A basic class of medical vocabulary in Spanish will be brought to the school next semester. SPA 111, Introduction to Spanish for Health Professionals started and taught by Mrs. Kimber this is planned to begin in the Spring 2015 semester.

This program is designed to aid those entering into a medical field that will be in contact with Spanish speakers, that are becoming more common with the rise of the Spanish-speaking population. Mrs. Kimber stated “ The Spanish-speaking population of Western New York is growing.” However, since there are Vet Tech students at this school, there will be a focus on animal anatomy as well but is not the main goal of the course.

This course will be an elective aimed at the medical field here at the college. This course can be used to supplement a degree in Spanish translation, or a medical field equally. As an elective, this course does not require previous Spanish language experience.

The class is intended to run like an introductory Spanish class, focused on class work rather than online assignments. Class would be more focused on pronunciation rather than on conjugations and grammar; in due part to the human element of dealing with other Spanish speakers. The class itself will be split between room C303 and the foreign language lab in class hours. “After taking this course will you be a proficient Spanish speaker? No, but you will be able to give basic commands.” Mrs. Kimber states.

This offers a new opportunity to GCC students, as a fusion between classes, that provides the chance for students to gain people skills they might need to survive in their chosen field. When asked why Mrs. Kimber created this course she replied with, “ The best part of a foreign language is allowing people to advocate for themselves.” The course could be recommended to any would like an extra edge in their nursing career, or who want more capable public speaking skills. Mrs. Kimber states “ If it goes well, then there will be a second level.”

To learn more about Spanish for Health Professionals and even more new classes that will be offered beginning in Spring 2015, please visit our website.