When a person seeks medical attention, they rely on the competency of the healthcare professionals they interact with to help diagnose, treat, relieve symptoms, and eradicate illness. It’s daunting and frightening enough to visit an emergency room for urgent and critical medical problems. The levels of stress and fear are heightened even more for patients with limited English proficiency.
As a communications firm that has been working closely with hospitals for the past 14 years, I have seen first-hand how bilingual and multilingual healthcare professionals play an important role in assisting patients with limited English proficiency navigate the ins-and-outs of their medical experiences. Whether it’s a routine checkup or surviving a heart attack, patients feel more comfortable sharing sensitive medical information in their preferred language, and they feel a sense of relief when their fears begin dissipating as they speak to a bilingual doctor or nurse.
The information the patient provides to the medical team informs the exploration of the causes of the health issue as well as the decision on the course of action, such as which lab tests to run. Medical terminology will also be better understood in the patient’s language of preference based on their level of health literacy. From triage to discharge, bilingual healthcare workers throughout the continuum of care can be instrumental in helping the hospital or clinic they work for comply with federally mandated National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Standards (CLAS) of care and mitigate risks. In addition, the provision of care in the language of preference is a way to enhance the patient’s involvement in carrying out discharge instructions, resulting in a faster recuperation time and positive health outcomes. However, people who work in healthcare and speak another language should assess their language proficiency to determine which type of jobs they can perform in their workplace environment to meet the demands of an increasingly diverse U.S. population.
According to the latest U.S. Census, from 2010 to 2020 there was a 276 percent growth across our nation of people who identify as multiracial or multiethnic. This represents a massive jump from 9 million to 33.8 million and very likely an increased demand for bilingual healthcare professionals. A recent study entitled “Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers” revealed that 41 percent of healthcare and social assistance employers say they rely “a lot” on employees with foreign language skills, and 65 percent are significantly more likely than employers in any other sector to say they have a higher demand for foreign language skills than they did five years prior.
If you are bilingual or multilingual and are either interested or currently working in the healthcare industry, you are very likely to be recognized as a valuable asset to hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, and medical practices already experiencing patients needing language assistance. You will also make an impact in your community by becoming an ambassador for equitable access to quality patient-centered care that eliminates the language barrier that all too often creates confusion or uncertainty. It would be beneficial to assess your language proficiency in direct correlation with the type of job you would perform in your second language. Some employers are even incentivizing employees that can confirm their language proficiency with extra pay. Once you have your official language credentials confirming that you can be an interpreter when needed, your direct supervisor might be able to help you secure a salary increase.
Language Testing International (LTI), the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, has been providing ACTFL language proficiency assessments for the last 30 years. Over 5 million people around the world have been certified by LTI for their language skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Reach out to them today for expert guidance on how to leverage your bilingual or multilingual skills to advance in your career as a healthcare professional.
Sources
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. (2019). “Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.” https://www.leadwithlanguages.org/report
Department of Health and Human Services: https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas
