Qualified Healthcare Interpreter Course

 

Become a Qualified Healthcare Interpreter

The Healthcare Interpreter course is a 40-hour foundational interpreting course with an emphasis on the specialized sector of healthcare interpreting and dual-role interpreters. It provides anoverview of the field of Healthcare (Community) Interpreting. Participants will study theprofessional code of ethics for healthcare interpreters and apply them to real-world settingsusing the strategies provided to navigate these scenarios successfully. They will also learn andpractice basic interpreting protocols throughout the course. Finally, participants will learn how tobreak down complex medical terminology and interpret it effectively. The course and coursetextbook are in English, but participants will have the opportunity to do certain activities in thenon-English language, including role plays, discussion and group work.

Course Details

  • Dates:
    • Spring 2023 Session: April 10- June 30, 2023
    • Fall 2023 Session: September 11 - December 15, 12 weeks (40 hours)
      • Office hours Thursdays 8-9pm live online  
  • Format:
    • 12 week asynchronous online course
  • CE's:
    • 40 hours CE awarded upon completion
  • Prerequisite:
    • Proof of Spanish fluency required by passing OPIc exam
  • Cost:
    • Every participant must purchase the book "The Medical Interpreter" for $120, the Community Interpreter Workbook and role plays for $60 and the OPIc from LTI - an online speaking proficiency exam.  The oral proficiency exam costs $103 PLUS $20 to have it sent to Rutgers. That's a total of $303 in course fees per student in addition to tuition fees which is $700, for an affordable total of $1,003 to complete the course.Many alumni have conveyed how their increased employment opportunities more than outweighed the cost of the course. 

 

FAQ's

I am bilingual and have been interpreting for a long time – why do I need training? 

Untrained bilingual staff members who are asked to interpret healthcare encounters are not aware of the ethical requirements to interpret accurately and completely; under the guise of helping, they often take over the communication between the other parties, instead of facilitating the communication between them.  This ad hoc practice leads to more barriers to care instead of eliminating them. There is often a misunderstanding between what is “interpreting” and “translation” and the skills and practices expected in each activity.  Bilingual individuals are often asked to do, in terms of oral or written communication, what they might not be qualified to do.  Learning how to manage these situations properly is an important part of utilizing these skills in the workplace.  

What will the course cover? 

The Healthcare Interpreter course is a 40-hour foundational interpreting course with an emphasis on the specialized sector of healthcare interpreting.  It provides an overview of the field of Community Interpreting and interpreting studies in general.  Participants will study the professional code of ethics for healthcare interpreters and apply them to real-world settings, using the strategies provided to navigate these scenarios successfully.  Participants will also learn and practice extensively basic interpreting protocols throughout the course.  Finally, participants will learn how to break down medical terminology and interpret it effectively. Using an asynchronous online approach will allow for participants to review the material more than once, if necessary, and to practice repeatedly in order to improve their interpreting skills. Moreover, material will be available when participants are available to study. 

What are the pre-requisites for the course? 

Participants must demonstrate proficiency through a validated language proficiency test or through other acceptable documentation.  Link to OPIc prerequisite test.  

What books will I need for the course? 

There are two required books for the course: 1) The Community Interpreter – an International Textbook, available at Textbook and 2) The Community Interpreter: an International Workbook of exercises and role plays, available at Workbook 

 

Ready to become a Qualified Healthcare Interpreter?

STEP 1: Confirm your interest in this course by emailing Joseph Tariman at jt1164@camden.rutgers.edu 

STEP 2: As soon as possible, Register for the OPIc prerequisite test: REGISTER HERE

  • Click on “I am an individual looking to advance my career”.
  • Then, “I am looking to certify my Speaking, Writing, Listening, or Reading skills”.
  • Choose this exam: “Speaking: ACTFL OPI”.  
  • Press button “Continue to Schedule” $165.00 is the price of the exam.  
  • Please note, you must take exam “Form 4” to qualify for this course.  
  • Have results sent to:
    • Go to “add services” official copy of certificate then “Add to order”. Write in the following: 
      • Joseph D. Tariman, PhD, MBA, ANP-BC, FAAN
      • Rutgers School of Nursing - Camden 
      • Attn: Michael Morgan 
      • 530 Federal Street, Room 435
      • Camden, NJ 08103

STEP 3: Purchase books:

  • The Community Interpreter – an International Textbook, available at Textbook and
  • The Community Interpreter: an International Workbook of exercises and role plays, available at Workbook

STEP 4: Register for the Course and Pay Tuition: