly.
Students and professionals – register for medical Spanish terminology classes that teach you how to speak Spanish more comfortably, confidently & responsibly in the healthcare setting. You will likely still need a medical interpreter for many situations with your Spanish only patients – but your patients will be relieved and thank you profusely for speaking Spanish to them.
Here is how we run our courses:
▪ We take a functional proficiency approach, which means that we focus first on the most necessary vocabulary and grammar for your work with patients. We won’t focus on vocabulary that is unrelated to everyday medical/clinical scenarios, nor will we bore you with fancy grammar – you need the essentials, and that’s what functional proficiency is all about.
▪ In most cases, the necessary medical Spanish skill is the ability to communicate orally with your patients. All of our classes focus on accurate oral communication in Spanish, we don’t focus on perfect reading and writing competencies.
â–ª Culture and language are inseparable. You must understand and be able to communicate across cultures in order to work effectively in another language.
â–ª Our courses are instructor-led, providing personalized learning experiences tailored to each participant’s needs. Our instructors are graduates from reputable universities or linguistic experts in the field, ensuring that each participant receives the best possible training to enhance their ability to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking patients.
Benefits of Learning Medical Spanish
Learning medical Spanish has numerous benefits for healthcare professionals, including improved communication with Spanish-speaking patients, increased cultural competence, and enhanced career opportunities. By taking Spanish classes, healthcare professionals can develop their Spanish language skills, leading to better patient care and increased patient satisfaction. Medical Spanish skills are essential for healthcare professionals working in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking patients, such as Texas and California. Additionally, learning medical Spanish can help healthcare professionals to better understand the cultural nuances of Spanish-speaking patients, leading to more effective care.
Language and Culture
Language and culture are intricately linked, and understanding the cultural context of Spanish-speaking patients is essential for effective communication. Our Medical Spanish courses include instruction on cultural competence, including the customs, traditions, and values of Spanish-speaking communities. By learning about the cultural context of Spanish-speaking patients, healthcare professionals can develop a deeper understanding of their needs and provide more effective care. Furthermore, our language classes include instruction on regional dialects and variations in medical vocabulary to ensure that healthcare professionals can communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds.
What is the best way for healthcare professionals to learn medical Spanish?
See the full post and get the video notes here
HELPFUL TIPS FOR LEARNING MEDICAL SPANISH VOCABULARY
When you’re in the DIY language learning mode-a few tips will really help you. Here are some pointers that we like to share with our Medical Spanish students:
Study vocabulary in BOTH DIRECTIONS:
When you study Spanish -> English you’re working on your comprehension, you test your expression when you studying English -> Spanish
Separate your flashcards into 2 PILES
Focus on your “still working” pile until they all move over to the “got it” pile.
FREQUENCY is better than intensity
Cramming is no bueno. Work at this terminology little by little over time. 15 min/day is better than longer stretches randomly.
Say the terms out LOUD
If you want these to roll off your tongue some day, you have to practice saying them out loud!
Study with a BUDDY
It’s always more fun to learn with friends!
Free medical Spanish lessons, we hope you enjoy them! Some months we’ll publish free Spanish lessons every week. However, other months when we’re on medical Spanish immersion, we publish less content. Enjoy, and additionally, don’t forget to share with your colleagues!
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Free Medical Spanish Lessons & Terminology Downloads
Our goal is to help you improve your Spanish for free, so please use and share these free tools to learn Spanish terminology. These video lessons and downloads are completely free, so get yours today and share this page with your colleagues & coworkers who want free Spanish terminology as well! These resources are suitable for beginners and intermediate learners, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the immersive experience and tailored learning.
Free Weekly Spanish Lessons for Healthcare Professionals!
Sign up here to get Video Viernes Lessons – These weekly lessons are suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.
Products, Courses & Services to learn Medica
The best resources to Learn Medical Spanish!
Learning medical Spanish can be a game-changer for healthcare professionals. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, or medical student, being able to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients can significantly improve patient care and outcomes. There are various products, courses, and services available to help you learn medical Spanish effectively. These resources are suitable for beginners and intermediate learners, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the tailored learning experience.
FREE Medical Spanish LESSONS
Common Ground is dedicated to the responsible use of medical Spanish. Learn the most relevant grammar and vocabulary for your clinical and patient situations in these FREE medical Spanish lessons! These lessons are suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.
