Where can I get training to become a medical/healthcare interpreter?

I get asked that question a lot.

My response to that question, as with most questions, is "depends." If what you are looking for is an entry-level position as a community or healthcare interpreter then, at the end of this article, I have listed a number of resources which offer basic medical interpreter training. Depending on what state you live in, the basic requirement may be a 40, 60, or 120 hour course.

But remember, this is basic training. For entry-level work. One thing that all of these courses will teach is that by becoming a medical/healthcare/community interpreter, you are putting yourself under the obligation to work and act as a professional. That means actively continuing to improve your skills.

If you want take your skills and qualifications to the next level, then you need to be thinking about certification. That will be the subject of my next blog entry. Stay tuned.

Basic medical/healthcare/community interpreter training:

• The Community Interpreter®

• Bridging the Gap

• The Medical Interpreter Online

• Core Medical Interpreter Training (CMIT)™

• Medical Interpreter Training School (MITS)

Resources added after original posting:

• Linguist Education Online

• City College of New York