The Need For Spanish Speaking Nurses
Illinois Wesleyan offers a formal minor in Hispanic Studies as a complement to the bachelor of science in nursing. The six-course minor includes work in language, literature, and culture through the University’s Department of Hispanic Studies, including a medical Spanish course where linguistic and cultural skills are put to use in a professional context.
All nurses must be prepared to provide culturally competent nursing care. Spanish language study will help prepare IWU nursing graduates to meet that challenge.-
The Hispanic/Latino population is the second largest and fastest growing minority in the United States
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By 2030, one of five Americans will be Hispanic/Latino
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Mexican-Americans comprise over 60% of that population
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Illinois is one of 10 states with a large Hispanic/Latino population, comprising 30% of the population in Chicago
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Hispanic/Latinos are underrepresented in nursing education - under 3%
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Wesleyan graduates practice in areas where many Hispanic/Latinos speak Spanish as a primary language
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Wesleyan graduates working throughout the country report the need for language skills as registered nurses
Hispanic Studies Minor for Nursing Majors
If you have a strong background in Spanish language study:
- Declare a Hispanic Studies minor offered by the Hispanic Studies Department in cooperation with the School of Nursing
All nurses must be prepared to provide culturally competent nursing care. Spanish language study will help prepare IWU nursing graduates to meet that challenge. Hispanic Studies offers several options to meet minor requirements:
- Study Abroad as an IWU student while living in:
Barcelona, Spain: during the sophomore year, spring semester, with immersion in Spanish language and culture while living with host families in Barcelona. As part of the IWU Spain Program, students take courses offered in Spanish through Barcelona International College (BIC) while taking IWU nursing courses and participating in clinical observation experiences.Cuernavaca, Mexico: during May term or in summer at the Universidad Internacional: The Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies, which provides immersion in Spanish language and culture while living with Mexican host families; including an option to study health care in Mexico.
Santiago, Chile; during May term or summer through the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad)
- Campus classes in Spanish
- Spanish/nursing internships in the USA or in Mexico
- Direct patient care experiences with Spanish-speaking health care professionals and patients in hospitals, clinics, or home care agencies