Learn as much as you can about healthcare interpreting, starting with the FAQs on this page. Then, look through the NCIHC resource page for a working paper entitled, Linguistically Appropriate Access and Services: An Evaluation and Review for Health Care Organizations. You will find a similar tool in a publication by The Joint Commission entitled, [...]
In popular usage, the terms “translator” and “translation” are frequently used for conversion of either oral OR written communications. However, within the language professions, translation is distinguished from interpreting according to whether the message is produced orally (interpreting) or in writing (translation).
While there are few colleges or universities that offer programs in medical interpreting, there are other learning opportunities. For a list of colleges that offer programs in translation and interpreting, see the American Translators Association website www.atanet.org under “careers.” For a list of training providers, see NHeLP’s Language Services Resource Guide. For self-guided learning about [...]
Bilingual staff are often used to interpret, without any assessment of their skills. In a recent study, a total of 840 dual-role staff interpreters were tested for Spanish (75%), Chinese (12%), and Russian (5%) language competence. Two percent did not pass, 21% passed at basic level, 77% passed at medical interpreter level. Staff that passed [...]
