• Berkeley City College
• Fresno County Department of Health & Human Services
• Connecting Worlds: Central Valley Version
• Connecting Worlds: Asian Health Services Version
• Connecting Worlds: PALS for Health, Los Angeles
• National Center for Interpretation, Tucson, AZ
• Southern California School of Interpretation, Inc.
• Reedley College
• Riverside Community College, Moreno Valley Campus
• City College of San Francisco
• California State University, Fullerton, Extended Education
• California State University, Long Beach
• California State University, Los Angeles, Division of Extended Education
• National Hispanic University
• International Effectiveness Centers
• Monterey Institute of International Studies
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of California Riverside Extension

Berkeley City College

Spanish Medical Interpreter Certificate Program

Credit Certificate Curriculum

The curriculum for the Spanish Medical Interpreter Certificate Program is designed to train bilingual/bicultural students to become linguistically and culturally competent interpreters who can function effectively and efficiently in healthcare settings. Through academic preparation, practical skills training and service in health care settings. Certificate candidates learn: a) roles and responsibilities of a health care interpreter; b) basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments and procedures; c) insight in language and cultural nuances for specific communities; d) application of interpreting skills in English and Spanish; e) professional ethics and boundaries; and f) cultural brokerage knowledge and skills. This is a vocational program that prepares individuals to function as Spanish medical interpreters in the healthcare field.

Admission Requirements

Admission is based on:

1. Proficiency in English and in Spanish

2. Attendance required at orientation

3. Submission of written application and resume

4. Must be 18 yrs. or older and U.S. legal resident

Prerequisites:

Spanish 2B, English 1A (or equivalency)

Any student, who receives a grade less than a "C" in Spanish (Medical/Anatomy Terminology), must re-apply for admission to the program in subsequent semesters.

Requirements for Certificate of Accomplishment

Each course must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Students must complete the following sequence of the required courses listed below:

Courses Required for the Certificate of Accomplishment in Medical Interpreting

Course Units

Medical Interpreting 1   3 units

Medical Interpreting 2   3 units

Spanish (Medical/Anatomy Terminology)   3 units

Cultural Brokerage 3 units

Boundaries and Ethics 3 units

Internship 1   2 units

Internship 2   1 units

Internship 3   2 units

Total 20 units

Recommended courses prior to enrollment or during the first semester:

Course Units

Basic Medical Terminology 1 unit

Intro to Human Anatomy and Physiology 3 units

Intro to Human Physiology 3 units

For more information call Prof. Jose Martin, Director at (510) 981-5028.

Interpreting in Health Care Settings:
This training program is designed for bilingual individuals who are interested in facilitating linguistic and cultural communication between patients and health care providers. This is a competency based training program involving lectures, discussions, simulations, field work and special student projects. Besides working with the course instructor, students will be working closely with their assigned Language Coach to enhance their linguistic and cultural competencies. Minimal student qualifications include the ability to speak fluently in his/her language of service (Spanish) and are committed to the entire training program which consists of 8 courses. The eight courses are briefly described below:

1. Medical Interpreting 1 is an introduction to medical interpreting. This course is designed to develop awareness, knowledge and skills necessary for language interpretation in health care settings. At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

-describe the roles and responsibilities of a health care interpreter;
-explain the code of ethics involved in medical interpreting;
-discuss the similarities and or differences between the biomedical culture and student's own culture,
-acquire a basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments and procedures;
-gain insight in language and cultural nuances in specific communities;
-have opportunities to explore and develop other knowledge and skills necessary in the art of interpretation.

2. Medical Interpreting 2 focuses on training bilingual individuals to be an integral member of the health care team in bridging language and cultural gaps between patients/clients and health care providers. Further enhancement of interpreting skills learned in Medical Interpreting 1 specialized health care service areas such as genetics, mental health, and death and dying. Emphasis will also be on the development of cultural competencies in the communityand workplace and careers in interpretation. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

-Demonstrate knowledge of managing the flow of the interpreting session and mastering ofthese skills through classroom activities and examinations.
-Identify health issues, practices and beliefs of specific ethnic communities.
-Identify strategies and cultural sensitive approaches in working with diverse cultures.
-Demonstrate knowledge of cross-cultural communication.
-Gain a broader perspective in the different health care service areas.
-Increase health care related terminology.
-Identify strategies in self-care.
-Demonstrate skills in the development of a portfolio.

