College of Health Professions

Hispanic Cultural Certificate
for Registered Nurses

Purpose

Registered nurses who have completed basic nursing education with either a nursing diploma or an associate degree have the opportunity to earn a Hispanic Cultural Certificate. The census statistics in the tri-state area show a dramatic increase in the Hispanic population. Nurses are an integral part of the community. The Hispanic population has health needs that cannot be addressed adequately due to language and cultural barriers. These language and cultural barriers can impede access to health care, thereby increasing the risk for health problems.

Program of Study

The Hispanic Cultural Certificate will consist of 18 undergraduate credits. The track of study will culminate in a Hispanic Cultural Immersion. Students will be required to practice in a community health setting that exists to meet the needs of the Hispanic population. This track will educate school nurses, nurses in physicians’ offices, and any other nurse who encounters a Hispanic population in their practice.

Career Opportunities

Multiple career opportunities exist for nurses who have knowledge of Hispanic culture and language in a variety of health care settings..

Program Competencies

Through the completion of the Hispanic Cultural Certificate, the graduates will:

  1. Analyze family and personal health data from Hispanic individuals, families, and communities in their own language.
  2. Identify health and social needs of Hispanic communities in the tri-state area.
  3. Implement health care, education, and counseling to Hispanic individuals, families, and communities.
  4. Design culturally-appropriate health and social services for the Hispanic population.
  5. Promote the art of nursing by valuing the unique aspects of the Hispanic culture while providing culturally competent health care.

Up to six (6) transfer credits will be accepted for the Hispanic Cultural Certificate.

General Requirements

The program is open to all RNs. Each prospective student must submit the following:

  1. An undergraduate application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable admission fee.
  2. Their RN license number and expiration date listed on their application for admission.
  3. Documentation of graduation from either a diploma or associate degree nursing program.
  4. A Wilmington University Health History form documenting required immunizations.
  5. All nursing students are required to complete a background check and drug screening. Details are provided in the program handbook.

Curriculum

HLT 371 Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness

HUM 340 Spanish Culture and Enrichment

NUR 327 Hispanic Cultural Immersion*

SPA 301 Practical Spanish I

SPA 302 Practical Spanish II

SPA 305 Spanish for Health Care Personnel

*Includes clinical or laboratory experiences

Total credits for the Hispanic Cultural Certificate - 18

 

This curriculum is specifically designed for registered nurses interested in

earning a certificate only. Degree-seeking students in the RN-BSN program with

an interest in Hispanic Culture are advised to consult with the academic advisor

for nursing in order to plan a curriculum incorporating the Hispanic community

and culture.

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2010-2011 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2010 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.