Contact
American Healthcare Documentation Professionals GroupTM
415 Boston Turnpike, Suite 212
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Career Outlook
The demand for medical interpreters, particularly those with certification, is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, healthcare providers are increasingly seeking qualified interpreters to bridge language gaps and ensure effective communication between medical professionals and patients who speak limited or no English. This trend is expected to drive strong job growth for certified medical interpreters.
Certified medical interpreters are highly valued due to their specialized knowledge of medical terminology and ethical standards, which are critical in delivering accurate and sensitive translation of health-related information. This is particularly important in ensuring patient safety, reducing misunderstandings, and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
For individuals interested in this rewarding career, obtaining certification through a recognized body like the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) can open doors to a wide range of employment opportunities. Additionally, the rise of telemedicine and virtual healthcare services has further expanded the demand for remote interpreting services, making this a flexible and growing field for those pursuing a career as a certified medical interpreter.
Characteristics
Characteristics that contribute to the success of a certified medical interpreter include:
Occupation Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interpreters and translators, including medical interpreters, is projected to grow by 24% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is fueled by the expanding need for interpretation services in healthcare settings, legal environments, and other fields, particularly in multilingual communities.
Interpreter vs. Translator?
A medical interpreter works to actively facilitate verbal communication between a patient and a healthcare provider. As an interpreter, it’s your role to make sure that the healthcare provider and patient communicate with each other, so that the proper care can be administered. A medical translator, on the other hand, works almost exclusively with translating written documents. It is an entirely different skill that requires a different type of training.
Program Overview
Certified Medical Interpreter Training Program
Overview: Our 60-hour Online Medical Interpreter Certificate Training Course is designed to equip aspiring medical interpreters with the essential skills needed to facilitate clear and accurate communication between Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients and English-speaking healthcare providers. This course, developed by professional medical interpreters and clinicians, combines rigorous training in both medical terminology and cultural competency with practical language coaching and role-playing exercises.
The course is offered in several languages, including Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese, and Vietnamese. Note: Language offerings depend on the number of participants in each group. For those seeking certification in multiple languages, multiple course enrollments are required.
Who Should Enroll: This course is ideal for bilingual individuals seeking to pursue a career as a professional medical interpreter. The training is suitable for individuals who wish to work in hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, pediatric care, domestic violence cases, HIV/AIDS care, and more.
Our Standards: We are fully licensed by the Division of Professional Licensure Office and the Office of Private Occupational School Education in Massachusetts. This ensures that our program adheres to the highest industry standards and meets or exceeds the requirements of the Massachusetts Emergency Room Interpreter Law (ERIL) and federal mandates for culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare.
The curriculum incorporates competency training in:
- Medical terminology and the cultural aspects of healthcare
- Interpreting in primary care, pediatrics, mental health, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS settings.
Evaluation and Certification: Participants will undergo an initial language assessment and a final test to gauge their competency in medical interpreting. Upon successful completion of the course, including the required coursework and payment, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognized throughout the United States and meeting IMIA standards.
A 15-hour practicum (optional but recommended) under the supervision of an experienced interpreter is suggested to gain practical experience in a healthcare setting.
Enrollment: Our online training program is accessible and convenient, allowing you to learn at your own pace while benefiting from expert instruction.
For more information or to register, please contact our Admissions Team at [email protected] or call us at (508) 938-9250.
Get started today and take the first step towards becoming a certified Medical Interpreter!
Coursework
The Online Medical Interpreter Certificate Training Course is divided into three comprehensive parts:
Medical Interpreter Core Competency (English Delivery)
Understand the fundamental concepts and strategies of medical interpreting, focusing on effective communication, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
Anatomy and Physiology (English Delivery)
Gain essential knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and basic pathology, with a focus on terminology related to body systems and medical specialties.
Language Coaching (Target Language)
Develop fluency in interpreting medical terminology and concepts in your chosen target language. Engage in hands-on language practice and role-play scenarios that mirror real-world clinical situations.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify common communication barriers between English-speaking providers and LEP patients, and apply strategies to overcome them.
- Understand and demonstrate the specific roles of a medical interpreter and how to apply these roles in various clinical settings.
- Recognize key anatomical and physiological terms, and demonstrate a solid understanding of medical concepts in both English and your target language.
- Understand healthcare organizations’ policies, procedures, and protocols as they relate to medical interpreting.
- Interpret in accordance with the Interpreter Code of Ethics and International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) Standards of Practice, while adhering to legislative guidelines.
Program Dates
March 5 – April 19, 2025
May 7 – June 21, 2025
July 9 – August 23, 2025
September 2025
November 2025
Certification
Students completing this program can sit for the certification exam administered by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI).
- All-inclusive Program Fee$1,121.54*Payment upfront, via bank draft
The all-inclusive program fee covers everything a student needs to successfully complete this program, including:
Payment Options
This program qualifies for the MyCAA Tuition Assistance Program sponsored by the Department of Defense—a program designed for military spouses.