3. Internship 1, 2, and 3 consist of field work and classroom simulations focused on application of knowledge and technical interpreting skills learned in Medical Interpreting 1 and Medical Interpreting 2.Study in facilitating linguistic and cultural communication between client and healthcare providers. Training of bilingual (Spanish/English) medical interpreters in classroom and on-site to practice simulations and supervised field situations. Upon completion of these courses, the students will be able to:

-Discuss and demonstrate understanding of the interpreter roles and the scope of practice relative to other health care professionals in the assigned agency.
-Discuss and demonstrate competence in elements of workplace, culture and professionalism: time management, reporting and accountability, maintaining personal and professional boundaries.
-Apply skills learned to the field work setting(s): conflict management, cross-cultural communication, and technical aspects of interpreting.
-Identify specific areas for self improvement needed for interpreting in health care settings.

4. Spanish (Medical/Anatomy Terminology) consists of training for bilingual individuals to be an integral member of the healthcare team in bridging the language and cultural gap between clients and providers. This course covers Spanish medical terminology for the human body, internal and external anatomy, its nature and system, general diseases, treatment modalities and procedures, first aid in emergencies and common injuries.

5. Cultural Brokerage consists of an analysis of cultural brokerage in terms of liaison, cultural guide, mediator, and catalyst for change; bilingual individuals to bridge the gap between patients and providers; and an integration of awareness, knowledge, and skills. Learn and understand Western medical culture and providers. Review assumptions of cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors. Explore and analyze the cultural background (your own/others), level of acculturation, personal beliefs, and values. Learn and understand the community’s culture for which you interpret.

6. Boundaries and Ethics consists of an analysis of ethical principles and dilemmas that arise for interpreters in healthcare settings. A review of the criteria of conduct in professional boundaries is explored. Become aware of the ethical principles presented for medical interpreters by CHIA, IMIA, and The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. Become aware of the regulations for medical personnel as presented by HIPAA, JCAHO, and CA SB 853. Learn and understand various language and cultural guidelines to be applied by healthcare interpreters.

7. Internship in Hospital/Clinic consists of 6 hrs. per week of shadowing/interpreting under supervision at a local hospital or clinic. Along with the field experience students attend a weekly class to review their experience in the field and get feedback on ways to improve their interpreting.

Bridging the Gap, at any site
Brief description
This 40-hour basic training targets multi-language groups of both experienced interpreters and bilingual individuals interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught in English with language-specific practice throughout. Language screening is usually required for entry into the course, depending on the course sponsors. No practicum is required for completion.

Trainers of this course are screened and trained in a separate 40-hour course by the Cross Cultural Health Care Program of Seattle, WA.

Due to the length of time this course has been around, and its well-established program to train trainers for the course and license it to local institutions, this is currently the most widely offered training for healthcare interpreters in the U.S.

Course content
Basic Interpreting Skills (16 hours)
Interpreter Roles
Ethics
Modes of Interpreting
Intervention
Memory Development
Sight Translation

Health Care (8 hours)
Overview of US Health Care System
Biomedicine
Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Procedures
Medical Terminology

Culture and its Impact on Interpreting (8 hours)
Professional Development (8 hours)

Communication Skills
Appropriate advocacy
Professional Conduct
Self-care
Professional development


Competency testing
Competency testing of the information taught in the course is done both before and after the course, through a written test. Participants who receive a 70% or higher grade on the final test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion; participants who receive lower than 70% receive a Certificate of Attendance. There is no testing of actual interpreting skills at the end of this course.


Fresno County Department of Health & Human Services
Brief description
This 30-hour basic training targets multi-language groups bilingual individuals interested in interpreting in healthcare, legal, conference, commercial, social service, evaluation, diagnostic, psychological, psychiatric, and human services settings. The class is taught in English with language-specific labs facilitated by language coaches. Language screening is required for entry into the course. No practicum is required for completion.

Content of the course
Ethics (8 hours)
Ethics and standards from the medical and court interpreting fields, county program requirements and policies, behavior and best practices
County Department Orientation (5 hours)
Mental health, community health, social services, CalWorks, substance abuse, environmental health, children and family services
Terminology and vocabulary (6 hours)
Language immersion through role play, sight translation, written translation.
Interpreter roles, modes of interpreting (8 hours)
Consecutive, sight translation, simultaneous interpreting, language manipulation, motion analysis, working with untranslatables.
Legal risks and liabilities (3 hours)
Office for Civil Rights requirements, confidentiality, informed consent, general liability insurance

Competency testing
Competency testing of the information taught in the course is done both throughout and after the course, through quizzes and a written test. Participants who pass the final test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion; others receive a Certificate of Attendance. There is no testing of actual interpreting skills at the end of this course.

Connecting Worlds: Central Valley Version
Brief description
This 40-hour basic training targets multi-language groups of bilingual individuals interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught in English with language-specific practice throughout. Informal language screening is required for entry into the course. No practicum is required for completion.

Trainers, who must complete a Training of Trainers provided through the Connecting Worlds consortium, are generally required to have some prior experience in public speaking and to have provided interpreting services in health care settings.

