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