College of the Canyons will offer a new Spanish for Healthcare Workers certificate program beginning March 18 in an effort to meet the growing need for Spanish-speaking healthcare professionals.

According to a 2015 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, of the more than 44 percent of Californians that speak a language other than English at home, two-thirds speak Spanish.

The college’s no-cost program was created in response to the interest expressed by long-term partners Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Kaiser Permanente, said Justin Wallace, director of educational partnerships at the college.

“College of the Canyons is committed to responding to local business demands by providing training and educational opportunities that are not only relevant but also lead to the attainment of a new skill set,” Wallace said.

The two-course certificate program will teach students how to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and families by developing basic Spanish listening, speaking, and oral skills on specific topics related to healthcare professions. Students will also gain intensive practice with Spanish vocabulary, interviewing skills, and learn specialized basic terminology used in the medical field.

After completing the courses Spanish for Healthcare Workers I and Spanish for Healthcare Workers II, students will qualify for a Certificate of Completion.

With the needs of working individuals in mind, the classes will be offered in a hybrid format for flexibility at the Bouquet Center.

The Bouquet Center is located at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road (Unit G6) in the IHOP shopping center.

For more information about the new Spanish for Healthcare Workers certificate program, please visit the Continuing Education web page or contact the Continuing Education office at 661-362-3304.