Content of the course

•Introduction to Healthcare Interpreting 60 min.
•Guiding the interpreting process: First person, positioning, modes of interpreting 90 min.
•Sight Translation with practice 45 min. daily
•Simulated practice activity 60 min. daily
•Skill intro (Basic memory and communication skills) 45 min. daily
•Health care interpreting as a profession 45 min.
•Introduction of CHIA Standards, Ethical Principles and ethical problem solving process 60 min.
•Introduction to the roles of interpreting 60 min.
•Introduction to the STEP Process 45 min.
•Role of the Message Converter with Practice 75 min.
•Role of the Message Clarifier with Practice 75 min.
•Introduction to Culture and Cultural Clarifier 90 min.
•Community Health Beliefs and Practices 90 min.
•Partnering with Healthcare Providers 60 min.
•Common questions that physician 30 min.
•Healthcare Climate 45 min.
•Interpreting Practice
•Legal Issues and Reporting Requirements 45 min.
•Role of the Advocate 90 min.
•Training Review Activity
•Special Considerations (Difficult situations) 60 min.
•Professional conduct 60 min.
•Discussion about Ethical Dilemmas 45 min.
•Professional Self Development 45 min.
•Final practice activity

Competency testing
No competency testing is done before or after the course. Participants received a certificate of attendance

Connecting Worlds: Asian Health Services Version
Brief description
This 40-hour basic training targets multi-language groups of bilingual individuals interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught in English with language-specific practice throughout. Trained and experience healthcare interpreters act as language coaches for the language-specific practice sessions. Language screening is required for entry into the course. No practicum is required for completion.

Trainers, who must complete a Training of Trainers provided through the Connecting Worlds consortium, are generally required to have some prior experience in public speaking and to have provided interpreting services in health care settings.

Content of the course

•An introduction to the theory, concepts, and skills related to the consecutive mode of health care interpreting,
•An appreciation for the complexities of the roles and responsibilities of interpreters in the health care setting and the skills required to carry out those functions, and
•An introduction to ethical principles, considerations, and strategies as presented in the California Healthcare Interpreters Association (CHIA) standards of practice, to assist participants determine how to handle the challenges that arise within the interpreting

Competency testing
Post-training oral testing for medical terminology and interpreting skills is conducted.
Participants who pass the final evaluation received a certificate of successful completion; others receive a certificate of attendance.


Connecting Worlds: PALS for Health, Los Angeles
Brief description
This 40-hour basic training targets multi-language groups of bilingual individuals interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught in English with language-specific practice throughout. Formal written and oral language screening is required for entry into the course. No practicum is required for completion.

Trainers are required to complete a 40-hour interpreter training course and a training of trainers course. An alternative to the training of trainers course is a mentoring process with senior trainers.

Content of the course
Day 1

Opening and pre-test
Overview of Health Care Interpretation
Standards for Health Care Interpreters
Guiding the Process
Practice Session
Sight Translation
Health Care Interpreting as a Profession
Case Study and Medical Terminology

Day 2

Review and application
STEP process: Roles of the Health Care Interpreter
Health Care Interpreter Role 1: Message Converter
Health Care Interpreter Role 2: Message Clarifier
Practice Session
Case Study and Medical Terminology

Day 3

Review and Application
Health Beliefs and Practices
Partnering with Health Care Providers
Health Care Interpreter Role 3: Cultural Clarifier
Practice Session
Case Study and Medical Terminology

Day 4

Review and Application
Health Care Climate
Legal Issues and Reporting Requirements
Health Care Interpreter Role 4: Advocate
Practice Session
Case Study and Medical Terminology

Day 5

Review and Application
Professional Conduct
Self-development and Staying Healthy
Practice Session
Case Study
Summary of Training

Competency testing
Competency testing is done both before, at the mid-point, and after the course, through both oral and written tests. Participants who pass both the oral and written portions of the final test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion; others receive a Certificate of Attendance.

National Center for Interpretation, Phoenix, AZ
Brief description
This one-week intensive training targets Spanish-speakers who are interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught principally in Spanish. Language screening is not required. No practicum is required for completion.

Content of the course

•Modes of interpreting, including consecutive interpretation, sight translation, and simultaneous interpretation.
•Vocabulary building regarding forensic pathology, regional dialects, medical document translation, physiology, and anatomy.
•Major diseases
•Consent forms and other legalistic medical documents.
•Interpreting ethics
•Interpreting protocols
•Multicultural awareness
•Skill development, including drills, critiques and analysis in all modes of interpreting.
Competency testing
Competency testing is conducted at the end of the course, using specially designed instruments, to determine participants’ areas of strengths and recommend areas for needed development.

