The Need For Spanish Speaking Nurses

Illinois Wesleyan offers a formal minor in Spanish 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, along with a medical Spanish course or an internship 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

• By 2030, one of five Americans will be Hispanic/Latino

• Mexican-Americans comprise over 60% of that population

• Illinois is one of 10 states with a large Hispanic/Latino population, comprising over 20% of the population in Chicago

• Hispanic/Latinos are underrepresented in nursing education - under 3%

• Wesleyan nursing graduates practice in areas where many Hispanic/Latinos speak Spanish as a primary language

Spanish Language Minor Course Requirements

Spanish Language Option for Nursing Major