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 nothing more than a linguistic expert to help you out in 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 are in need of linguistic assistance. They make the lives of doctors and patients easier.
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 is growing rapidly is medical interpreting. According to 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 of this field can work in hospitals or freelance for different clinics. Their presence helps patients in calming down and expressing their issues easily. There is also plenty of opportunity to grow in the field. An expert will 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 this field then you must do it properly. 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 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.
Don’t forget to search 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.