Southern California School of Interpretation, Inc.
Brief description
This series of classes prepares bilingual Spanish-English speakers for state certification in court, administrative hearings, medical and federal interpreting. The Medical program runs 77 hours, the court program 143 hours. Classes are taught bilingually in Spanish and English. Prospective students must have a high school diploma, be fully bilingual, and pass the entrance examination. No practicum is required for completion.

All instructors are certified interpreters.

Content of the course
Medical program (6-month program with an oral exam)

1.Medical Interpreting I (11 week course)
2.Medical Interpreting II (11 week course)

Classes meet once a week for a 3. 5 hour lecture. Students are required to complete a minimum of 55-60 hours of language lab practice per quarter.

Court / Administrative Hearing (12 month program with an oral exam)

1.Criminal proceedings I (11 week course)
2.Criminal proceedings II (11 week course)
3.Sight translations (11 week course)
4.Municipal and Superior Court (8 week course)
Classes meet once a week for a 3. 5 hour lecture.

Preparation for the written State Exam (8 week program)

1.Spanish Grammar I (4 week course)
2.Spanish Grammar II (4 week course)
3.English Grammar I (4 week course)
4.English Grammar II (4 week course)
Classes meet once a week for a 3. 5 hour lecture.

Competency testing
Competency testing is done both before and after the course. The entrance exam is a written test only, while the final examination is both written and oral. Participants who pass the final exam receive a Certificate of Successful Completion and academic credit.

Reedley College
Brief description
This 300-hour program targets principally Spanish-English dual-role interpreters and bilingual community college students interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught in English with significant language-specific practice throughout; participants must also attend a lab overseen by bilingual language coaches. Informal language screening is required for entry into the course. A practicum of at least 20 encounters of at least 15 minutes in length is required for completion.

Any instructor in the Community College system must have a Masters Degree or its equivalent in Spanish or a related subject. Language coaches must have at least a B.A./B.S. degree or its equivalent.

Content of the course
Health 14: Interpreting in Health Care I (5 credits)

Overview of the U. S. health care system
Interpreter roles and responsibilities
Modes of interpretation
Cultural interpretation: culture and health issues
Understanding the diagnostic process: anatomy integration, abnormalities and disease processes
Bioterrorism
Office for Civil Rights and interpretation

Health 15: Interpreting in Health Care II (5 credits)

Managing the flow of the interpreting session
Development of the technical aspects of interpretation: memory skills, public speaking skills, note taking
Working with the Standards of Practice for Interpreters
Health issues in ethnic communities
Interpreting in different health care service areas: genetics, women’s health, mental health, pharmacology

Health 16: Field Experience in Health Care Interpreting (5 credits)

Field placement: placement in community-based organizations
Elements of workplace, culture and professionalism: time management, reporting and accountability maintaining personal and professional boundaries, informed consent and confidentiality, code of ethics

Competency testing
Competency testing is done both before and after the program. Prior to admission, an interview is done with a three person panel, and reading skills are assessed. After each course, a final exam is given, and at the completion of the program, students must complete a videotaped role play. This role-play is used to observe student behavior, eye contact, communication and public speaking skills. Participants who pass the final test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion.

 

Riverside Community College, Moreno Valley Campus
Brief description
This program targets Spanish speakers interested in interpreting in community settings. The classes are taught in English and intended for students with near-native fluency. No language screening is required. No practicum is required for completion of the program

Content of the Program

Certificate program
CMI-61 Introduction to Spanish English Translation

This course is an introduction to Spanish/English translation with an emphasis on developing writing style appropriate to text type. Text types covered will include correspondence, news media texts, and informational texts of a general nature. Students will focus on comprehension of source language texts and accurate expression of content in translations. Theoretical readings will be used to familiarize students with strategies, techniques and approaches to solving translation challenges. The course will cover the appropriate use of research materials as aids to translation. 54 hours lecture.

CMI-71 Bilingual Interpretation for the Medical Professions

This course is an introduction to oral interpretation theory and practice in the medical professions, with emphasis on anatomy, illnesses and cultural diversity in institutional procedures. This course concentrates on developing general skills in sight translation, consecutive interpretation, and simultaneous interpretation, and includes a field observation component. 90 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.

CMI-81 Bilingual Interpretation for the Legal Professions

This course builds upon skills and knowledge obtained and practiced in CMI–71. Although the course will continue to highlight medical terminology specific to the provision of all aspects and levels of patient healthcare services, emphasis is on medical specialties and subspecialties, including specialized procedures, uncommon diagnoses, and workers’ compensation. Students continue to practice modes of interpretation, with emphasis placed on speed, accuracy, and interpretation of non-standard language/speech patterns. Public speaking, vocabulary building, and test-taking strategies will also be covered. Students will be required to observe the work of professional interpreters in the healthcare setting. 72 hours lecture.

