Hispanic Cultural Certificate

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 concentration 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 concentration 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 R.N.s. Each prospective student must submit the following:

1. An undergraduate application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable admission fee.
2. Proof of current unencumbered RN license (copy of computer verification acceptable).
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 for Hispanic Cultural Certificate

Courses

HLT 371	TPC: Cultural Diversity Health and Illness	3
ETN 340	Hispanic Culture and Enrichment	3
NUR 327	Hispanic Cultural Immersion (for Hispanic Cultural Certificate only)	3
SPA 301	Practical Spanish I	3
SPA 302	Practical Spanish II	3
SPA 305	Spanish for Health Care	3

NUR 327 Includes Community Learning Experience. Students preparing to register for NUR 327 must speak with the Program Chair prior to registration.

Total credits for the Hispanic Cultural Certificate: 18

Note: This curriculum is specifically designed for registered nurses interested in earning a post graduate certificate or the RN to BSN student interested in the Hispanic Culture seeking a certificate in conjunction with their BSN degree.

The courses may be taken within the BSN curriculum for the students wishing to receive this certificate in addition to the Baccalaureate degree. All interested students are advised to consult with the Academic Advisor and Program Chair to plan for the appropriate course selection.