Hospital interpreters provide verbal interpretation between patients with limited English proficiency and hospital staff, and may help patients understand written medical information. They typically have a bachelor’s degree and complete intensive interpreter training specific to medical situations. Interpreters must possess certain characteristics, such as being careful listeners and quick thinkers, and maintain patient confidentiality. Certification is available and can lead to higher salary rates. Hospital interpreters play a critical role in the healthcare system.
To become a hospital interpreter, you typically need a combination of academic preparation and on-the-job training. The role of a hospital interpreter is to provide verbal interpretation between patients with limited English proficiency and hospital staff. When needed, they can also help patients understand written medical information. Health care interpreters and other medical professionals are often in demand. As a result, there are a variety of educational programs available to help you achieve your career goals, including community college and university programs, online training, and specialized certification from national boards.
Training to become a hospital interpreter can begin as early as high school, focusing on developing language skills through reading and composition. Students exposed to foreign languages and cultures early on often have an advantage when pursuing professional opportunities in this field. Hospital interpreters typically have a bachelor’s degree, but the subject or field doesn’t necessarily matter. Later, they usually complete intensive interpreter training specific to medical situations.
Many traditional colleges and universities offer training to become a hospital interpreter through degree programs or continuing education courses. Numerous training programs are also available online. Medical interpreting education usually includes courses in general skills, such as intercultural communication, as well as specific courses, such as face-to-face or over-the-phone interpreting. While it is not necessary for hospital interpreters to be certified, certification often increases a candidate’s credibility with a potential employer and can lead to higher salary rates. More information about certification is available from the National Certification Board for Medical Interpreters in the United States and the International Association of Medical Interpreters (IMIA).
Someone who wants to become a hospital interpreter must generally possess certain characteristics. Successful interpreters are usually careful listeners and quick thinkers, able to speak at least two languages very well. They also often have a cultural sensitivity that helps them navigate the nuances of spoken and non-spoken communication. Interpreting in a patient care environment requires additional and unique skills – not only does the hospital interpreter need to be bilingual, but they also need a strong understanding of medical terminology in both languages.
Hospital interpreters must agree to maintain patient confidentiality regarding paperwork and any communications with physicians and other hospital personnel. It is also important for interpreters to be aware of cultural issues and attitudes related to healthcare, as well as a patient’s individual medical issues; it is important that the patient feels comfortable sharing private information. Hospital interpreters often work in emergency rooms and other high-pressure situations where they need to process and convey information quickly. Errors in translation can result in serious misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
For continued success, interpreters typically must continue to practice their skills and stay informed of major changes in medical terminology or procedures. They don’t necessarily have to be medical experts, but they do need to pay close attention to detail. Hospital interpreters play a critical role in an ever-evolving healthcare system, contributing their skills to the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals.
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