FREEPORT — Highland Community College will be holding a virtual three-credit class on Spanish for health care professionals from 5 to 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Jan. 19. Registration begins on Oct. 19. No prior knowledge of Spanish is needed.

Whether a student or a practicing health care professional, this class is designed to increase patient care communication. The course is taught by a native Spanish speaking instructor at HCC, who will also provide cross-cultural training. This is a great way to overcome basic linguistic barriers and gain an appreciation for the Hispanic culture to help build a positive patient relationship.

“With our growing number of Spanish-speaking patients, Health Care needs professionals that can communicate with those patients and their families and understand their cultural background,” said Cristina Szterensus, Highland Spanish/English instructor. “This class will give you the critically important skills needed to break language and culture barriers and serve those patients more effectively and meaningfully.”

To learn more about the course, email cristina.szterensus@highland.edu. To register, go to highland.edu/apply.