Does Spanish classes help with getting into schools and hospitals?

Jfarmboy · Feb 4, 2012

Actually so far I can say "hello, how are doing today? My name is___" in Spanish.

I would have to learn I lot more than that though.

Spiffyness · Feb 4, 2012

Are you in high school? If so, taking at least 3 years of the same language may come in handy when it comes to applying to nursing schools. Some programs give you extra points for Bilingual proficiency which can be proved either by a high school transcript (showing you took 2-3+ years of a foreign language), a letter from a parent or peer, or taking a language test. Spanish is probably the most common language that will come in handy, but I took Japanese and was able to get the extra points for bilingual proficiency as a part of my nursing application. It pretty much depends on the program and whether they look at those "optional" criterias (also including volunteer work and health care experience).

Feistn · Feb 4, 2012

I have pretty good language skills in ASL and have been pursuing a certificate along with my prereqs. I have been told by nurses that you WILL use any language skills you have. I also know a hospital administrator who told me that some clinics will schedule patients around you depending on your level of skill. The market is competitive right now, so I think that any leg up you can get, anything that gives you added value is something that will make you stand out from the crowd. And there are postings here that require a nurse who is fluent in ASL. I figure the applicant pool is pretty darned slim for those postings.

prmenrs, RN · Feb 4, 2012

The operative words here are "bilingual proficiency". Hand in hand w/that is "cultural proficiency". You need to be comfortable conversing w/a Spanish speaking client, and not accidently insult someone, like make a grammatical/pronounciation/word selection error. If you want to add that to your skills set, great, it will help.

Jfarmboy · Feb 5, 2012

^^ That is what I meant. I can be taking Spanish from now until nursing school or the end of nursing school.

I would want at least 2 years to learn it and because proficient. I never thought to go for a certificate, that should help.

I doubt Rosetta Stone offers any certification. I would do better to learn in a class room anyway.

wtrang · Feb 5, 2012

would it help me get a job(after nursing school) or even get into nursing school if i can carry on a simple conversation in spanish?

yes, i think being able to speak spanish can highly increase your chances of getting a job after becoming an rn. well, depending on where you live. my area has a high population of spanish speakers and it'll be a bonus to employers if you are bilingual. as far as getting into nursing school... not as much in my opinion. it's always a bonus to be able to tell any employer or recruiter that you can speak another language especially in the us.

i know that i regretted not taking the extra year of spanish in hs because i've met so many people who could only speak spanish... would have made my life so much easier if i had free time, i'd learn another language on my own any day because at the same time, you also learn about other people's culture as you're learning the language and that is really good for a well rounded nurse!