CMI-82 Intermediate Legal Interpreting (Elective)

This course builds upon skills practiced in CMI-81. Students review sight translation and consecutive interpretation. Considerable emphasis will be placed on simultaneous interpretation. Terminology covered will include Spanish-English legal terminology as well as the lexicon of fingerprinting, firearms, controlled substances and other subject areas dealt within court interpreting. Emphasis will be placed upon public speaking, discourse analysis and dual task exercises. 72 hours lecture.

CMI-91 Introduction to Translation and Interpretation for Business

This course is an introduction to Spanish/English translation and interpretation as practiced in business settings. Students will focus on developing skills in interpreting and written translation while acquiring business terminology in Spanish and English. Emphasis will be placed on written translation and consecutive interpretation. Acquisition of bilingual business terminology will be reinforced through readings, oral practice and written work. 54 hours lecture.

CMI-200 – Community Interpretation: Work Experience

This course is designed to coordinate the student’s occupational on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Students enrolled in this occupational work experience course must be employed in a field related to the work experience subject area. Students may earn up to four (4) units each semester for four (4) semesters or a maximum of 16 units of work experience. No more than 20 hours per week may be applied toward the work requirement. 18 hours lecture. Additionally, 60 hours of volunteer work or 75 hours of paid work is required for each unit.

Associate in Science Degree
An AS degree in Community Interpretation requires completion of the certificate program, completion of general graduation requirements, as well as completion of electives totaling 60 units of college work.

Competency testing
No competency testing accompanies this program.

City College of San Francisco
Brief description
This 300-hour program targets multi-language groups of both experienced interpreters and bilingual individuals interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught in English with language-specific labs conducted by language coaches. No pre-screening is done, but each course except the first requires successful completion of the previous course. An 80-120 hour practicum is required for completion.

Trainers for the course are required to hold a Masters degree in Health Science or Health Education from an accredited institution, as well as to show experience in post-secondary teaching in health sciences courses and to be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish and/or Vietnamese.

Content of the course
Health 80: Interpreting Health Care I: Six hours weekly

General Class Introduction
Interpreter Roles and Responsibilities
Modes of Interpretation
Cultural Interpretation
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
Overview of Health Care Systems

Health 81: Interpreting in Health Care II: Six hours weekly

General Class Introduction
Managing the Flow of the Interpreting Session
Development of the Technical Aspects of Interpretation
Health Issues in Ethnic Communities
Cross-cultural Communication
Overview of Community Health Care Systems
In-depth Review of Health Care Terminology in Language of Service
Interpreting in Different Health Care Services Areas
Psychosocial/Mental Health Issues
Development of a Portfolio
Exploration of Careers in Interpreting

Health 82: Field Work in Health Care Interpreting: Eight work experience hours and two consultation hours per week

General Class Introduction
Field Placement
Directed Practice with Assigned Agency
Elements of Workplace, Culture and Professionalism
Evaluation of Interpretation Activities

Competency testing
Oral competency testing of interpreting skills is done upon completion of the course. Students who pass the final test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion and academic credit.

California State University, Fullerton, Extended Education
Brief description
To receive a Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting (Spanish/English), students must complete the Program Orientation and required courses totalling a minimum of 123 hours of lecture and discussion. Students may select additional elective classes for up to 166 hours. At least 12.3 Continuing Education Units will be awareded to the certificate graduate.

Content of the program

Program Orientation
Language Proficiency Test
Introduction to Interpretation and Translation
Role of the Healthcare Interpreter
Medical Terminology
Healthcare Interpreting I
Healthcare Interpreting II
AND a choice of the following electives
Medical-Legal Sight Translation
Internship

There is an initial placement test and continuous testing of acquisition of knowledge during each course, however there is no competency testing upon completion of the program. Participants who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion.


California State University, Long Beach
Brief description
The B.A. in Translation and Interpretation Studies targets Spanish-speaking undergraduates at CSU Long Beach who are interested in pursuing a career in translation and interpreting in multiple venues, including health care, legal, conference, social service, business, state agencies, film industry. The program requires 450 contact hours. Successful completion of SPAN 312/313 with a "B” or better, or the instructor’s permission, is required for entry into the program. No practicum is required for completion, however two one-half day visits to the courts and to hospitals are mandatory.

Content of the program

461: Introduction to Translation and Interpretation
462: Written and Sight Translation I: English-Spanish
463: Written and Sight Translation II: Spanish-English
464: Consecutive Interpreting I
465: Consecutive Interpreting II
466: Simultaneous Interpretation, English-Spanish
467: Simultaneous Interpretation: Spanish-English
AND a choice of three from among the following
310: Intro to Literary Analysis
423: Intro to Spanish Linguistics
427: Contastive Analysis – Spanish and English
445: Latin American Civilization

Competency testing
While there is testing of acquisition of knowledge during each course, there is no competency testing upon completion of the program.

