Course Description for Spanish/English Medical Interpreter
Medical interpreters work in hospitals, clinics and healthcare environments where patients and healthcare professionals require interpretation between Spanish and English. This 100% online course will prepare you to interpret medical terminology between English and Spanish. Using simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation skills you will be ready to serve in a variety of hospital and medical specialties.
Job Outlook for Medical Interpreters
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects interpreters and translators to earn around $24.92 per hour or $51,830 per year on average.
- Specializing in medical terminology and earning certification as a medical interpreter greatly enhance career opportunities for interpreters who wish to serve in the healthcare field.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 19% job growth among interpreters and translators over the coming decade, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
FAQs about Medical Interpreters
WHAT DOES A MEDICAL INTERPRETER DO?
According to the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC), the interpreter’s most important role is to facilitate comfortable and clear communication between patients and healthcare professionals.
WHERE CAN MEDICAL INTERPRETERS WORK?
Generally, medical interpreters work in any healthcare setting where health-related interviews between a healthcare provider and a patient are held. Interpreters may also serve in other healthcare-related services such as financial assistance.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXCELLENCE AS A MEDICAL INTERPRETER?
The NCICH lists six key qualifications for effective medical interpreting:
- Language fluency
- Ethical conduct
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Health and medical terminology
- Realtime interpreting skill
- Correct interpretation of instructions
HOW DO MEDICAL INTERPRETER GET CERTIFIED?
Certification is an assessment process by which a professional organization tests and approves a medical interpreter’s qualifications. Certification includes the assessment of language, terminology, ethics and the interpretation process.
IS CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT FOR MEDICAL INTERPRETERS?
Certification indicates that a professional has undergone a rigorous and well-organized program of study and passed a recognized examination. It provides a clear understanding of an interpreter’s capabilities and commitment to excellence.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN “INTERPRETER” AND A “TRANSLATOR”?
“Interpreting” involves spoken communication while “translation” is dedicated to written documents. Medical interpreters help patients and healthcare professionals communicate through spoken conversations and interviews.
How you will benefit from this medical interpreter course
- Develop best-practice interpreting techniques using simultaneous, consecutive and sight translation methods.
- Learn medical terminology in Spanish and English and transfer terms into the opposite language.
- Understand social and personal protocols for interpreting on behalf of Spanish-speaking patients.
- Master the medical interpreter’s code of ethics.
- Prepare to sit for a Spanish Medical Interpreter examination.
Prerequisites and Requirements
There is no formal education requirement for either language, but bilingual Spanish and English fluency is required.
