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Job Outlook for Advanced Medical Interpreter

  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts 20% growth in the demand for Interpreters and Translators between now and 2029. This is much faster growth than the average for all job categories. The BLS expects especially strong prospects for those who can translate and interpret Spanish and for those who specialize in an occupational area such as healthcare.
  • According to PayScale.com, medical interpreters earn $48,228 per year, on average. Salaries for early-career medical interpreters range from $28-70,000 within the first 1-4 years of their careers.

Advanced Medical Interpreter FAQs

WHAT SKILLS DOES AN ADVANCED MEDICAL INTERPRETER REQUIRE?

In addition to bilingual-level fluency in both English and Spanish, medical interpreters need a thorough knowledge of medical terminology and procedures in both languages. Since they are responsible to make sure that patients clearly understand communications from their healthcare providers, interpreters need precise and empathetic communication skills, confidentiality and relationship skills.

DO MEDICAL INTERPRETERS NEED TO BE LICENSED OR CERTIFIED?

Each state establishes its own requirements for licensing and certification for medical interpreters. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be prepared to sit for your state's medical interpreter certification exam.

IS AN INTERPRETER THE SAME AS A TRANSLATOR?

Generally, interpreters are trained to convert spoken words from one language to another, while translators convert written documents. Interpreters often operate in real-time settings such as meetings between a patient and healthcare provider. Translators usually provide written versions of the documents they translate.

Course Objectives

I. Professional Interpreter

  • Become an effective communicator
  • Master listening skills
  • Learn how to transfer information in multicultural situations
  • Develop interpreting-specific skills such as short-term memory retention, shadowing, note-taking, sight-translation, consecutive interpreting, and more
  • Make a difference in the lives of people in need of communication/translation services
  • Spend time in rewarding multicultural situations
  • Gain the confidence and skills needed to kick off your career as a public services interpreter

II. Medical Interpreter (Spanish/English)

  • Develop best practice interpreting techniques – simultaneous, consecutive and sight translation
  • Learn medical terminology in both Spanish and English and the corresponding transfer into the opposite language
  • Understand protocol when interpreting for a Spanish-speaking patient
  • Master the code of ethics of the medical interpreter
  • Study the necessary material to sit in any Spanish Medical Interpreter examination
  • Develop professionalism, accuracy, and a mastery of cross-cultural differences
  • Become ready to successfully take the medical interpreter certification exam

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Prerequisites and Requirements

Must have a high school education (or equivalent) and be bilingual.

You must speak English and Spanish fluently. There is no requirement regarding formal education in either Spanish or English. However, you must be able to speak English and Spanish without any hesitations.

You should be familiar with using a personal computer, mouse, and keyboard. You should be comfortable in a Windows or Mac environment and have the ability to launch and close activities.

Curriculum

Bundle Course 1: Professional Interpreter

COURSE INTRODUCTION

Understand what language interpreting is and the role of an interpreter. Learn the requirements needed to become an interpreter, and the difference between a certificate, certification, and license in the field.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF LANGUAGE INTERPRETING

Master the fundamental concepts of interpreting. Learn about interpreting remotely, in-person, or over the phone. Review the evolution of interpreting and how interpreters exist within the public service field.

INTERPRETING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

Develop your interpreting skills by practicing active listening, cultural awareness, and memory retention.

ETHICS AND STANDARDS

Understand the professional code of ethics that interpreters need to abide by; you'll cover how to accurately interpret while remaining ethical and honest.

THE BUSINESS OF INTERPRETING

Learn about interpreting as a business and what it takes to succeed. Understand what it means to work as a freelancer versus what it takes to work as a full time interpreter.

PREPARING FOR THE WORKFORCE

Conclude the course by preparing yourself to begin searching for jobs. You'll learn how to create an interview video, build a solid resume, and write a cover letter. Additionally, you'll discuss different professional associations that could be beneficial for networking.

Bundle Course 2: Medical Interpreter

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL INTERPRETATION

Develop your medical vocabulary starting with the human body's many systems and senses. Move on to learning about medical vocabulary used for signs and symptoms.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL INTERPRETATION (CONTINUED)

Learn medical terminology for treatments, procedures, instruments, supplies, and medications.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL INTERPRETATION II

Focus on pediatric and neonatal care. Learn the terminology used to discuss family planning and parents' rights. Understand how to take care of mothers and discuss postpartum depression.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL INTERPRETATION II (CONTINUED)

Understand the terminology used to discuss substance abuse, authorization for adults, and legal terminology as it relates to medical manners.

SIGHT TRANSLATION FOR MEDICAL INTERPRETERS

Explore the principles of localization, how to re-structure techniques, the principles of reversibility, and filtering syntactical and grammatical interferences.

SIGHT TRANSLATION FOR MEDICAL INTERPRETERS (CONTINUED)

Complete the course by learning how to address patients, how to transfer low, regular, and high register documents, and how to ensure stability in the transfer.

 

Instructors

Rocío Txabarriaga, MA

Rocío Txabarriaga, MA is vice president of Content Development and co-founder of the Virginia Institute of Interpreting. She is responsible for course planning, development, validation, and maintenance. Ms. Txabarriaga has over 20 years of experience in language services and international business management ranging from independent consulting to senior executive positions, and business ownership. Her extensive experience spans operations, ISO-quality processes, interpreter recruiting and training, qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, as well as in-depth involvement with several language technology platforms. Ms. Txabarriaga has several degrees, including a master's degree from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, has earned many certificates, and speaks five languages fluently. Ms. Txabarriaga is also a NASBITE-Certified Global Business Professional and an accomplished writer and public speaker.

Nestor Wagner

Nestor Wagner is a certified Court and Medical Interpreter who has been teaching interpreting courses since 1990. He has the highest pass rate of certified court interpreters in the nation. He has published several books in the interpreting community. Mr. Wagner is involved in the examination process for Immigration Interpreters and Analytical Linguists. He participates as speakers in national and international conferences on Criminal, Civil and Immigration Court terminology, advanced interpreting skills, and localization in the transfer of legal and non-legal terminology. Mr. Wagner holds a master’s degree from the University of Washington.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is open enrollment. You can enroll and begin anytime.

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