California State University, Los Angeles, Division of Extended Education
Brief description
This 430-hour program targets Spanish-speaking groups of both experienced interpreters and bilingual individuals interested in interpreting in multiple settings, including health care, legal, conference, social service, and business. The class is taught bilingually in Spanish. Prerequisites include completion of a minimum of 54 quarter units (36 semester units) of post-secondary education or equivalent, and successful completion of a bilingual placement test in the following areas: reading comprehension, grammar, syntax, spelling; listening and writing. A 20-hour practicum is required for completion.

Teachers for this program must work in the area they teach and either have a Degree or be State-certified interpreters.

Content of the program

ML790A Translation: Contrastive Analysis of English-Spanish Grammatical Structures. (40 hours)
ML790B Translation and Interpretation: Elements, Foundation and Style. (40 hours)
ML791A Translation and Interpretation for Criminal/Penal Proceedings. (40 hours)
ML791B Translating and Interpreting for Criminal/Penal Proceedings. (40 hours)
ML792A Translating and Interpreting for Civil Proceedings and Administrative Hearings. (40 hours)
ML792B Translating and Interpreting for Civil Proceedings and Administrative Hearings. (40 hours)
ML793 Legal Interpretation and Translation Laboratory Practicum. (40 hours)
ML 898/50 Introduction to Medical Interpretation and Translation. (30 hours)
ML 898/50 Fundamentals of Medical Interpretation. (30 hours)
ML700A Beginning Grammar for interpreters and translators. (30 hours)

Competency testing
Competency testing is done both before and after the course. The testing consists of a 100-item multiple-choice test in Spanish and English, a mock trial, and a mock medical interview. Students who pass the test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion and academic credit.

National Hispanic University
Brief description
This 480-hour program targets Spanish-speakers who are interested in interpreting in multiple settings, including court, health care, education, or business. The class is taught bilingually in English and Spanish. Formal Spanish language screening is required for entry into the program. A 40-hour practicum is required for completion.

Teachers in this program must hold a degree or have a strong background in language, linguistics, or translation (master’s preferred); be a practitioner in the field, have experience teaching translation (besides language itself) and be fluent speakers of both Spanish and English.

Content of the course

T&I 301: Socio-cultural foundations of language in translation (3 units)

An examination of the link between linguistic and cultural factors, and its importance to the interpretation and translation task. This course includes cultural issues in translation (compromise and compensation), formal properties of texts (phonic/graphic and prosodic; grammatical and lexical; sentencial, inter-sentencial and intertextual), literal versus connotative meaning, and social versus tonal registers.

T&I 302: Theory and techniques in translation and interpretation (3 units)

An exploration of translation and interpretation theories and basic techniques available to the translator and interpreter. This course covers principles of fidelity, models of comprehension in interpretation and translation, a sequential model of translation, knowledge acquisition, efforts model, techniques to cope with simultaneous interpretation, and conference interpreting.

T&I 314: Technical Translation/ Terminology: Banking, Commerce and Finance (3 units)

This course helps participants develop skills in two-language translation in vocabulary used in banking, commerce and finance. Emphasis is given to Spanish to English and English to Spanish with specialized terminology.

T&I 315: Technical Translation/Terminology: Political, Government & International Relations (3 units)

This course is a study of text materials used by international organizations and governmental agencies. Translation and interpretation exercises increase bilingual terminology in political debates, conference meetings, memoranda, contract forms, minutes, press releases and records.

T&I 316: Spanish Medical Terminology: Anatomy and Physiology (3 units)

This course covers Spanish medical terminology for the human body, its nature and system. The student will gain skills in translating/interpreting medical documents used in general medical practice, such as medical office correspondence, informational brochures, office and hospital intake questionnaires, and other documents. Translation and interpretation skills will be reinforced through class activities.

T&I 318: Spanish Medical Terminology: Diseases and Treatment (3 units)

This course will cover Spanish medical terminology for general diseases, first aid in emergencies and common injuries. The student will also learn how to interpret laboratory tests, medical history questionnaires, medical disability reports and other documents. Translation and interpretation skills will be reinforced through class activities.

T&I 410: Computers and Technology in Translation (3 units)

This course is designed for pre-professional and professional translators who perceive technology as translation strategy. It includes an examination of current issues in computer technology and other high-tech resources to assist translators. Translation of technical texts and manuals will be analyzed.

T&I 413: Legal Translation (3 units)

This course emphasizes written translation of legal text, sight translation exercises (English and Spanish), and analysis of legal translation samples for terminology acquisition. Methodologies for adding to personal terminology bank are introduced.

