Healthcare Interpreting

We are slowly working to improve the Healthcare Interpreting Program website since it is a relatively new program. We encourage students to take a look at our latest brochure which will help students who are interested in the program get started. All students must enroll in the one-day introductory course, HCI 300. See class schedules and/or flyer when available. This is a required course for the Healthcare Interpreting Program that will start in Fall 2013. However, plans may change, so be sure to check this site for updates.

If you are bilingual and are able to speak, read, and write English, you may be interested to know that American River College is offering a certificate program in Healthcare Interpreting! The Healthcare Interpreting Certificate Program is designed to prepare bilingual individuals for effective language interpretation and cultural brokering in the healthcare setting.

The program emphasizes roles and responsibilities of the healthcare interpreter; the development of cultural competence in the community and workplace; insight into language and cultural nuances for specific communities; standards and legal requirements for culturally and linguistically appropriate services; ethical decision-making, advocacy and power dynamics in healthcare settings; and career preparation to become an integral member of the healthcare team.

Coursework covers modes and models of interpretation; development of the technical aspects of interpretation; techniques for facilitating and managing the flow of communication; medical terminology and related vocabulary development in language of service; and common medical conditions and associated treatments/procedures in both basic and specialized healthcare service areas. Language coaches are provided to facilitate skills acquisition and precepted fieldwork experience are required.

Students are encouraged to begin taking the prerequisites prior to the 1st semester.

Healthcare Interpreting Certificate Requirements (22.5-28.5 Units)