Medical Interpreter

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 25 million Americans do not speak enough English to communicate effectively with their healthcare provider. We are helping to bridge the gap by offering a Medical Interpreter Certificate program.

When a patient has limited speaking ability, it is nearly impossible for the most skilled clinician to provide high-quality healthcare services without accurate interpreting performed by a trained, qualified interpreter who is familiar with medical terminology.

“I came to this country to do this,” said Yolaine Batista, program graduate. “I noticed how difficult it was for non-English speakers in the United States, especially when they needed medical attention.”

Nationwide, interpreters are becoming key and highly valued members of the healthcare team. Their responsibilities have evolved greatly in the last decade and are continuing to change to meet needs.

As a result, employment for this industry is rapidly growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 46 percent increase of employment opportunities through 2022. This is due in part to diversification — America’s immigrant population grew 140 percent between 1980 and 2010 and continues to rise. Recent focus on hospital safety has also fueled demand for qualified interpreters.

“My father died of cancer in 2008,” said Eloisa Gonzalez, program graduate. “Because of this, I was interested in getting the Medical Interpreter certificate to help people – especially in Spanish and English. Sometimes they have a lot of problems and people do not understand the medical wording terms.”

Ideal for bilingual individuals, the accelerated class can be completed in just two months. You will be better prepared for employment opportunities in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, surgical centers, physician offices and group practices, dental offices, home health care agencies and mental health facilities.

“Our program is for only one language translation — English to Spanish,” said Lyn Cohen, Medical Interpreter program manager. “We ensure the students are fluent in both languages. We focus on not only the medical terminology and physiology, but the culture of Spanish speakers and interpersonal skills required to communicate effectively with the most typical nationalities experienced in the healthcare setting.”

You Can Do It! The course is eligible for WIOA Funding and VA Education Benefits. Payment plan options are also available.