Healthcare Interpreter Course

Monday, April 10, 2023, 8:00 AM - Friday, June 30, 2023, 5:00 PM, , NJ

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 an overview of the field of Healthcare (Community) Interpreting. 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. They will also learn and practice basic interpreting protocols throughout the course. Finally, participants will learn how to break down complex medical terminology and interpret it effectively. The course and course textbook are in English, but participants will have the opportunity to do certain activities in the non-English language, including role plays, discussion and group work.

1. Participants will learn how to break down complex medical terminology and interpret it effectively
2. Enable bilingual individuals to take on a role of professional interpreter within a healthcare team

• Dates: April 10, 2023 - June 30, 2023
• Format: 12 weeks asynchronous online course
• CEs: 40 awarded upon successful completion
• Prerequisite: Proof of Spanish fluency required by passing the OPIc exam
• Participants must purchase the following required materials for class:

Item	Cost
The Community Interpreter Textbook	$120
The Community Interpreter Workbook	$60
OPIc from LTI - an online speaking proficiency exam	$165
Send online speaking proficiency exam results to Rutgers	$20
Course Tuition Fee	$700
Total	$1,065

 

Faculty

• Dana Pilla-Grippi, M.A, E.M.M

 

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 Mike Morgan at [email protected] 
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”.  
» https://www.languagetesting.com/lti/product/selectTest/lang_id/7190/client_id/228?
• 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 Rutgers-Camden
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 here: https://rutgers.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=17410&IsExhibitor=false

Questions?
Contact Mike Morgan at [email protected]

 

Method of Participation

In order to meet the learning objectives and receive continuing education credit, participants are required to complete online coursework and complete the online evaluation form at the conclusion of the activity. A letter certifying attendance and credit certification will be emailed to participants upon completion of the online evaluation survey.
Planners and speakers have no conflicts of interest to disclose regarding this educational activity.
There is no commercial support or sponsorship for this activity.

In support of improving patient care, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

 

Non-Physician Attendance (40.00 hours), ANCC Contact Hours (40.00 hours)