Healthcare Spanish Program
Pacific University offers coursework in the Spanish language specifically for healthcare providers, both at the graduate and undergraduate level. The courses are available for students in the Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Professional Psychology, Physician Assistant Studies and Masters of Healthcare Administration programs of the College of Health Professions. Information about the courses and requirements for enrollment in these courses is listed below.
“Meeting the healthcare needs of our diverse community is central to our mission and values. Spanish language competency and cultural sensitivity is built into the health care curriculum we teach at Pacific University. Our goal is to help our students become well-rounded health professionals who can treat the whole patient and the whole community.” President Lesley M. Hallick
Courses
Special Courses
CHP-503 Healthcare Spanish for International Travel (1 credit): This introductory course will develop the skills needed to understand and communicate in Spanish at a functional level within everyday healthcare practice. In addition, the course will help students gain basic cultural insights about Hispanic patients in preparation for travel. Content changes according to the country of destination and/or the program.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval
Click here to learn more: international
Beginner Courses
CHP-504 Healthcare Spanish I and II (2 credits): This accelerated course will develop the skills needed to understand and communicate in Spanish at a beginning level within the healthcare setting. In addition, the course will help students to gain valuable understanding of basic cultural issues related to Hispanic patients.
No prior Spanish knowledge is required for this class.
Intermediate Courses
CHP-601 Intermediate-Mid Healthcare Spanish I
(1 credit): This course will make a practical review of Spanish grammatical structures of relevance to the healthcare setting. Key vocabulary for the healthcare fields will also be introduced. In addition, the course will help students to gain valuable understanding of basic cultural issues related to Hispanic patients. The class will be taught in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval
CHP-602 Intermediate-Mid Healthcare Spanish II
(1 credit): This course will continue to make a practical review of Spanish grammatical structures of relevance to the healthcare setting. Key vocabulary for the healthcare fields will continue to be presented. In addition, the course will help students to gain valuable understanding of basic cultural issues related to Hispanic patients. The class will be taught in Spanish.
Prerequisite: CHP 601 or equivalent proficiency
CHP-603 Intermediate-Mid Healthcare Spanish III
(1 credit): This is the last course in the intermediate series. A practical review of Spanish grammatical structures and key vocabulary for the healthcare fields will continue to be presented. In addition, the course will help students to gain valuable understanding of basic cultural issues related to the Spanish-speaking patient. The class will be taught in Spanish.
Prerequisite: CHP 602 or equivalent proficiency
Placement Suggestions
If I have never taken Spanish, which class is appropriate for me?
CHP 504
If I have taken HS Spanish, can I take the CHP 504 class?
Yes. CHP 504 is good for students who have taken high school Spanish.
If I have taken only one semester of college Spanish, which class shall I take?
CHP 504 is good for students who have taken only one semester of college Spanish, otherwise it is too basic.
I have taken 300 college level Spanish, can I register for the 600 series?
Yes. Intermediate classes are good for students who have taken 300 level college Spanish though you must take the placement test and/or interview with instructor.
I have taken 200 level classes and studied abroad in a Hispanic country. Are the 600 level courses good for me?
Yes.
If I qualify for the 600 level courses, do I need to do something else?
Yes. If you have studied Spanish before, you will have to take a placement test and/or interview with the instructor before you’re allowed to register for the 600 level Spanish courses. The cost of the placement test is $10 and will be paid online via credit card. The results of the test and/or interview will determine the appropriate course for you to take, if any.
Are there instructions to take the placement test?
Yes. To take the placement test, complete the following steps.
- Go to Student CAPE Exam Registration page.
- Complete the "Student CAPE Exam Registration".
- Login in and click on the "Medical Spanish Placement" link.
- You will receive an email confirmation of your purchase with the link and exam ID (password). You can begin the test at that time, or wait to take the exam. It is strongly suggested you take the test immediately to avoid future difficulties.
- Follow the directions when completing the exam. It should take about 20 minutes to complete it.
- Once you receive your score, print it out to show instructor at 1st class meeting.
Important Information
- You may not use books, notes or any other materials or resources when completing the test. Remember, this is a placement test; you should do the best you can. If you get help or use restricted materials, you will likely place yourself in a course which is too difficult for you.
- The WebCAPE will cover both familiar and unfamiliar material in order to find out what you do know and what you do not know. Answer the questions to the best of your ability.
- Because this test is used for placement purposes, we recommend only taking the exam once. If you take the test more than once, only your first score will be used to help determine placement.
- If you lose your information, you can contact the WebCAPE support group by email at (support@aetip.com); however, make sure you keep your information secure.
Healthcare Spanish Placement Table
(score listed is low cutoff range)
Score 0 = CHP 501 Healthcare Spanish I/ CHP 504 Healthcare Span 1&2
Score 180 = CHP 502 Healthcare Spanish II/ CHP 503 Span for international travel
Score 320= Low intermediate (no courses-talk to the instructor for advice)
Score 550 = CHP 601 Intermediate Mid Healthcare Spanish
Registration Forms
To register for a Healthcare Spanish course please use one of the following forms:
Textbooks
Beginner courses
¿Qué le duele?: Beginning Spanish for Healthcare Professionals (second edition), María Fraser-Molina & Constanza Gómez-Joines. ISBN: 9781594604225
Intermediate courses:
Spanish at Work Series: Spanish for Health Care, Patricia Rush & Patricia Houston. ISBN: 9780130409461
Latino Bilingual Track Students
If you are a Latino Bilingual student, please contact Robin Shallcross (shallcrr@pacificu.edu, 503-352-2410) or Lucrecia Suárez (suar5614@pacificu.edu or 503-352-7233) for placement test information and requirements.
Or visit their website at: LatinoBilingualTrack
Dental Health Science
If you are a Dental Health Science student, please contact Lisa Rowley at: 503-352-7252 or Janine Vuylsteke at: 503-352-7238 for more information.
For More Information
Katya M. Hall is the Medical Spanish Coordinator for the College of Health Professions Administration Department.
If you have any questions regarding registration and/ or placement for CHP Medical Spanish courses, please contact Carole Billings at: bill3205@pacificu.edu or 503-352-7200.