UW-Madison Languages

Healthcare and Scientific Research

Bilingual Mental Health Services

Therapists support people experiencing personal, social and/or psychological challenges. They work with clients to assess their needs, develop treatment plans, and provide therapeutic treatments. Therapists work in many different settings, such as private practices, schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and rehabilitation centers. Bilingual therapists have the unique skillset of being able to work with clients in multiple languages, providing necessary services for individuals whose native language is not English.

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Prepare

To become a therapist or mental health services provider, you will need to pursue a master’s degree and obtain one of the following credentials:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Alumni Voices

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists work with individuals who have speech, language, communication, and/or swallowing disorders. Professionals in this field may work in K-12 schools, colleges/universities, health care settings, nursing homes, or private practices. There is a need for bilingual speech-language pathologists in the U.S. to work with individuals who are non-native English speakers. You must have a graduate degree to become a speech-language pathologist.

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To apply to graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology, you must first complete prerequisite coursework in Communication Sciences & Disorders. To become a bilingual speech-language pathologist, you will also have to either a) already be highly proficient in two or more languages, or b) study and become highly proficient in another language. Simply majoring in a language is not enough to become highly proficient – it is important that you also pursue immersive experiences such as studying or interning abroad, and/or engaging with the language outside of the classroom in other ways.

Alumni Voices

Nursing

Nurses serve on the front lines of patient care, frequently interacting with patients of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Nurses who can communicate directly with patients in their first language can provide better care for patients and facilitate better health outcomes. Learning another language can also provide opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries as a nurse.

International travel nursing is another path you can consider if you learn another language. Travel nurses typically work for shorter periods in regions where there is a high need, and skills in the local language are essential for these positions.

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Prepare

To earn a nursing degree at UW-Madison, you will need to apply and be accepted into the School of Nursing. Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Medical/Healthcare Interpreting

Interpreters working in medical settings help patients communicate with healthcare practitioners. Medical interpreters must have proficiency in medical terminology in both languages they work in. See Translation & Interpreting for more information.

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Alumni Voices