ONLINE Spanish for Healthcare COURSES
Healthcare students and professionals register for our medical Spanish terminology classes that teach you how to learn medical terminology in a foreign language, enabling you to speak Spanish more comfortably, confidently & responsibly in the healthcare setting. Learning medical terminology in a foreign language is crucial for understanding and communicating effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds. You will likely still need a medical interpreter – but your patients will be relieved and thank you profusely for speaking to them in Spanish. Our online courses are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners, ensuring a tailored learning experience for all proficiency levels.
UNIVERSITY ELECTIVE COURSES
We are leaders in the field of healthcare-specific Spanish language training for students. Our mission — Impact Communities Through Language — has driven us to develop and deliver healthcare Spanish courses for those that work with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients.
Since 2001 our medical Spanish elective courses have helped healthcare students speak responsible Spanish with their patients. Integrate Spanish for healthcare into your curriculum and make a direct impact on the lives of individuals who are marginalized and underserved in our communities. Our university elective courses are suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.
IMMERSION TRIPS
Immersion is the best way to learn! Our Spanish immersion programs are open to healthcare workers and students of all Spanish levels! Immersion trips currently run 2 times a year in Central and South America. Our focus is on language proficiency development while we deliver community and public health outreach to local communities in need. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about another country’s medical system through cultural immersion, site visits, and clinical observations. Additionally, our programs emphasize service learning, allowing students to engage in hands-on experiences that enhance their education and understanding of different healthcare systems. Our immersion trips are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners, ensuring a tailored learning experience for all proficiency levels.
We help you gain proficiency in Spanish so that you can give back to local communities in need. Our program is approved for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits by recognized organizations, ensuring its legitimacy and value for ongoing professional development.
MEDICAL SPANISH CERTIFICATION
This bilingual certification for healthcare reduces costs and improves the quality of care that Spanish-only patients receive. This is an advanced level certification because it blends Spanish fluidity and accuracy with cultural savvy and assesses your ability to do your job in Spanish. This is a certification for clinical staff, not administrative staff.
MEDICAL SPANISH BOOKS
The best medical Spanish books and study resources for anyone in healthcare looking to learn medical Spanish. We have curated a list of resources that we approve of and believe are useful to you.
Furthermore, our books help you in your endeavor to learn more Spanish for your clinical work with patients.
Medical Spanish Immersion Trips to Ecuador and Costa Rica
Custom designed Spanish immersion for healthcare professionals and students to maximize your learning, with a focus on the cultural significance of healthcare practices in Latin America. These immersion trips are suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners, ensuring a tailored and inclusive learning experience.
Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Rotation
1-2 weeks in length
Medical Spanish Immersion Rotation in Ecuador & Costa Rica
2–6 weeks in length
Costa Rica Medical Spanish Immersion Rotation
1–6 weeks in length
Learn Medical Spanish With Us Online
Medical Spanish Crash Course
How to use Por and Para in Medical Conversations
How to use Direct and Indirect Objects in Medical Spanish Conversations
Patient Introductions and Rapport Building in Spanish
Medical Spanish Pronunciation
Medical Spanish: Intermediate Listening Comprehension
Using Ser & Estar in Medical Spanish Conversations: Online Course
Using Present Tense in Medical Spanish: Online Course
Using Past Tenses in Medical Spanish: Online Course
Complete Guide to Taking a Medical History in Spanish
Beginning MMS: Beginning Medical Spanish Course Online
Intermediate MMS: Intermediate Medical Spanish Course Online
Advanced MMS: Advanced Medical Spanish Course Online
MSI: Medical Spanish Interpreter Training Course
Beginning Spanish for Pharmacists
Intermediate Spanish for Pharmacists
Prepare for 1:1 Online Medical Spanish Classes
Teaching Methods
Effective teaching methods are crucial for learning medical Spanish. Medical Spanish courses should include a combination of instruction on grammar, vocabulary, and medical terminology, as well as opportunities for practice speaking and listening. Language classes should be taught by experienced instructors who are fluent in Spanish and have a strong understanding of medical terminology. Additionally, courses should include interactive elements, such as role-plays and group discussions, to help healthcare professionals develop their communication skills. Online courses can be a convenient and flexible option for healthcare professionals, with many courses offering a free demo or access to lessons on a variety of topics, including medical vocabulary and grammar.
Staying Proficient
Staying proficient in medical Spanish requires ongoing practice and education. Healthcare professionals can participate in continuing education courses, attend language classes, or practice speaking with native Spanish speakers to maintain their language skills. By staying proficient in medical Spanish, healthcare professionals can continue to provide high-quality care to Spanish-speaking patients and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in medical terminology and cultural competence.
