Offered by Boston Public Health Commission in partnership with Mass AHEC Network
Boston is home to residents with diverse cultures, backgrounds, and languages. As such, there is an increasing demand for bilingual and bicultural interpreters in the healthcare setting.
Fundamentals of Medical Interpretation is a 60-hour training course that was developed to enable participants to become competent medical interpreters. The course introduces participants to basic interpreter roles and skills, interpreter ethics, and basic medical terminology in both English and the target language.
Basic anatomy and physiology is taught by an experienced instructor who is a clinician. Language coaching and role-plays in the target language are offered by experienced interpreters who are native speakers of the target language.
The program incorporates competency skills in: medical terminology, culture, and delivery of health care; interpreting in the primary care/pediatric setting, and for mental health, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS patients.
To be accepted into the program, applicants must pass a language assessment pre-test and demonstrate fluency and literacy skills in English and the target language.
We are accepting applications for our 60 hour 10-week Medical Interpreter Training Session, that begins on October 8 2010 and ends on December 10, 2010. The course meets once a week: on Fridays (9am – 5.30pm).
Languages: The course is offered in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Russian. Not every language is offered at a specific session. We require a minimum of five participants in a language group in order to offer the course in that language.
Who Should Attend:
Bilingual health care staff and volunteers who wish to improve their skills and increase their medical terminology; bilingual individuals interested in becoming medical interpreters.
Registration:
Please mail your registration before September 15, 2010. Space in the training program is limited and is filling up quickly.
In order to be considered for admission you must:
- Be bilingual in English and another language.
- Complete and mail the signed Application Form with a check for non-refundable registration fee for $30 (payable to CHEC ) to:
Medical Interpreter Training
CHEC Office
35 Northampton Street 5th floor
Boston, MA 02118
Attn: Yana Fisher
- Pass the language assessment test with a grade of 75 or higher.
- If accepted, participants are required to submit a $870.00 course fee
($30 for the registration and $840 for the training) and signed Student Participation Agreement prior to the first class.
Entrance Criteria:
Training participants must meet all of the following pre-requisites in order to participate in the training program:
- High school diploma or equivalency;
- Oral proficiency in English and target language (to be determined during screening interview);
- Ability to read and write at a basic level in target language;
- Successful completion of language assessment tool that includes the evaluation of both oral and written skills;
- Knowledge and work experience in the healthcare industry with preference given to those currently working in the healthcare field.
Evaluation Process:
- Evaluation of pre and post scores will determine the level of competency skills acquired by the participant and the over-all program success;
- Participants will evaluate each session;
- Practicum experience will be evaluated by the student and the interpreter site preceptor.
Certificate of Completion:
Upon successful completion of training and payment, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
A 15-hour practicum is recommended (but not required) at a healthcare facility under the supervision of a trained interpreter.
Our program:
Our training programs use the Massachusetts Area Health Education Center (AHEC) medical interpreting curriculum. Some of our training programs are sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance, in partnership with the MassHealth Access Program, the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Mass AHEC.
Lectures are conducted by well-qualified and respected professionals in the field. All courses are handicap accessible and take place in Boston. If you need an ASL interpreter or materials in alternative formats, please let us know when you register so that we can meet your needs.
If you have any questions about terms and prices please email to yfisher@bphc.org