Medical interpreters play a vital role in healthcare. These professionals act as an intermediary between medical professionals (doctors and nurses) and patients, relatives and friends of patients. In countries like the United States where the population is made up of people from around the world, medical interpreters are necessary so that the right diagnosis and treatment can be given to patients who do not speak the same language as the doctors. The need for translators fluent in specific languages will be determined by the geographic location in which the people live and work.
If you can offer interpreter services, and want to work in a medical career, then becoming a medical interpreter may be the perfect job for you. Before you can be a medical translator, you will need to learn about medical interpreter training. You’ll be glad to know that you can get started with this training by taking courses through an accredited online school—many people find these classes more convenient than those held at traditional colleges, and they’re a great way to break into the medical field. Online schools allow you to attend classes on your own schedule, which allows you to hold a regular job while taking on the new educational training.
Here’s how to land a medical interpreter job.
- Language Requirements. Depending on the medical facility, the requirements may be as basic as a high school education. Larger hospitals and practices may require a higher degree of education, such as an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Some businesses will not need a formal degree, but may require a certain number of credits within a single language, usually enough for a college minor. But one thing is certain: The medical interpreter has to possess bilingual skills.
Spanish and English speaking interpreters are in high demand in the United States. Interpreters who speak more than two languages will be more in demand because there are many other nationalities living in the U.S. The interpreter has to be fluent in the languages either because it is native to him or due to undergoing several years of study at the high school or college level. Doing a study abroad program is another way to hone foreign language skills if it is not your native language.
But fluency in two languages is not enough. To be a successful medical interpreter, you should be familiar with the cultural nuances related to the languages you know. Without a firm grasp of the cultures whose languages you speak, medical care may be obstructed. College courses in non-verbal communication and cultural awareness will help you learn the typical practices for that particular culture. - Other Requirements. In some hospitals and facilities, a high school diploma is not enough even if you are fluent in two languages. Acting as an interpreter is a big responsibility as you may be the only line of communication between the patient and other health professionals. Because of this, some medical facilities may require that potential interpreters take medical terminology classes in different languages. There are facilities that require their interpreters to obtain training as medical assistants. Others expect that medical interpreter candidates complete a medical interpreting course, even if you are fluent in another language. A medical interpreting course includes the technical aspects of translation, ethics, law and the responsibility of the interpreter. Online programs are available, which help accommodate a variety of schedules to get the much needed education for the job. These types of courses are available in a number of colleges, universities and private training companies. Some language schools, hospitals and community organizations offer medical interpreter training. Some schools will allow students to test out of a few of the classes, which will lessen the time it takes to complete this aspect of training.
- Certification. Although there is no requirement for an interpreter to obtain a certification at this time, it would be to your advantage to obtain a certification from The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. This is to ensure that competence and a high level of quality is displayed by interpreters in the performance of their job, which is a great selling point when talking to potential employers. To become certified you will need to register with the board and take an oral as well as a written exam. There are various ways to apply for the examination. Contact the organization to determine the best route for your experience. Testing for additional languages can be done with as little as 15 college credits in the same foreign language.
According to the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, the written exam covers the following:- Medical Terminology in English
- Medical Interpreter’s Roles
- Medical Interpreter Ethics
- Cultural Competence
- Medical Specialties
- Interpreter Standards of Practice (IMIA, CHIA, NCIHC)
- Legislation and Regulations (HIPAA, CLAS)
- Linguistic proficiency in all spoken languages
- Consecutive Interpreting skills in context
- Sight Translation skills from English into another language
- Knowledge of Medical Terminology and Specialties within context in both languages
- Cultural Competence
A medical interpreter is of great service to both the medical profession and the patients. They help the doctors and patients understand each other. Patients in particular feel more comfortable and at ease knowing that they are being understood by the doctor. When patients can understand what their doctor is saying, they have a higher likelihood of following their advice. If you want to pursue a career as a medical interpreter, knowledge of two languages, medical terminology and cultural competence are not enough. You also have to hone your communication skills so that you can accurately translate simple to complex medical concepts and ideas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical interpreter jobs will grow about 22% through the year 2018. The median wage for a medical translator is $39,000 a year.