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Hi All,
I love your website. I am trying to set up a medical Spanish recognition for our undergraduate and graduate nursing students. When do you plan to have your certification option available? Will you offer institutional rates?
Thanks,
Kristen
Hi Kristen, thanks for the note! The content of the certification is ready. We’re working on a few technical things at the moment. Yes institutional rates are certainly available. I’ll send you an email and we can hopefully set up a call to chat next week. Cheers,
I’d love to know more about your medical mission trips as I have brought teams of nurses and nursing students on 14 different trips in the past 14 years. My organization is bridgesforhealth and seems to align with yours. Please let me know when you may be available to talk about me bringing a team to one of your locations in 2024.
Hi Tracey, sure we’d love to chat. I’ll email you and we can schedule a call for next week after I’ve returned from our current program.
Hi! I’ve been following you all for years and it’s amazing to see everything you do for the community! I live in the Denver area and I am a nurse with intermediate conversational Spanish proficiency. I work from home currently and already have long days online in front of screens. Do you or will there ever be any in person language immersion or group offerings locally? I’d absolutely love to do an immersion trip in the future (it’s been on my bucket list all these years) but I am unable to take the time off work or afford it at this time. Thanks for the info and for all you do!
Hi Candace, thanks for reaching out and for being a long time member of our medical Spanish community! We haven’t gone back to local in-person courses and meetings since the pandemic, all of our in-person opportunities are now on Spanish Immersion: https://commongroundinternational.com/spanish-immersion/ We’ll certainly keep you posted if anything changes. Cheers,
do you provide CME credits for doctors who take your med Spanish course?
Yes Mark, CME credit is offered for our MMS series of courses and for our medical Spanish immersion trips.
Hi. I’m a nurse practitioner with a prior degree in Spanish. I also spent 9months in Spain as an exchange student in college. However, college was a long time ago and I’ve gotten a bit rusty. I’m wondering which class you would recommend since I’m not a beginner. I have $1,500 in continuing medical education money from the hospital I work at, so I would need to be able to get credit for the course I take.
Hi Jennifer, the best place to start with a recommendation based on your current knowledge is to take this medical Spanish placement test. That will give us an idea of your current skills and we’ll be able to suggest the best place to start! Cheers,
Hello, hola!
I recently found your Spanish for Mental health professionals series online! It was sooooo very helpful. I would like to make a donation to you please. Unfortunately I can’t give very much, but if/when I have more I will send. I am just so grateful to have found the video and so very appreciative that you offered it as a free resource. I’m a bilingual social worker and therapist, but sometimes I struggle to choose the right language when I’m doing an intake with a client. This video tightened all that right up for me! Also sometimes after work I’m too tired to read, so it helps that I can pop in my headphones and listen and refresh. Thank you SO very much!!!!
Such a nice note Colista! You’re very welcome. Did you know we’re running a free 10-day Medical Spanish Masterclass next month? We’d love to have you join if that would be interesting to you. Here is the link to get registered: https://commongroundinternational.com/medical-spanish/healthcare-spanish-masterclass/ Instead of a donation, how about just sharing the masterclass info to your colleagues and coworkers? It would be great to have a bigger impact in your community. Hope to see you online! Cheers,
Hi,
I am the author of the longest-running English/Spanish medical dictionary and have recently created an app for it. I am writing to see if you or your staff or students would be interested in beta testing the app.
Compared to Google Translate, my app is more accurate and helpful, and while it can’t translate entire sentences, it does translate multi-word terms, such as “skilled nursing facility,” “against medical advice,” and “vaccine hesitancy.” It includes any medically-related term likely to occur in a conversation between a health professional and a patient and has an extensive sample dialogue section.
Being a beta tester involves no obligation and requires no effort beyond what the user feels like putting into it. If users find errors or have suggestions, the app has a convenient “give feedback” button that will email me and the developer directly. A temporary (beta) version of the app can be downloaded at the following links:
iPhone: https://testflight.apple.com/join/Yf4Y08wW
android: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.rogers_dictionary.
Feel free to contact me with comments or questions. I would enjoy hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Glenn Rogers, MD
(707)354-3950
Hey Glenn, thanks for posting here! I like your dictionary, have sold it in our online store for years, and I’m glad to see you’ve put it into an app! I’ll be glad to share with our community. In fact, if you want to join our Learning Medical Spanish Facebook group, you can drop the Apple test flight and Google testing links in there too.
Cheers, Rory
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