Spanish is the most spoken non-English language in the U.S., sparking the need for professional interpreters. If you’re bilingual in both English and Spanish, you can use your fluency to help others communicate. As a professional interpreter, you can assist those in vulnerable situations, such as refugees and immigrants, acting as their communication bridge. This online course will prepare you for a rewarding career as a professional English-Spanish interpreter. Not only will you master interpretation, you will also learn to interpret in a medical setting and be prepared to sit for your state’s medical interpreter certification exam.
What students will learn
- Learn how to transfer information in multicultural situations
- Develop interpreting-specific skills such as short-term memory retention, shadowing, note-taking, sight-translation, consecutive interpreting, and more
- Develop best practice interpreting techniques – simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation
- Understand protocol when interpreting for a Spanish-speaking patient
- Master the code of ethics of the medical interpreter
- Understand all material tested in a Spanish Medical Interpreter exam
How students will benefit
- Have your professional profile listed in an employer-searchable directory
- Use your skill set to help a growing number of people in need of interpretation services
- Be prepared to start a career as a public services interpreter or medical interpreter
- Become ready to successfully take the medical interpreter certification exam
- Use your understanding of medical terminology in both Spanish and English to improve your marketability
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac device.
- Headphones or speakers.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 7 or later operating systems.
- Mac: OS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
- Other: Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
You must be fluent in both English and Spanish prior to enrolling in this course.
Rocío Txabarriaga is vice president of Content Development and co-founder of the Virginia Institute of Interpreting. She has over 20 years of experience in language services and international business management, ranging from independent consulting to senior executive positions. Ms. Txabarriaga has several degrees, including a master's degree from Monterey Institute of International Studies, and has earned many certificates. She also speaks five languages fluently.
Nestor Wagner is a certified Court and Medical Interpreter who has been teaching interpreting courses since 1990. He has spoken at national and international conferences on Criminal, Civil, and Immigration Court terminology, advanced interpreting skills, and localization in the transfer of legal and non-legal terminology. Mr. Wagner holds a master's degree from the University of Washington.
1. Can I register for courses if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
2. Does this course prepare for a certification?
Yes, this course prepares you for any state-issued Medical Interpreter certification exam.
3. When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
4. How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
5. What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.
6. What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also be assigned a Student Advisor for academic support.
7. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
8. Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
9. Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about financial assistance, click here.
10. How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”
11. Is there a language test?
Yes. As part of your program, you will be required to take a spoken language fluency assessment in both your "A" Language (native language) and your "B" Language (second language). These tests are included in your tuition cost and are conducted over the phone. Certified testers will have a conversation with you in your languages, designed to assess your level of fluency on a 1-5 scale. You must have a fluency level of at least 3 in that scale in both languages to pass. If you do not obtain a level 3 fluency qualification in both languages, you will not pass the program. In order to be an interpreter, you must have full verbal fluency in two (or more) languages.