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Frequently Asked Questions about our
40 hr Medical Interpreter Training
1. What is the cost of the 40 hour training?
2. For the certification process, is the exam required?
3. Can you take the exam without the training?
4. If you take the exit exam and pass, what are the benefits?
5. Regarding national certification, how much does it cost? How does it work–sign up online; how far out are the appointments; where is the exam administered? What is the time frame to receive results and be ready for employment?
6. Is this training and preparation truly required to work as an interpreter?
7. The leading motivator to pursue the training and certification will be income opportunity. What can you tell me about the income opportunities in this area for those who attend?
8. What is the style of your training?
9. What is the feedback from past workshops?
10. What are the new laws in California requiring medical professionals to provide an interpreter for non-English speaking patients?
What is the cost of the 40 hour training?
Answer: The fees for training, including the exit exam, are $750 for online participants and $800 for in-person participants.
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For the certification process described in the workshop flyer: exam required or not?
Answer: Upon finishing the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. This also serves as the minimum requirement for you to take the national certification.
Our training also comes with an exit exam, its fees are included in the training. If you take the exam and pass, you receive a Certificate of Competency.
If you decide not to take the exam, it is okay.
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Can you take the exam without the training? If so, what is the cost?
Answer: If you do not take the training, you may still take the exam, but there will be a fee of $150.
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If you take the exit exam and pass, what are the benefits?
Answer:
- Certificate of Competency endorses that you meet industry standards, which mean that you are delivering quality service to your patient.
- You will have a higher chance of being hired as a medical interpreter by Monterey Language Services and elsewhere.
- It also signifies that you are ready to take the national certification.
Regarding the national certification, how much does it cost? How does it work—sign up online; how far out are the appointments; where is the exam administered? What is the time frame to receive results and be ready for employment?
Answer: To take the national certification exam, there is a requirement of a minimum of 40 hours training—which you receive at Monterey Language Services. Our training meets national standards. To answer the other questions, please visit The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters @ http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/getcertified OR Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters @ http://www.cchicertification.org/ . Either agency can get you nationally certified.
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Is this training and preparation truly required to work as an interpreter?
Answer: Would you risk the life of your patient without having proper training? One example of the dangers involved in interpreting without appropriate training is the following unfortunate true story: When an untrained person served as a medical interpreter to a pregnant woman who only spoke Spanish, the woman was prescribed an abortion-inducing drug instead of the prenatal care she was expecting. She lost her baby.
In the Joint Commission’s New & Revised Standards and EPs for Patient-Centered Communication, it says “Qualifications for language interpreters and translators may be met through language proficiency assessment, education, training, and experience.”
Monterey Language Services’ interpreter training conforms to the above and follows the rigorous standards and guidance currently available from National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC). This training is also posted on IMIA’s website: http://www.imiaweb.org/education/details.asp?id=4209
Our training also discusses the California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) standards. These standards are the law for medical interpreters since 2009. All such interpreters must be trained in “interpreting ethics, conduct, and confidentiality” as set out in the CHIA standards.
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The leading motivator to pursue the training and certification will be income opportunity. What can you tell me about the income opportunities in this area for those that attend?
Answer:
- Types of work: Hospitals, doctors offices, community opportunities—public education sessions/seminars
- Average annual salary for interpreters nationwide was $50,610 as of May 2011, which means $24.33 per hour. **
- Interpreters with less than one year experience can expect $10-18.50 hourly. The range of annual salaries for professionals of all experience levels is from $21,036 – $83,847. ***
- Salinas, CA has an employment of 890, not including self-employed persons, an hourly mean wage of $12.10, and an annual mean wage of $25,170. **
- Job outlook: no need to worry about a saturated market. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 42% improvement in the job outlook for interpreters and translators in the next decade. ** Economicmodeling.com stated “when most of the economy was taking a severe beating, translation and interpretation services have grown by about 50%.”****
- The states with highest employment are as follows: **
| State | Employment***** | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| California | 7,870 | $23.08 | $48,020 |
| New York | 3,700 | $28.57 | $59,420 |
| Texas | 3,470 | $21.29 | $44,290 |
| Florida | 2,480 | $17.92 | $37,280 |
| Virginia | 2,040 | $31.50 | $65,520 |
**According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. ***According to Payscale.com
****According to Economicmodeling.com *****Estimates do not include self-employed workers.
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What is the style of your training?
Answer: Our training has a real-world focus: practical, yet fun. You will learn from industry professionals: hospitals, language service providers, and practicing medical interpreters. These professionals will share their experience with you. You will be involved in realistic role-play sessions to practice your new skills. You will have the opportunity to use the technology that interpreters use on a daily basis. There will be a consistent environment of group support.
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What is the feedback from past workshops?
Answer: “I thought I couldn’t make a career of medical interpreting. This workshop has been most encouraging.”
“The variety of presenters was beneficial.” “The speakers were very professional.”
“Even though it’s not a secret field, I have found medical interpretation difficult to get into.”
“It was a most informative workshop and I look forward to learning more.”
“This workshop was excellent. Thank you so much.”
[Insert YouTube video links here when done]
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What are the new laws in California requiring medical professionals to provide an interpreter for non-English speaking patients?
Answer: On January 1, 2009, California implemented the first law—Senate Bill 853—to require that health insurance companies provide interpreting and translating services to patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against people in programs receiving federal assistance regardless of national origin. This means interpreters must be provided to persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 also supports the use of interpreters. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local governments to make their programs accessible to deaf or hard of hearing people, therefore also requiring ASL interpreters.
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