Health Care Interpreter Certificate
Become a Health Care Interpreter
Health Care Interpreters facilitate understanding and communication between clinical providers such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and technicians, and patients who speak English as a second language. The need for language interpreters fluent in Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and other languages is growing rapidly. Employment for interpreters and translators is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to increase by 20 percent by 2031.
Health Care Interpreter Training at HCC
In just a few months, you can earn a certificate in health care interpreting. Upon successful completion of this training, you will be ready for a career as a staff medical interpreter, to work as a bilingual staff member in a health care agency, and more. Funding for this program was provided by the Horizon Foundation.
The entire program consists of three courses for a total of 124 hours, taking place over five months. You will earn 10 CEUs upon completion of the course.
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Admission Requirements
Requirements include:
- Bilingual or the ability to speak proficiently in another language besides English
- A high school diploma or GED
- At least 18 years in age
- Some experience in interpreting preferred, but not required
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
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Career Opportunities
Occupation Average Annual Salary Expected Regional Employment Demand Staff Medical Interpreter $31,200 - $52,000+ Increasing due to recent legislation and increased demand. Per Diem / Contractor Medical Interpreter $31,200 - $40,000+ ($25 - $50/hr.) Hours are not guaranteed. Interpreting Services Managers/Directors $52,000 - $62,400+ Small demand, since this is a management position. Coordinators of linguistic and cultural services $40,000 - $55,000+ Small demand; the coordinator is generally an interpreter with seniority. Bilingual staff in a healthcare agency Varies HCI training improves employability in a variety of medical and non-medical staff positions. Please note that the above salaries listed are estimates only.
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Completion Requirements
To earn a certificate, you must:
- Complete Orientation to Health Care Interpreting, Interpreting, Interpreting in Health Care and Field Experience in Health Care Interpreting
- Attend all class hours and skills/demonstration labs
- Complete all homework assignments and pass all quizzes and exams
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Courses
Orientation to Health Care Interpreting Training is a prerequisite for the Interpreting in Health Care class.
Orientation to Health Care Interpreter Training (4 hours): The orientation session includes an overview of the Healthcare Interpreting Certificate Program components and requirements. Healthcare Interpreter’s standard of practice, roles, functions and arenas are introduced. This course includes a language proficiency assessment that students must pass to be admitted into the Interpreting in Health Care course. $130.
Course# YE-800 3908 #3378. Summer 2023
Online, Aug 14 – 17
Interpreting in Health Care (100 hours): This course provides training for bilingual individuals to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective language interpretation in health care settings. It teaches basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments, and procedures, and bridging linguistic and cultural competency between clients and providers for specific communities necessary in the art of interpretation. The course allows students to develop advanced skills in ethical decision making, memory development, patient advocacy, and listening skills. By the end of the course students are able to analyze and contrast cultural influences in health beliefs and the interaction between traditional and U.S. health care assumptions and delivery systems, choose and demonstrate the appropriate role of interpreting based on communication barriers of the speaker and solve ethical dilemmas by applying the ethical decision-making process. $995.
Course# YE-801 3531 #3499. Fall 2023:
Hybrid: Sat 12:30 - 3:30 pm, Sept 9 – Dec 9
Field Experience in Health Care Interpreting (20 hours):
During this course students will obtain interpretation practice and ample opportunities for analysis and reflection of real-life situations. $145.
Course# YE-802 3532 #3500. Spring 2024:
Scheduled Remote: Thu 7pm-9pm, Jan 11, Jan 25, Feb 8 and Feb 22 (Dates and times for additional sessions will vary.)
For more information, call 443-518-3214 or email HCIT@howardcc.edu.