Did you know that by the year 2050, the United States could have more Spanish speakers than any other country? Right now Spanish is spoken in the United States everywhere from Florida to Maine, South Texas to Alaska, Iowa to Hawaii. America has always had a large Spanish-speaking population, but it has never been more widespread. This makes medical Spanish classes a critical skill for all medical personnel, no matter where you are. Medicine is a sector where accuracy can literally make the difference between life and death. Whether you are in billing, and EMT, an RN, a midwife, a physician, or a technician, being able to utilize medical terminology in Spanish will help you, and most of all the patients that you are serving.
Comfort Zone
In many cases, someone who is not a native speaker of English will find medical directions easier to understand in their native languages. Likewise in an emergency situation, a shaky command of English can slip even further to one side. When accuracy is important, being able to have a two-way understanding is a vital element of providing care. Be sure that you are getting the correct information, and are giving the correct information by signing up for medical Spanish classes that feature interaction with a native Spanish speaker, and audio instruction as well as the more traditional textbook and lab.
Not Rosetta Stone
Generalized language courses are fine if you are traveling in a foreign country. They teach you how to get around and function from day to day, but they do not teach you the specialized terms that you need to know as a medical professional. Consider signing up for classes today, and improve your level of service and care to the Spanish-speaking population in your area.