Research has shown that minorities and vulnerable populations are more likely to be readmitted to hospitals within 30 days of discharge for any condition, and that Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals may be at greater risk for medical errors, longer lengths of hospital stay and avoidable readmission when trained language interpreters are not used. All these factors greatly impact the quality and cost of health care services (Lindholm, et al).

With the growing number of U.S. residents who speak a language other than English, there is an increasing demand for qualified interpreters in the healthcare sector. Medical interpreting training is a key strategy to improve the quality of healthcare and services. Gulfcoast South AHEC’s Medical Interpreting Training includes a comprehensive 40-hour course that meets the training requirement to apply for National Certification and a 16-hour course geared to train bilingual employees on the basics of Medical Interpreting.

diverse group of smiling health professionals

Our 40-hour Medical Interpreting Training is available in our online format.

  • Virtual 40-hour course using Zoom® and Google Classroom® platforms

  • Participants complete material at their own pace and receive weekly live instruction

  • Office hours available for individual advice
  • Completers receive a “Professionally Trained Medical Interpreter” certificate
  • Topics include:

    • Ethics & Conduct
    • Basic Skills (from pre-session to post-session)
    • Positioning
    • Terminology
    • Modes of Interpreting
    • Strategies for Intervention
    • Cultural Mediation

The 16-hour Medical Interpreting Training is available on our online format.

  • 16-hour course geared to train bilingual employees on Medical Interpreting basics
  • Specifically designed for bilingual individuals, healthcare staff and volunteers that are interested in learning how to properly interpret in medical settings
  • Complies with Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act
  • Topics include:

    • Mission of Medical Interpreters
    • Modes of Interpreting
    • Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice
    • Mediation/Advocacy Techniques
    • Liability Risk Reduction
    • Skill Advancement Opportunities

Benefits of Trained & Qualified Medical Interpreters:

  • Improving communication, patient satisfaction & family engagement
  • Reducing liability risks
  • Fulfilling Joint Commission & CLAS Standards recommendations
  • Increasing patient utilization of preventative services, follow-up care & adherence to treatment

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, “Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States will drive employment growth. Job prospects should be best for those who have professional certification.”