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Medical Interpreters bridge the communication gap between non-English speaking patients and medical personnel. As a critical member of the healthcare team, you will be trained to communicate and translate patient materials, informational brochures, and other items into an easily understood and culturally-sensitive format for patients.
The Medical Interpreter Certificate includes theory and hands-on instruction during the ten-week program. Students will learn and identify human anatomy in both languages, translate medical documents from English to Spanish, communicate common medical terminology in written and verbal formats, and understand the code of ethics and roles of a Medical Interpreter. Students will also focus on Hispanic cultural appreciation and participate in bilingual discussion, interviews, and presentations. Individuals interested in starting a career in the medical field, nurses or medical office staff, or those looking to develop skills may benefit from this program. The training will help prepare you for taking a National certification test. Textbooks are required at the first class meeting, available from the KSU Center Bookstore and various book retailers.
Describe the responsibilities of a medical interpreter
Define the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) code of ethics and standards of practice
Identify the anatomy of the body in both English and Spanish
Translate medical forms from English to Spanish
Recite medical terminology in both Spanish and English
Conduct a health related interview using appropriate medical vocabulary
Recognize the unique traits of Hispanic culture
Recognize the boundaries of professional practice by abstaining from personal involvement
Accurately interpret and translate all spoken messages, medical forms, procedures, and symptoms in a healthcare environment
Prerequisite:
High School Diploma or equivalent. Receive a 75% or higher on the Interpreter Written Skills Assessment and submit the Program Application (PDF). Working knowledge of computers and access to computer and internet are required. By registering for the class, you acknowledge that you are fluent in both Spanish and English. Should you not meet the language requirement, no refunds or transfers will be approved.
Carolina Herrera Talbot
Carolina Herrera Talbot began her education at Kennesaw State in 2005, where she took the first step in ESL involvement. After achieving an advanced level of ESL training, Carolina went on to earn an Early Childhood Care and Education Basics Certification from Chattahoochee Technical College in 2011. Having worked as a preschool teacher since 2005, Carolina’s passion for English to Spanish interpretation allowed her to become a translator at the Discovery Point Child Development Center in Woodstock, Georgia and Canton, Georgia. In 2017, Carolina advanced her education by earning a Medical Interpretation Certificate from Kennesaw State before going on to obtain a Medical Interpretation Certification from the National Board of Medical Interpreters. Currently, Carolina works with Bethesda Community Clinic as a Medical Interpreter. Here, she interprets Spanish/English for patients and staff and translates documentation for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients.
WIOA: Please Read: For students interested in using WIOA funding, please submit the WIOA application as soon as possible to allow up to 6 weeks for WIOA processing.
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