Medical Interpreting Certificate Program

WLIW-051 Medical Interpreting Certificate Program

Hours: 60
Fee: $1,070
Instruction: Online/Blended Synchronous

*Additional Funding Sources

This course may be eligible for funding under other grants for those qualified. Please email Danielle Morales at dmorales0002@stcc.edu.

Program Description

Medical Interpreting (Open to All Languages)

Medical interpreters are in great demand both in-person and remotely by video or phone.  Interpreters can elect to work for a hospital, school, or state agency, or as contractors with many agencies throughout the country. They can also elect to work remotely from home where they can work independently and make their own hours. Open to all languages, this 60-hour program provides working knowledge of medical interpreting, including standards of practice, ethics, HIPAA regulations, cultural competency, and medical terminology/vocabulary. The course provides intense practice via oral role plays on a variety of medical topics.  The student will also be introduced to VRI (video remote interpreting) and OPI (Over the Phone Interpreting). Offered in collaboration with TransFluenci EDU, this course is designed for those preparing for entry-level careers as medical interpreters as well as for working interpreters preparing for the National Board Certificate exam. Students must be fully bilingual and must be fluent in English and one other language. This program meets the National Board for Medical Interpreter Certification training requirement and prepares you to pass the national certification exam. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to apply for national certification.

For information on certification requirements and cost click on the links below:

CCHI, Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters

NBCMI
National Board for the Certification of Medical Interpreters

Because a language assessment is required, students must register at least two weeks in advance.

Program Details

Fee: $1,070

Need help convincing your employer to help cover the costs?

Additional Funding

This course may be eligible for funding under other grants for those qualified. Please email Danielle Morales at dmorales0002@stcc.edu.

Section D41

Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Times: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dates:

  • June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
  • July 2, NO CLASS July 4th, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
  • August 1, 6, 8, 13

What You Need to Know to Become a Medical Interpreter
ISBN: 9780578411910

Books may be purchased on Amazon or other book vendors.

Refund Policy

Withdraw prior to the start of class* - 100% Refund
No Refunds will be given once class begins

In the absence of a written third party contractual agreement stating otherwise, all refunds will be issued to the student. Credit card payments will be refunded directly to the credit card if processed within thirty days of the payment.

Course Cancellation Policy

The STCC Workforce Training office reserves the right to cancel any course that does not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

Student Handbook Policies

As a participant in this program/course I understand that I am bound by all the rules, regulations, and policies of STCC as outlined in the Springfield Technical Community College Student Handbook.

To view Medical Interpreting Certificate Program related careers, live job listings, and average salaries please see STCC’s Career Coach.

How fluent do I need to be to take the course?
You need to be very fluent in both English and the second language. This is not a language course. It prepares the student for what they need to know to apply for work as a medical interpreter and to take the National Exam.

How do I know if I’m fluent enough?
Prior to the start of classes, you will be contacted by someone to arrange for a brief language evaluation which will take place by phone. If you do not pass the language evaluation you will receive a full refund.

Can I take the course in more than one language?
Although you may speak more than one foreign language, you may only take the course in one language as there will be development of medical terminology and role plays. You may tell any potential employer that you speak multiple languages and at that time they may choose to test you in any language. You will know the basic expectations that employers require of medical interpreters.

When I complete the course, will I be able to work?
Once you complete the course you will have a certificate of completion to show to any potential employer. Most employers require at least a 40-hour training class, although 60 hours is much preferred. 

Do I have to have National Certification to apply for work?
No. Employers show preference for National Certification, but they mainly want to see at least 40 hours or more of training. The student can then work towards National Certification.  Many times employers will pay the National Certification fees.

Is the course conducted in multiple languages?
No. The course is conducted in English.

What does the course cover?
The course covers the standards of practice, HIPAA, cultural competency, ethical dilemmas, development of medical terminology and student/patient/doctor role plays. 

For questions or interest in our current or future programs, please complete our Workforce Development Program Inquiry Form, and one of our Recruitment and Retention Specialists will contact you promptly. For all other questions, please use the contact below.

The STCC Workforce Development Center
Building 27, Second Floor

Enrollment Process

Enroll Online

  1. Review the Prerequisites/Requirements above.
  2. Click the Enroll Now button below.
  3. Click the "Select" button next to your desired section. A window appears.
  4. Click "Add Section to Cart". A success message appears.
  5. Click the "Next" button in the top right corner.
  6. Enter your personal information.
  7. Click the "Submit" button.

Enroll Now

Enroll in Person

Go to Building 27, 2nd floor to register for the course or call (413) 755-4225.