Veterinary care is built on communication—and for many Colorado veterinary professionals, that means bridging the language gap with Spanish-speaking clients. This fall, Colorado State University is launching Spanish for Veterinary General Wellness, the first course in its unique Spanish for the Veterinary Professional graduate certificate series.
Created through a powerful collaboration between veterinary professionals and language educators, this program is designed specifically for veterinary students and practicing professionals who want to improve client communication, build trust, and better serve Spanish-speaking communities.
About the Course
This 2-credit course focuses on wellness appointments and equips students to:
- Gather patient and client information in Spanish
- Identify and describe normal, healthy animal behaviors
- Discuss preventative care topics like vaccines, parasite control, and nutrition
The course is delivered primarily online and asynchronously through CSU Online, with a live weekly Spanish-language meeting each Wednesday from 5–6 p.m. MST. These live sessions provide opportunities to engage with instructors and classmates while practicing real-world veterinary communication.
Who Should Enroll
This course is designed for individuals with at least basic Spanish proficiency—typically the equivalent of 1–2 college-level courses, or comparable community/family-based experience. To help determine readiness, prospective students will complete a Spanish language placement exam (no cost). Details and links are available at the end of this article.
Why It Matters
Language should never be a barrier to care. Whether you’re communicating with clients during routine checkups or helping a family through a difficult diagnosis, speaking with confidence in Spanish can make a lasting difference. This course is an excellent first step toward becoming a more inclusive and culturally responsive veterinary professional.
Ready to Get Started?
The course begins August 25, and registration is open now. This is the first in a five-course certificate series, and a fantastic opportunity to invest in your skills—and your clients’ experience.
