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What is Spanish for Healthcare Professionals?

The Spanish for Healthcare Professionals course at ILI is a specialized program aimed at healthcare workers seeking to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and colleagues. Focusing on practical communication strategies rather than medical terminology, participants learn to foster rapport, ensure clarity, and create a comfortable environment for patients during interactions.

Spanish of Healthcare at ILI – how it works (so well!)

In addition to prioritizing effective communication over medical terminology, the Spanish for Healthcare Professionals course at ILI also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence. Participants gain insights into the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of Spanish-speaking patients, enabling them to tailor their approach and care delivery accordingly.

By understanding cultural nuances, healthcare workers can build stronger connections with patients, leading to increased satisfaction, improved treatment adherence, and better health outcomes. This cultural sensitivity not only enhances patient-provider relationships but also fosters a more inclusive and respectful healthcare environment for all individuals, regardless of their linguistic or cultural backgrounds.

Where do I start?

If you’re just starting to learn Spanish, there are several options available. You can join a regular beginner Spanish group class at ILI in-person or online to establish the foundational skills necessary to progress to more specialized communication training. Alternatively, you may opt for one-on-one private tutorial classes to focus on specific areas you’d like to practice, or combine both approaches, as some healthcare professionals that take classes with us do. Additionally, ILI offers a Workplace Training Program, which can be customized to the needs of your employer and your team. Moreover, you or your employer might qualify for the Workforce Training Fund through the State of Massachusetts, providing further financial support for professional development initiatives like language training.

Benefits of Spanish for Healthcare at ILI

There are some clear advantages of learning Spanish for Healthcare with us:

  • Improve patient communication, satisfaction and trust.
  • Provide more culturally sensitive care and build stronger connections with patients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Address patient concerns in Spanish, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
  • Expand your skill set and marketability by demonstrating proficiency in Spanish.
  • Foster better collaboration and teamwork with Spanish-speaking colleagues.

Spanish for Healthcare Course Options

Private Spanish Lessons

Teacher writing on newsprint with student looking on.

Our Private Spanish lessons allow you to shape your learning around your busy life. You choose the times, days and topics – we’ll do the rest!

Spanish for the Workplace

Four people talking.

Our corporate Spanish training programs come in ten-week blocks at all levels, or we can build a workplace Spanish program just for you.

Our Spanish Teachers

Samira Artur teaches an Elementary Spanish class at the International Language Institute.

Our Spanish teachers are professionals with Master’s Degrees or TESOL certificates and a minimum of one year teaching experience in creative and student-centered teaching.

ILI has been teaching languages and training teachers since 1984, bringing students the best learning experiences.

“Private lessons has carried my ability to speak and understand Spanish to new heights. The instructor is very much aware to how fast or slow I can advance at any given point and tailor the instruction accordingly. “

Batya Cohen MD learned Spanish in ILI’s in-person group classes as well as private classes.

Check Your Spanish Level

Unsure of the level you are at in the language you want to learn? Don’t worry, we are here to help.

Ask Samira for an assessment in the language you are interested in. She will arrange an appropriate instructor to assess you in a 10-15-minute conversation, and then when you register for a course, we can place you in the class that will be best for you.

If you are a zero-level beginner, you’ll start in our Level 1 class, so need for an assessment.

Or if you are unsure about anything…

Got a Question?

See if our frequently asked questions answer what’s on your mind…

Selected FAQs

Yes you can. We recommend a minimum of 10 hours of private language lessons because as that allows your teacher to plan your learning trajectory and help you achieve the best progress.

We do not allow this as we have found that it is disruptive to the class as they build a trusting community that enables students to take risks in learning. It’s also difficult for teachers to have students come and go.

It is possible that your company may qualify for the Workforce Training Fund. Click here for more information.

There is no simple answer to this question. There are many factors that can both help and hinder a student’s learning. However, students will be able to start speaking immediately in the target language with appropriate grammar and vocabulary to match the level of class they are in. Read more

Our students in the World Language Program tend to be aged anywhere between 17 and 88 years old.

Yes, we are happy to help you to enroll in the class that’s best for your level. Assessment are painless and are done via phone and take about 10-15 minutes. Simply fill out the assessment request form and we will be in touch shortly.

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What to do next

  1. Explore our Spanish program options and choose the one that suits you best
  2. Get a language level assessment if you need to
  3. Register for your chosen course!

Advice on Learning Spanish From our Blog

The ILI Promise

At ILI, we believe that all our actions should stem from grace and loving kindness.

Portrait of Caroline Gear - Executive Director
  • We operate as an equal opportunity organization.
  • We nurture relationships beyond the classroom.
  • We are committed to providing the highest quality language instruction and teacher training.
  • We promote intercultural understanding and celebrate the diversity in our local communities.
  • We work collaboratively to build and sustain the communities we serve.
  • We believe in life-changing teaching and learning.