T&I 414: Legal Interpretation (3 units)

This course emphasizes legal terminology and interpretation skills used in law offices, administrative hearings, court proceedings, work compensations, immigration, government and public offices. It includes exercises to improve sight translation; consecutive and simultaneous interpretation modes are also enhanced.

Competency testing
While successful completion of each course is required for completion of the program, there is no general competency testing at the end of the program. Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Successful Completion and academic credit


International Effectiveness Centers

Brief description

International Effectiveness Center has designed a program that provides quality interpreting education to experienced or inexperienced people in the medical field to become competent Health Care Interpreters. We provide interpreter training programs for those candidates that have no experience as medical interpreters or have not had any experience in the medical field. In order to reassert the interpreting skills and medical terminology of the experienced interpreters, we also provide advanced interpreter training programs in which the interpreter will have the opportunity of practicing his/her interpreting skills and medical terminology through role plays and medical terminology workshops. Our goal is to create interpreters that will provide quality service to LEP patients and health care providers by eliminating the language barrier and creating cultural awareness.

Competency Testing and Completion Certificate

Competency Testing is done weekly, and at the end of the course, through both written and oral test. Passing grade is 95%. Participants who receive a grade of less than 80% during thye weekly test will be dropped from the course. Participants who receive a final grade of 80% to 89% will be given an option for an extended training to provide an opportunity to pass. The final oral test includes actual interpreting skills. Participants who pass both the written and oral final tests receive a Certificate of Successful Completion.

In order to be part of the training program, the candidate should meet the following requirements:
• Course A Candidates with no experience must
• Be fluent in English (Good pronunciation, good oral and written understanding, proper use of grammar).
• Be fluent in the second languages that the candidate will be interpreting in.
• Training Duration: 120 to 160 hours
• Course B Experienced Candidates (minimum 5 years) must
• Be fluent in English (Good pronunciation, good oral and written understanding, proper use of grammar)
• Be fluent in the second languages that the candidate will be interpreting in.
• Take a test in order to determine the level of interpreting skills and knowledge of medical terms and interpreting protocols.
• Training Duration: 40 to 60 hours
• Course C Very Experienced Candidates (minimum 8 years) must
• Be fluent in English (Good pronunciation, good oral and written understanding, proper use of grammar)
• Be fluent in the second languages that the candidate will be interpreting in.
• Take a test in order to determine the level of interpreting skills and knowledge of medical terms and interpreting protocols.
• Training Duration: 20 to 30 hours


At the end of the training the participants that passed will:
• Be able to interpret accurately using the protocols of a CHIA
• Be able to identify any barrier that could lead to confusion between provider and patient
• Have general knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body
• Have general knowledge of the different medical procedures and protocols
• Be able to understand the Code of Ethics of an Interpreter, the Roles of an Interpreter and the Forms of Interpreting
• Receive a certificate of training which will have to be renewed every year

This program meets the guidelines of the California Health Care Interpreters Association (CHIA) and the National Standards of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC).



California State University, Northridge, Roland Tseng College of Extended Learning
Brief description
The Tseng College Interpretation and Translation Programs include a Court Interpretation and Translation Program, a Healthcare Interpretation and Translation Program and a Translation Program.

The Healthcare Interpretation 210-hour program targets multilingual groups, mainly Spanish, and the courses are taught in English with language-specific practice throughout. It consists of five core classes and two electives. Informal written language screening is required for entry into the program. The final course is an 18-hour practicum with 18 hours of debriefing required for completion of the program.

CSU suggests that students take its 36-hour course in legal interpreting, which focuses on interpreting skills, prior to starting this program.

Content of the program
Healthcare Terminology

This course introduces the specialized terminology used in a wide range of healthcare applications. Students learn to identify root words, prefixes, suffixes and combined forms of English and Spanish health-related and medical terms. They also learn the correct spelling, definition, usage, pronunciation and abbreviations of medical terms.

Healthcare Interpreting I

In this course, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective language interpreting in healthcare settings. This course covers the basic modes of interpreting and translating and provides techniques for strengthening memory and ability to interpret accurately in various situations, including medical examinations and obtaining consent for treatment. The course provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system and the responsibilities of healthcare interpreters. The ethical principles and protocols developed by the California Healthcare Interpreters Association (CHIA) are discussed.

Healthcare Interpreting II

This course presents a general introduction to anatomy and physiology, including the functions of the muscular, nervous, endocrine, sensory and skeletal systems. Students also acquire basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments and procedures and study essential healthcare system-related topics, such as public health (including nutrition and metabolism) and social services.

