Need to Learn Medical Spanish? We Have Resources!

You’ve decided to learn Medical Spanish! Perhaps it’s because you finally did find an NP preceptor (or you’re looking for an NP preceptor!), but the patients predominantly speak Spanish. Or maybe you work in a clinic or area with a large Hispanic population. Some people simply want to connect better with their Spanish-speaking patients. Regardless of the reason, this decision can make a significant impact on your practice and your patients.

As a healthcare provider, you understand the importance of building strong connections with your patients. However, language barriers can make this challenging, particularly with Spanish-speaking patients. You may feel like you’re missing out on the chance to establish the same rapport and trust you have with your English-speaking patients. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. Learning Medical Spanish can help you bridge this gap, enhancing not only your physical care but also the emotional and mental support you provide. Additionally, being proficient in Spanish can set you apart in the job market, giving you a competitive edge even if you have less experience than other candidates. It might even help you negotiate a better salary.

***A note before we continue:  Most hospitals and clinics require the use of a translator for legal reasons. Consider this and check with your site first for practice guidelines. 

I spoke with colleagues and scoured the blogs and posts to create a compilation of suggestions and resources from fellow medical professionals to help you enhance your Medical Spanish skills and build the confidence to communicate better with your Spanish-speaking patients. Whether you are a provider or a student, check out these resources and suggestions and see what fits your learning style. 

1. Listen and Learn

Spanish Radio, watch Spanish TV (progress from the closed caption in English to no closed caption), and Podcasts. Immerse yourself in the language by tuning into Spanish-language radio during your commute. Singing along and repeating after the broadcaster can help you internalize grammar and vocabulary naturally. You can also try out podcasts like "Coffee Break Spanish" and "Duolingo Podcast." These are fantastic for learning on the go and provide both conversational and medical terminology. Try them out on your next commute to work or clinicals!

2. Leverage Resources- Some are free!

Several free resources are specifically designed for medical professionals:

   - Medical Spanish Language Survival Kit: Initially created for military doctors, this course focuses on essential communication for non-English speakers in medical settings. While it's more focused on speaking than listening, it's a good starting point.
   - Duolingo: A popular language-learning app that you can use daily to gradually build up your Spanish skills. 
   - Canopy Medical Spanish: This platform offers comprehensive medical Spanish courses. Although there’s a cost involved, many find it worth the investment. 
   - Learn conversational Spanish with Dreaming Spanish. 
  - Etsy has several Spanish medical resources. Whether you need a pocket guide or flip chart, you may find some useful resources. 

3. Try Google Translate

Type out everything you want to say, paste it into Google Translate, and it'll even read it aloud to you. Show your preceptor to make sure it’s correct. 

4. Interactive Learning: Apps and Courses

If you prefer interactive learning, there are various apps and online courses tailored for medical Spanish:

   - Preply: Connect with native Spanish speakers from Latin America via video chat for personalized lessons or take an online class.
   - Coursera’s Healthcare Spanish Course: This is another excellent option that’s both accessible and structured. 
   - Language Transfer and Spanish with Paul on YouTube are highly recommended by learners for their engaging and effective teaching styles. 
   - MedicalSpanish.com was reported as simple and effective. 
   - Rio Associates offers live classes or self-study CME courses in medical Spanish.
    - Here are two good apps for learning medical Spanish. They have medical terms as well as a
Dialogue section that covers a full H&P. And it's free:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rogers_dictionary&referrer=utm_source%3Demail

5. Books and Textbooks

If you enjoy traditional learning methods, consider the McGraw-Hill Complete Medical Spanish textbook for a more structured approach to grammar and medical terminology. Another unique resource is Madrigal’s Magic Key to Spanish, which is great for natural method language learners. Or check out an oldy, but reported goody with Medical Spanish Made Incredibly Easy! (Search for this one online to find the best price available in used books.)

6. Supplement with Visual and Auditory Learning

Watching children’s cartoons like "Pocoyo en Español" on YouTube can be surprisingly helpful. The simple language and visual cues make it easier to follow along and understand. 

7. Learn Through Experience

Sometimes the best way to learn is by observing. When working with an interpreter, listen closely to the conversation between the interpreter (or preceptor) and the patient. This can help you pick up on specific phrases and terminology used in real-life medical situations.

8. Learn Some Slang

Learning doesn’t have to be all serious. Books like "Dirty Spanish" may sound humorous, but they can provide insights into slang and colloquial language that may come in handy. (Personally, I’d be a little careful with this one!)

9. Check Out the Library! 

As the daughter of a Librarian, check resources at your local public library! Resources are generally free! Remember the library!!??? There is usually one in every town, and if you have a library card, you can request things ahead of time and just go in and pick them up. (Your school library, too, if you have access to a school library.)

10. Stay Consistent

Use resources like Mango, which might be available through your local library for free) to keep your learning consistent. Mango offers both general and medical Spanish lessons, making it a well-rounded tool for daily practice. 

11. Connect with the Hispanic Community

The best way to learn any language is through immersion. Try to engage with Hispanic friends or colleagues in casual conversation. The real-world practice can help solidify your skills and make you more comfortable using Spanish in your professional setting. Hispanic people are generally very appreciative of you learning their language. 

12. Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to improve is to practice, even if you make mistakes. Start off your patient interactions with simple Spanish greetings and phrases. The more you try, the more you'll learn. Remember, improvement comes with trial and error.

Learning Medical Spanish can seem daunting, but with the right resources and a bit of dedication, you'll be able to bridge that communication gap and establish the same rapport with your Spanish-speaking patients as you do with your English-speaking ones. Remember, every little bit helps, and your patients will appreciate your effort to connect with them in their language.

What are your favorite resources and techniques for learning Medical Spanish? Let us know in the comments below!

Lynn McComas is CEO and founder, PreceptorLink, and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless health care professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.
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Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.

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