College Credentialing and the Medical Interpreter

For many years the training of Medical Interpreters was primarily in control in organizations like the International Medical Interpreters Association, The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, Cross Cultural Communications, and there board members, many of whom are Directors and Instructors of such training programs througout the nation.  Boston University, Cambridge College, Suffolk Unviversity are currently offering actual certificate or degree courses for interpreters as well. However, we are seeing an increase such programs among colleges around the country.

The University of Michican is one of the latest to begin offering a certificate program for interpreters.  Althought the course is only a forty hour, five day course in which the attendees receive a certificate of completion. The course covers the primary topics necessary for interpreter to go out and enter the job market with a certificate from an accredited college or university.

Many interpreters in the job market lack the level of credentialing to provide them with real professional status at work..  Even those who hold degrees are not viewed as professionals among other professionals in their respective industry (Medical, Legal, Educational) unless they are employed by a government entity. This is due to a misconception that interpreters are performing this function simply because they speak the laguage.  This of course is the furthest thing from the complete story and solely a partial fact.

If more colleges and universities determine that there is money to be earned and a void in the market, and society, that must be filled maybe more state college/universities will begin to offer more degree based programs for interpreters. Then interpreters who have completed actual degree programs will begin to be treated as true professionals and be remumerated and treated as such.

The laws around the country are changing and more states are mandating the use of interpreters in hospitals, courts, schools, etc. Thanks to the advocates who have pushed for many years and made this possible.  They are correct in their position that interpreters must be competent individuals that possess the proper training and credentialing to perform the basic requirements of this profession.  Furthermore, their position that government must play an instrumental role in the enactment of statutes to require the use of competent interpreters.  We all know that one mistake can cause a patient to die, or a persons freedom to be taken from them, a child not to receive the education they need, etc.

Understand where Im going with this?  Interpreters and prospective interpreters need to secure the type of credentials that carry the most weight, if you will.  If we are  truely to achieve and attain the kind of success that we desire and deserve a college degree is the way to go. Yes that right! Any degree initially, supported by the proper training and National Certification.  However, don't settle for any training reach out to a college that offers the training you require.  This will provide you with more credibility.

The posting of college programs throughout the nation will be posted at a later time.

 

 

 

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