alt=”Upclose with a dog at the shelter”> alt=”Upclose with a dog at the shelter”>Online Spanish language programs are a great tool to learn the language at your own pace. However, most courses are created for the average person and do not include clinical Spanish used in veterinary hospitals. Spanish-speaking veterinary professionals are highly sought after globally, making them stand out in the job market. In addition, understanding Spanish helps to bridge the gap between veterinary professionals and Spanish-speaking animal caretakers – a major problem within the United States.
The Spanish language is the second most commonly spoken in the United States. However, many Spanish-speaking Americans struggle to find veterinarians and other professionals who can help them. In addition, it can be difficult to tell a Spanish-speaking client crucial information about their pet if the veterinarian or technician does not know Spanish or medical terminology in Spanish. With over 40 million Spanish speakers in the US, building your Spanish skills as someone working in the veterinary field can help you better serve your clients and make you more valuable to future employers.
Other Spanish courses focus on day-to-day conversation and overall comprehensive language skills. However, these courses do not teach medical or veterinary terminology. It’s possible that a veterinary professional would know enough conversational Spanish to get by in a Spanish-speaking country but be able to do little to help a Spanish-speaking pet owner in their animal clinic.
Veterinary-focused Spanish classes combine conversational Spanish in addition to medical terminology commonly used in a veterinary clinic. This allows veterinarians to discuss a pet’s medical condition fluently in addition to creating an essential emotional connection with their client.
There are a variety of ways Spanish can help veterinary professionals. Spanish can help students get into a great veterinary school, connect and communicate with clients, and open doors to jobs around the world.
Pre-veterinary students looking for volunteer opportunities, internships, or clinical shadowing hours may find that they are more desirable to clinics if they can offer Spanish-speaking skills or assistance in communicating with Spanish-speaking clients.
Many schools have a foreign language requirement for undergraduate classes, though these classes rarely teach vet terminology. Stating that you not only met the language course requirement but also understand the Spanish used in veterinary medicine will make you a stronger applicant for vet school if you can show how you used those skills to benefit your community or projects where you worked.
Vet schools are looking for students who have a commitment and ability to work across cultures and with a diverse group of individuals. Foreign language experience within your profession is a stepping stone to broadening your communication with others and making services accessible to a broader group of people. You may find that in the process, you make yourself more valuable to clinics and other organizations where you intern, work, or volunteer, and therefore are able to gain more responsibility, move into more leadership roles, and gain additional experience.
It can be very isolating when your pet is ill or hurt and you are not able to communicate with their doctor. Knowing how to discuss a pet’s problem and treatment plan with its owner as well as how to comfort and connect with a client is essential. In addition, a Spanish-speaking client may be more likely to choose a veterinary clinic that speaks their language and seek regular veterinary care for their pet.
Jobs for newly graduated veterinarians can be competitive, and being bilingual gives you an edge. With so many Spanish speakers in the United States, Spanish-speaking veterinary professionals are sought out in many clinics. In addition, having a high Spanish proficiency level can open doors to work and volunteer abroad. Mobile spay and neuter clinics in Hispanic countries are common, and veterinary care is badly needed in many parts of Central and South America. Language barriers are a major setback for these programs.
Online Spanish classes allow students to take the course anywhere in the world on their own time. Many are also self-paced, allowing students to take the course at their own speed. However, online courses sometimes lack the conversational aspects of in-person classes. In addition, students must be self-motivated enough to study and complete the course. This is often not a problem for veterinary students as the vast majority of them are already extremely self-motivated.
Loop Abroad’s online Spanish class teaches students Spanish used in daily life in addition to clinical Spanish. Unlike other language programs, students will also learn about Hispanic cultures, allowing them to further connect with their future clients and earn more job opportunities. Loop’s focus on both language and culture furthers its global mission to help animals in all areas of the world.
Loop Abroad’s course teaches practical language skills used in a hospital to interview clients, do diagnostic exams, and take a clinical history. Included videos of veterinarians communicating with their clients in Spanish help teach real-world Spanish in a veterinary clinic in addition to how to act professionally as a veterinarian. The tuition includes a Spanish for Veterinarians textbook and everything else you need for the course. The textbook is yours to keep to continue to brush up on your Spanish skills once you’ve completed the class. In addition, students receive a certificate of completion once they’ve successfully completed the course, and college credit (optional) is also available.