Spanish 1 for Healthcare

Use your Spanish to support communication in healthcare.

Spanish ambulance from Andalucía emergency medical services.

Enhance your ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients by developing practical language skills for healthcare environments.

Ideal for students and healthcare professionals, this course focuses on the language and cultural awareness needed to support effective, patient-centred communication.

Through healthcare-related topics and realistic scenarios, you'll build confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing while learning the vocabulary and expressions commonly used in clinical and care settings.

Available study options:

Full-year study – two semesters (September to May), with 3-contact hours per week.

All classes are taught online.

Levels available range from absolute beginner to B2 standard as per the Common European Framework.

Full-year study course (online)

Course overview

Codes: ULHS50010, ULHS90010
Credits: NC (Payable )
Pre-requisite: A level Spanish grade B/A taken in the last three years or equivalent
Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
Method of delivery: Online
Level of attainment: (B2+) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level B2+ of the Common European Framework with Spanish basic medical specialised terminology.
Timetable: See timetable information

Course description

This specialised course is tailored for those working or interested in the healthcare industry and seeking to enhance their Spanish language skills for use in this sector.

The course is designed to meet the communication needs of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, other healthcare workers and those studying for these professions. It covers basic essential medical vocabulary, patient interaction, and healthcare documentation.

Through practical exercises, role-plays, and case studies, participants will improve their ability to engage in culturally sensitive, patient-centred communication and handle a range of clinical situations in Spanish-speaking environments.

The course will improve their confidence and fluency when interacting with Spanish-speaking patients and colleagues.

General topics covered

Medical Vocabulary and Terminology: Anatomy, symptoms, diseases, treatments, and medications
Patient Interaction and Communication: Greeting patients, asking about symptoms, and explaining medical conditions
Taking Medical History: Gathering patient information, including allergies, medications, and family history
 Explaining Procedures and Treatments: Describing diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and follow-up care
Emergency Situations: Essential phrases and commands for urgent care scenarios
Patient Instructions: Providing clear post-treatment advice and medication instructions
Healthcare Documentation: Filling out patient records, writing prescriptions, and completing medical reports
Cultural Competence in Healthcare: Understanding Spanish-speaking patients’ cultural expectations and sensitivities
Medical Ethics and Confidentiality: Discussing patient rights and confidentiality in Spanish

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Use basic specialised medical Spanish vocabulary to discuss common symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.
Conduct basic patient interviews and consultations in Spanish, including taking comprehensive medical histories.
Explain basic medical procedures, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans in a patient-friendly manner.
Complete healthcare documentation in Spanish, including patient charts, prescriptions, and discharge summaries.
Navigate cross-cultural communication challenges and demonstrate cultural competence in Spanish-speaking healthcare environments.

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level B2+ of the Common European Framework with Spanish basic medical specialised terminology.

Transferable skills

Pair and team work, focused listening, informal presentations, language awareness, cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

Two hours seminars per week, delivered online This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

Teaching Hours

46 hours (2 hours per week) including assessment time. Week 6 is a non-teaching reading week for independent learning.

Independent Study Hours

96 hours (not including assessment time)

Assessment:

Semester 1

Online written exam; 30 % weighting; held in week 12- Dates will be confirmed

Semester 2

Online speaking exam (or equivalent); 30% weighting; held in week 11- (Medical Topic)
Online written exam; 40% weighting; dates will be confirmed. held in week 12- Dates will be confirmed

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Dr Ana Niño

Taught by

Dr Ana Niño

Maximum entry

20 per group

Set texts

TBC

Recommended texts

TBC

Next pathway

None

Timetables - 2026/27

Please note the timetable is subject to change up to and including the start of courses. Please check these pages regularly and check your personal timetable ahead of classes.

Find your classrooms and make your way around campus quickly with our interactive map.

Courses are taught in 2 or 3 hour sessions.

Student testimonials

I’ve really enjoyed the Spanish for Healthcare course. Ana has been so lovely and welcoming throughout creating such a positive learning environment. The content was very well prepared.

I really enjoy the content and the clinical cases. Ana is a great teacher. Class is well structured . 2 hours go by so quickly!

I am enjoying being able to express myself in a more formal way such as how to talk to patients adequately. I have also enjoyed the format of the class, having a variety of different exercises to complete and receiving immediate feedback.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us by phone or email leap@manchester.ac.uk.