(PHOENIX, Ariz., April 27, 2004) – More and more health care entities are recognizing the importance of providing Command Spanish® instruction to their nursing professionals and Phoenix College Custom Training & Education (CTE) is making it easier for them to deliver this valuable on-the-job language instruction to their employees.

Phoenix College CTE has delivered Command Spanish®, the country’s leading provider of customized Spanish language and cross-cultural programs and products for non-Spanish speakers who interact with Spanish-speakers in the workplace, to approximately 44 customers over the past two years and their client base is quickly increasing.

According to founder of Command Spanish®, Dr. Sam Slick, Spanish is the second most used language in the United States, which verifies the critical need for this type of instruction.

"Phoenix College is one of 40 licensed institutions in the United States to provide Command Spanish® instruction," said Slick. "I have to admit that they are truly the cream of the crop…they have been with us from the very beginning and we are very proud to have such a wonderful relationship with them."

"Command Spanish® serves as the starting point," said Casandra Kakar, Phoenix College Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Community Services. "Companies throughout the Valley want this type of training so they can better serve their customers or because they have a need to communicate in Spanish with their employees and co-workers. Learning the simple Spanish phrases promotes better communication in the workplace, as well as increases the safety of the workers." Command Spanish® for Nursing will teach students how to:

--Obtain basic information and patient history;
--Obtain vital signs;
--Perform physical assessment;
--Perform routine procedures;
--Prepare patients for surgery or other procedures;
--Administer medications and injections;
--Feed and bathe patients;
--Assist and interact with patient’s family;
--Honor patient’s requests;
--Assist in emergency situations;
--Identify Hispanic culture traits relating to medical care;
--Reduce Hispanics’ fear of hospital settings; and
--Understand Hispanic health belief system.

"Command Spanish® for Nursing is cost-effective and customer focused," added Kakar. "In addition to offering classes on the Phoenix College campus, CTE also delivers instruction on company site. We provide them with everything that they need to complete the course, including cd’s which support instruction and refresh their skills in the future. "

Another unique benefit with CTE’s Command Spanish® for Nursing program is the Continuing Education credits that students will receive.

"We are very proud to have received Continuing Education credits approved by the Arizona Nurses Association," added Kakar. "This is extremely popular with our clientele. They can receive 16 hours of Continuing Nursing Education credits when they register for NC 500 9924."

As the Hispanic population continues to increase in the Valley, Command Spanish® will become an essential tool for professionals in the health care industry.

CTE will offer the upcoming Command Spanish® for Nursing classes:

June 1 – July 20
Tuesday Evenings (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
NC 500 9806 & NC 500 9924
Room B106 – Phoenix College Campus (1202 West Thomas Road)

June 3 – July 22
Thursday Evenings (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
NC 500 9902 & NC 500 9924
Room B106 – Phoenix College Campus (1202 West Thomas Road)

Phoenix College CTE will also offer classes on site, for additional information, please call (602) 285-7998. To register, call (602) 285-7777.

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