Where Can I Get A Medical Interpreter Training?
People always say that one should never hide anything from one’s doctor. But what if your doctor cannot understand your language? Now, that would be a very scary situation. You would want professional interpreters to help you out at that moment so you can easily explain your health issues to the doctor. These experts, however, do not become good at their job overnight. They have to undergo training and then clear an exam to become certified. Only after getting the required qualification can they start helping out those who need linguistic assistance. They make the lives of doctors and patients easier after acquiring their medical interpreter certification.
Why Become a Medical Interpreter?
The job market is not good anywhere in the world. Even the first world countries are suffering. Their citizens can get a college degree and still have no guarantee of getting a well-paying job. This is why people have started joining fields that pay more. One of the professions that are growing rapidly is medical interpreting. According to the US Department of Labor, employment for interpreters, in general, is going to grow 29% from 2014 to the year 2024. The is more than the combined growth rate of all the other occupations.
Not only is medical interpretation a noble job, but it is also well-paying. Experts in this field can work in hospitals or freelance for different clinics. Their presence helps patients in calming down and express their issues easily. There is also plenty of opportunities to grow in the field. Qualified Healthcare interpreters continue to learn more every day by spending most of their time around healthcare professionals. They will also get to learn from patients. By observing the body language of patients, they can change their tone accordingly. So, if you are interested in languages and the healthcare industry, becoming a medical interpreter can be a very good idea.
How to Become a Medical Interpreter?
If you wish to join the medical field then you might even have to pass certification exams. Some people prefer shortcuts, which is why they end up delivering inaccurate results. Inaccurate services can be dangerous for both doctors and patients. They can lead to an incorrect diagnosis. But the process of becoming a medical interpreter varies depending on the board whose certification a person wishes to get. Here are a few general requirements for becoming a medical interpreter:
- You must be more than 18 years of age.
- You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent from another country.
- You should complete a minimum of 40 hours of medical interpreting training.
- You should have linguistic proficiency in both English and the primary language you will be working with.
- Some boards require degrees in English and the primary language as proof of the interpreter’s proficiency.
These requirements make people eligible for certification examination. They can take the exam and then get the certificate. This will help them in their work. It will not only increase their value in the field but also familiarize them with new concepts in the healthcare industry.
Where Can I Get A Medical Interpreter Training?
Various institutes offer medical interpreter training. If you can’t attend classes, then you can look for online training options. Make sure that the language services you are choosing have positive reviews and a good reputation. You can also get in touch with big hospitals and ask them if they recommend any training programs. Healthcare professionals know exactly how a linguistic expert should work in the healthcare industry, so you can work with their suggestions.
Joining online forums to learn about the different types of medical interpreter training courses is also a good idea. You can get advice from those who are already working in the field. You would be able to join the best program this way.
Where to Work as a Medical Interpreter?
Once you have completed your training and gotten your certificate, you can start your professional life. But people may not know where they should turn to get jobs. Although interpreters are in demand, someone not familiar with the industry will need some guidance to find their first job. There are multiple options available for those who are looking for work as a linguistic expert. Big hospitals offer permanent positions to medical interpreters. But there are also clinics in multilingual areas that require the assistance of linguistic experts frequently.
If you wish to work as a freelancer or have your schedule then you can join a good agency. They will allow you to work according to your schedule and will connect you with clients regularly. This way, you can work from home and connect with your clients over the phone or through video chat. Now that we are going through a global pandemic, working from home seems like a great idea. You will be able to help patients and doctors easily from the comfort of your home.
Don’t forget to search for the right training programs before you join one. The kind of training you get will define your future. The health of people will be at stake each time you will be assigned a project. So, make sure you prepare for this job properly and always provide accurate results. If you get the right training and know both languages well, you won’t have any trouble offering reliable linguistic assistance to your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, you’ll have to submit proof that you are 18 years old. Only then you can register with a certified medical interpreter organization.
You must present your high school diploma, a college degree, or any other proof of your general education from an institution of high education.
You’ll also need to submit proof of your medical interpreter education and your proficiency in the English language. Remember that it could be a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in the US.
You’ll be asked to submit a Certificate of Completion from an approved medical interpreter training course of at least 40 hours of training.
If you succeed in providing all the above, you can get admission to a certified medical interpreter organization. Then you’ll have to pass the oral and written examination to become a certified Cantonese medical interpreter.
Although fees vary depending on the institution you choose but mostly a course costs around $700 to $1000.
Not that hard. Because you’d only become a bilingual interpreter if you have enough knowledge of two languages and you already have completed your 40-hour medical interpreting training.
However, if you are not really into Health Care interpretation, you might find it tiring. If you think that your bilingual skills are shaky and you need to work on them, first do that and then choose a comprehensive certification program.
The Pandemic has changed everything, now more and more doctors are providing medical assistance to patients online. This escalated the need for a medical interpreter. If you have a medical background and you possess excellent skills in any two languages, you can work as a healthcare interpreter at a hospital.
On average, a Spanish medical interpreter makes $41, 815 per year in the US. Their hourly rate roughly starts from $20 per hour.
