Certification, Employment, and Demands of the Job.

Medical Interpreters must now be certified in order to work as interpreters in most hospitals and clinics in the nation. Many health care organizations are asking their Medical Interpreters to take the National Certification Exam prior to the end of 2013 in order to retain employment. The International Medical interpreters Association and The National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters both proctor the national certification exam for medical interpreters.

According to tthe Bureau of labor Statistics job prospects for this inmdustry continues to expand and interpreters are in high demand.  The average entry level hourly rate fro interpreters is $20.82 per hour or about $43,300 per year. From 2010-2020 there will be and increase in opportunities for interpreters of about 42%.  This is a much faster growth than that of many other industries.

The percentage of interpreters in particular industries are as follow; 26% of interpreters were employed in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical fields.  Another 25% were employed in Education; State and Local, and Private sectors.  Interpreters in Healthcare and Social Services accounted for 13%. Lastly, 7% of all interpreters were employed in Government.

There are many that believe that this is a very good, stress free profession.  You'd be wrong; since interpreters must, at times, work long hours, and even skip coffee breaks and lunch breaks in order that there is coverage at their place of work.  In hospital settings it is not unsual to be paged to interpret 5 times or more while you are on a current assignment.  Conference interpreter use simultaneous interpreting which requires they keep up with a speaker and not miss a word.  This can be extremely stressful.  In most settings interpreters are required to perform statistical data entry, contact patients or clients, translate documents, and much more.  In other words interpreters have a full load while at work, they don't just simply interpret.

In a nut shell, although there are excellent job prospects one must be prepared academically, professionally, as well as, psychologically to meet the demands of this profession.

Cultural Competence

Interpreters must have an understanding of culture. This starts with understanding ones own culture and then undersdtanding the culture of the target language group and even the providers'. We all know that in different cultures folks have separate, values, practices, perceptions, and health related beliefs from our own. This can impact treatment in a medical setting. Since one of the functions of the interpreter is to be a cultural broker, then knowing and understanding the different cultures one may work with is very important.

There are dimensions of culture.  These are such things as values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, foods, eating habits, dress or appearance, language, and relationships. Understanding all of these and how together they form the cultural identity of your client and his or her client is key to having a successful interpretation.  In short, cuklture impacts communication.

Responsibilities of the Interpreter

When managing the communication during an interpretation the interpreter has five basic reponsibilities.

1. Setting the Stage.
2. Interpreting.
3. Managing the Flow of Communication.
4. Managing the Triadic Relationship. (manage conflict, self check on accuracy)
5. Assist in Closing Activities.

If you have any particular questions regading the details of each of these I will be happy to expand upon request.

When an interpreter arrives at the location of an assignment he or she must introduce themselves using what we call the C.I.F.E.. This Acynom represents a particular and necessary set of items that help to set the stage for an interpreting session.

• C= Confidentiality
• I= First Person
• F= Flow
• E= Everything

So the interpreter introduces him or herself to the provider and then to the patient by saying " my name is ___________ I will be your interpreter.  Everthing said will be Confidential. I will be speaking in First Person. In order to maintain the Flow of  the communication I will use the time out sign if needed to seek clarification or ask  questions. Everything will be interpreted."

This introduction helps to prepare the provider and patient for the session and helps them to understand how the session will be handled by the interpreter.

Education for Medical Interpreters

There are a whole host of training opportunities for medical interpreters all over the country. Here in Massachusetts you can contact the International Medical Interpreters Association, Cambridge College, The National Council on Interpretation in Health Care, or simply conduct a Google search for interpreter training programs.   Boston University, Suffolk University and Cambridge college offer Certificate Programs or you can make this training part of a Human Services Undergraduate Degree.  some may not need and Undergraduate Degree because you already have one in another field; this is ok.  However, if you don't have a degree then you might consider the Human Services Degree otion since many employers require some college education as a condition of qualification for this job. However, just remember to shop around for the option that best suits your particular goals and needs.  If you want more information regarding any of the mentioned options, drop me a note.

IMIA Code of Ethics

The International Medical Interpreters Association also has a Code of Ethics. This is important for organizations since its a way to manage the professional conduct of its members. Also, it serves as a way for practicing interpreters to know what the industry standards of conduct are, as well as , a way to monitor their professional conduct.  If you are interested in reading the IMIA Code of Ehtics please visit www.imiaweb.org

Medical Vocabulary

Here is a sample of the most commonly used medical terminology translated into Spanish. Of course I can only provide a small selection of words. However, if you require assistance with other words just ask and I will do what I can to assist you.

1. Appendix = Apendice
2. Bladder = Vejiga
3. Bloood Vessels = Canales Sanguineos o conductos sanguineos
4. Bowel = Intestinos
5. Calf = Pantorrillas
6. Chromosomes = cromosomas
7. Coccyx = Rabadilla
8. Fallopian Tubes = Trompas de Falopio
9. Gallbladder = Vesicula
10. Kidneys = Rinones

There are thousands of words that we must be able to recall at a moments notice as a medical interpreter. this means that we must constantly read and translate terminology in order to be able to retain these sometimes complicated words.

Maybe later I will provide another series of words for thosse interested.

Northeast Consulting and Interpreting

This is a regional consulting and interpreting blog. It will be used to share important information that can be used by interpreters and others who would like to get to know this profession and what it has to offer. Sometimes people have questions regarding what interpreters do. Many times folks just want some help because they are in need of interpreter services or they are learning a particular language and want some help with translations. Of course there are many other questions that may arise regarding this profession. I hope to be able to provide helpful information, awareness and answer questions.

This is an exciting and developing profession that compensates folks well.  Also, there are many settings in which medical interpreters perform their duties.  These include hospitals, doctors offices, clinics, health centers, insurance offices, and more.  Most states require that interpreters are certified and college educated. compensation ranges from $25000 - $75,000 a year.  This is determined by qualifications, position, self employment, number of hours worked, and other factors.

There are many Interpreter Organizations in the United States. Two of the most prominent ones are The International Medical Interpreters Association and The National Council on Interpreters in Health Care.  Both are very good sources of information regarding the industry.  You may visit; www.imiaweb.org or www.ncihc.org

There have been laws enacted that have helped to promote and ultimately mandate the use of trained interpreters in the medical field.  They are the following;

1. Civil Rights Act of 1991.
2. Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
3. Americanms with Dissabilities Act of 1990.
4. Age Discrimination Act of 1972.
5. Sexual Orientation added to non-discrimination 1989.
6. Chapter 66 of the Acts of 2000 Emergency Room Interpreter Law.

Also, The National Council on Interpreter's in Health Care has provided the industry with a Code of Ethics that Interpreter must comply with.

• Accuracy
• Confidentaility
• Impartiality
• Respect
• Cultural Awareness
• Role Boundries
• Professionalism
• Professional Development
• Advocacy

If you would like to read more about the NCIHC Code of Ethics go to www.ncihc.org