Certificate in Spanish for First Responders Overview
First responders know that clear communication is critical in emergency situations, but what happens when they don’t speak the same language as the person they’re trying to assist? When an individual in distress is unable to communicate with a first responder, precious time can be lost. The U.S. Hispanic population has grown to more than 60 million, and more than 3.1 million Spanish-speaking households reported limited English proficiency in 2019. To address the critical need for Spanish-speaking emergency personnel, The University of Texas Permian Basin has created an online Certificate in Spanish for First Responders.
Our 9-credit certificate program delivers a solid foundation in oral and written medical Spanish proficiencies and the cultural competence required to deal effectively with a growing Spanish-speaking population. The program includes an introductory study of medical terminology in Spanish and the creative use of Spanish language in simulated conversations that mirror real-life professional situations. All courses are delivered in a 100% online format, enabling you to complete your studies anywhere and around your busy schedule.
Career Options
The University of Texas Permian Basin's online Certificate in Spanish for First Responders program provides a solid foundation for you to excel in a variety of roles, including:
Fulfill our certificate’s 9-credit-hour requirement with the courses below.
Admission Requirements
Students may earn a Certificate in Spanish for First Responders as a stand-alone credential or alongside a UT Permian Basin degree.
Regular Admission Requirements
Students are required to have completed the intermediate level of Spanish through one of the following:
- Four years of high school Spanish or Spanish AP
- Intermediate college-level courses listed in transcripts
- An intermediate Spanish proficiency certificate from any accredited language school
Students with no validated proficiency or heritage speakers may demonstrate competence through the Spanish CLEP placement test, which can be taken on campus or online. Students admitted to the program may address any foreign language deficiency by taking college-level Spanish language courses to meet the intermediate level.
As a Transfer Student Seeking the Certificate Only (Non-Degree)
Please provide the following:
- Official transcripts from the last school you attended or are currently attending to show that you are in good standing
- Completed transient application through goapplytexas.org
Use our transfer calculator to find out how your classes will transfer to UT Permian Basin and which classes will count toward your certificate.
As an Incoming Freshman Admission Seeking the Certificate Only (Non-Degree)
If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including dual-credit work while in high school)
- Official high school transcript showing GPA, class rank, and expected graduation date or GED scores
- OPTIONAL AT THIS TIME: SAT and/or ACT scores from within the last five years (see below for minimum score requirements)
- Completed application through goapplytexas.org
In addition, you may need to provide other transcripts to show proof that you meet any course prerequisite requirements.
If you wish to add this certificate as part of an existing degree program, you may do so once you’re formally admitted into the degree program. Speak with your academic advisor and let them know your interest in adding the courses necessary to complete the certificate.
Official Transcripts
Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and can be mailed to:
UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762
Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.
Minimum Score Requirements
High School Graduation Class Rank |
SAT |
ACT |
Top 25% |
No minimum score |
No minimum score |
2nd Quarter |
1020 |
20 |
3rd Quarter |
1160 |
24 |
4th Quarter |
1280 |
27 |
Application Fee
The application fee is $40.
If you have any questions regarding the admission requirements, please email studentinquiries@online.utpb.edu.
Test-Optional Policy
Students will be reviewed on a holistic basis focusing on the strength of the high school record, overall grade point average, grades within the core subjects, dual credit work, and additional information (resume and/or extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and work experience provided with the GoApplyTexas application). We also recognize the value of standardized tests as a piece of the review process and will consider scores alongside the other required application credentials, if provided.