In countries where multiple languages are spoken, a medical interpreter is a necessary person. In places like the United States, for example, there may be a high demand for interpreters to act as a translator between doctors and patients who do not speak the same language. There are several paths to becoming a medical interpreter and filling this position. Some of these require formal education, while others only require bilingual abilities.
Fluency in two languages is the most important requirement for becoming a medical interpreter. Although there is a high demand for people who can speak Spanish and English in the United States, there is also a high demand for people who can speak a variety of other languages. Interpreters can speak a variety of languages, but they usually need to be fluent in at least two. Fluency is rarely achieved by taking just one or two language classes. It may necessitate at least four years of high school study, and possibly even more at the college level. Some people, on the other hand, may be native speakers.
Those who want to work as a medical interpreter are usually required to have a high school diploma. Many hospitals, however, may have additional requirements for interpreter positions. Hospitals and other medical facilities may require people to complete medical terminology courses in multiple languages, medical assistant training, or a medical interpreting program. Medical interpreting certificate programs are offered by a number of universities and private companies, and they can last a semester or more, or they can be completed in one or more weeks of intensive study. With the exception of medical terminology, they rarely teach language.
Formal medical interpretation programs frequently devote time to one of the profession’s most important aspects. It is more than just a matter of language and medical knowledge. In order to fully facilitate conversation between medical staff and patients, interpreters must have a thorough understanding of the cultures from which they come. When the interpreter is not sufficiently skilled, culture gaps can be just as significant as language gaps, obstructing medical care.
Currently, there is no requirement for a person wishing to work as a medical interpreter to complete certificate training, and there is no national certification for interpreters in the United States. Hospitals and other medical facilities can set their own requirements for new medical interpreters. This is expected to change, and it may do so quickly. Organizations such as the National Medical Interpreter Certification Board are pushing for national certification in an effort to maintain consistency in the quality of care and competence among interpreters.
While certification is not yet required to work as a medical interpreter, there are other requirements in addition to language skills, cultural awareness, and strong medical terminology skills. During medical examinations and even emergencies, interpreters may be present. This means they’ll likely be exposed to a lot of medical treatment and will need a strong stomach or tolerance for it, as well as the ability to remain discreet and professional in a variety of situations.