Healthcare Interpreting III

This course focuses on enhancing the interpreting skills acquired in previous courses and discussing interpreting in specialized areas of healthcare, such as genetics and mental health (including substance abuse and domestic violence).

Healthcare Interpreting Practicum

This course presents the opportunity to practice interpreting both in class and through internships, while continuing to build healthcare vocabulary. The class will meet to share experiences from the internships and discuss any problems that may have occurred. This course will also prepare students to pass the state medical interpreting certificate exam.

Competency testing
Competency testing of the information taught in the course is done after the course, through a written test. Participants who pass the test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion.

This program also prepares students for the California State Medical Interpreter Certification Exam.

Monterey Institute of International Studies
Brief description
This course has been offered both as a 60-hour on-site training and as a 120-hour on-line training. The program targets Spanish-speakers interested in interpreting in healthcare settings. The class is taught in English and Spanish with language-specific practice throughout. Language screening is required for entry into the course. No practicum is required for completion.

Content of the course
The on-line version of this course was taught online for nine weeks, followed by a one-week intensive interpreting workshop. Students were expected to spend approximately 6-10 hours a week during the online period, which they do at home at their computer. The actual time spent depends on the student’s commitment and background knowledge. All times listed below are therefore approximate.

•Role of the interpreter (includes code of ethics, intercultural issues, triadic communication) – 12 hours
•Spanish-English medical terminology (anatomy, diseases, symptoms, diagnostic testing, therapy, surgery, medication, medical instruments & devices, diabetes, AIDS, TB, labor & delivery)– 42 hours
•Folk medicine – 3 hours
•Consecutive interpreting techniques – 15 hours
•Sight translation techniques – 10 hours
The same course has been offered several times on-site in Monterey in a 60-hour format.

Competency testing
Competency testing is done at the end of the course, through essay questions on role of the interpreter and cultural issues, consecutive interpreting and sight translation in both directions. Participants who pass the test receive a Certificate of Successful Completion.

University of California, Los Angeles
Brief description
This 120-hour program targets Spanish speakers with college-level or advanced degrees who are interested in interpreting in the legal, medical or private sector. The class is taught bilingually in Spanish and English. In order to prove language proficiency, candidates must provide a tape in their non-native language and samples of formal writing. A practicum is required for completion of the program.

Content of the course
This is a one-year certificate program, including eight courses over four quarters.

Fall 460A: Sight and written translation, Spanish to English, covering legal, medical, business and technical.

Fall 460B: Sight and written translation, English to Spanish, covering legal, medical, business and technical.

Winter 461A: Consecutive interpretation, court

Winter 461B: Consecutive interpretation, medical, state agencies, business

Spring 462A: Uses a variety of tapes (legal, medical, economic, etc.) both prepared and surprise, in a cutting-edge lab. Preparation for simultaneous techniques.

Spring 462B: Uses a variety of tapes (legal, medical, economic, etc.) both prepared and surprise, in a cutting-edge lab. Preparation for simultaneous techniques.

Summer

1.Legal class with the Public Defender on the role of the interpreter in the U. S. judicial system.
2.Class/Internship in the courts at LA Superior Court.
Competency testing
No competency testing accompanies this program. Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Successful Completion and academic credit.

University of California Riverside Extension
Brief description
This 160-hour program targets Spanish speakers who are interested in a career in interpreting in multiple venues, including health care, social service, legal, business, the private sector, the judicial system, education, immigration and conference interpreting. The class is taught in English. Candidates must have completed at least two years of college-level work or be a certified interpreter. Candidates must pass a qualifying examination to determine their level of fluency in Spanish and English. A 10/15-hour practicum is required for completion.

Content of the program

Sight translation: English/Spanish and Spanish/English (4 units)

This course emphasizes the acquisition of appropriate English/Spanish and Spanish/English vocabulary and sight translation skills used in criminal and civil court matters.

The U. S. Court System: An Overview for Legal Interpreters (2 units)

A general survey of criminal and civil courts and the various jurisdictions in which they operate and the roles of their personnel. Explores basic legal concepts such as constitutional rights and search and seizure.

Consecutive Interpretation (4 units)

Emphasizes consecutive interpretation as practiced in courts and adjudicatory hearings.

Simultaneous Interpretation (4 units)

Emphasizes simultaneous interpretation, a technique used in the majority of interpreted proceedings. Shadowing, decalage and other memory retention techniques will be covered to help the student acquire the flow, register, target language grammar and vocabulary necessary for a professional level of interpreting.

Professional Interpreting: Protocol and Ethics (2 units)

Focuses on ethical principles and standards in the interpreting profession.

Competency testing
Competency testing is done both before the course and after the course, using a mock situation that requires the use of the three modes of interpreting in specific situations. Students who complete the program receive a certificate of successful completion and academic credit.

 

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