As a health care interpreter, you will have to help these patients understand the needs of the medical personnel. When there is miscommunication due to language barriers, the services of an interpreter proves to be invaluable. If you would like to enter into this field, you will need to obtain certification.
Role Vital
Working in the field as a health care interpreter, you will have an important role that requires you to bridge the gap between medical staff and patients that speak different languages and have different cultures. To work in this position, you will have to be trained by an institution that is accredited.
It is very important that patients and medical personnel are able to communicate with one another. A lot of the time, patients won't know how to speak English, so it is up to the health care interpreter to understand both languages and cultures. You will also need to have an understanding of common medical procedures and conditions. Being able to deal with situations where there are people who are very ill is another requirement of this job.
No National Certification
There isn't a process for national certification for those looking to become a certified health care interpreter. You are able to obtain a certificate from private companies, educational institutions, government agencies and professional organizations. In some states like Oregon and California, there is a program for state licensing. There are some counties that offer certification, which can usually be obtained from community colleges, medical schools and universities.
Whom to Contact
The first thing you can do is contact the state board of health in your state to find out where you can take classes to become an interpreter in the health care field.
