There is no doubt that as the US becomes more diverse and the populations of color swell more interpreters will be needed to fill the LEP gap. Now, if you want to became an interpreter you must first seek out training at a college in the field of Human Services or locate an interpreter training program of 60 hours or more in you geographic area. Once you have completed this training you can now seek opportunities as a qualified medical interpreter, community interpreter, etc.
Your first source of employement may be a local hospital. This is the best place for you to attain an almost expert level of experience. However, do not become comformed. Hospitals are amoung the lowest paying organizations in the market and most positions are per diem. This means that you will not work more than 32 hours per week, and you will not receive benefits, such as, vacation pay, health insurance, sick days and alike.
Your best bet to increase your income as an interpreter will be to market yourself to many hospitals, clinics, doctors offices, insurance companies, lawyers office, as so forth. There is an increasing tendency for interpreters to gain experience then go on to freelance or even organize themselves as a LLC, limited liability company. This is because there are many tax incentives and credibilty incentives. Not only, will you increase your earnings you will increase your flexibility, and gain more clients.
The average hourly pay nationally for a medical interpreter is $21.00. Hospitals pay an average of $18.00 per hour. Moreeover, the average earnings for a freelance or self employed interpreter is $50.00 per hour. You can earn more. A colleague in the industry earned $126,000 last year. If this isn't an incentive, what is?
If you would like more information on becoming a certified medical interpreter please contact me at, 6178809158, ask for Eduardo. I'll be happy to assist you.
24 September, 2013
19 September, 2013
California State Minimum Wage Due to Rise
California is one of the nations most expensive states in which to reside. However, it is not alone at the top, Massachsetts follows close behind. So, if California state legislators pass a minimum wage increase, will other states pursue the same course of action? The answer to this question may depend on whether or not the proponents of a higher minimum wage decide that the battle can be won in their individual state. In addition, the business climate and cost of living need to be taken into account.
Regardless of what happens nationally with the minimum wage, one thing is certain the a national $7.25 minimum wage continues to perpetuate poverty nationally. A family of four where the head of household earns the national minimum wage, only earns $15,080. annually. This amount is below the federal poverty level.
Personally, I favor an increase in the minimum wage. Moreover, it is necessary to point out the wages of working people has not kept pace with the increases in the cost of living. So, lets see how this discussion regarding real incomes developes over the next few years. Meanwhile, enjoy the article, click the link below.
http://www.cpehr.com/blog/california-sets-sights-to-be-first-state-with-10hour-minimum-wage.html
Regardless of what happens nationally with the minimum wage, one thing is certain the a national $7.25 minimum wage continues to perpetuate poverty nationally. A family of four where the head of household earns the national minimum wage, only earns $15,080. annually. This amount is below the federal poverty level.
Personally, I favor an increase in the minimum wage. Moreover, it is necessary to point out the wages of working people has not kept pace with the increases in the cost of living. So, lets see how this discussion regarding real incomes developes over the next few years. Meanwhile, enjoy the article, click the link below.
http://www.cpehr.com/blog/california-sets-sights-to-be-first-state-with-10hour-minimum-wage.html
18 September, 2013
Understanding the Organizational Interpreter Network
No one doubts that interpreters play a crucial role in the treatment process of patients, who are limited English proficient, that visit hospitals, clinics, Dr. offices and more. However, have you ever thought of looking at the whole network between hospitals, professional organizations, training centers, and medical providers.
Just like many industries the interpreter industry provides or creates its own network and feeds itself at different levels. First, we take the fact that interpreters are a needed resource that permits healthcare to properly treat its patients and limit lawsuits by providing interpreters for its LEP patients. How or where does the hospital get their interpreters? In most cases hospitals provide the bodies to the health network that trains interpreters. In some cases hospitals offer their employees, who train as interpreters, as much as a $1.00 premium for training in the field of medical interpreting and being available while at work to perform said duties. Yes, they pay for the employees training at an average of $750.00 per employee.
As we see, the training entity has been provided with the bodies to fill their training courses. However, how was the training entity established. More often than not a grant was provided to establish this training facility. Also, the training unit can itself be afiliated or be part of a heathcare organization itself.
Now, lets look a little further up the scale and introduce the advocates who promote and sponsor legislation to certify medical interpreters. First off, these organizations are staffed by professionals who have dedicated endless hours to develope an entity that provides a forum for interpreters to connect with others in their field and share experiences and learn new skills. Of course becoming a member is not free ($40. - $60. year).
These same organizations some national, others claim to be international establish criteria for what constitutes proper training for interpreters. Yes, If you desire to create a curriculum you may do it. However, you are required to have that curriculum approved by first paying the organization, then allowing them to view your curriculum to determine if it is appropriate in content, context, etc. Also, you may not be an outsider and lecture at their numerous and expesive conferences. You need only know someone.
Colleges and universities get on board as well, They create interpreter training courses and will offer these as part of a Human Services Degree. Additionally, they make money in the process as well. Furthermore, they are connected to anyone of the numerous interpreter organizations out there. Isn't it beautiful?
Moreover, if one were to perform an analysis of who are the participants and board members of these organizations you will find that many of the same individuals in a given geography are involved in the process at many levels. If you are not willing to be political in your approach you cannot enter into this organizational hierarchy. Isn't it beautiful?
I'm not saying that any of this is negative. However, I can see some problems with a small group of individuals controlling and making decisions that affect a whole industry. let me end this by saying I would like you the interpreter to think about what I have set before you. Analyse and be calculative in every scenario. Find the fifth leg on the cat, as we say. Know the network you are involved in.
Just like many industries the interpreter industry provides or creates its own network and feeds itself at different levels. First, we take the fact that interpreters are a needed resource that permits healthcare to properly treat its patients and limit lawsuits by providing interpreters for its LEP patients. How or where does the hospital get their interpreters? In most cases hospitals provide the bodies to the health network that trains interpreters. In some cases hospitals offer their employees, who train as interpreters, as much as a $1.00 premium for training in the field of medical interpreting and being available while at work to perform said duties. Yes, they pay for the employees training at an average of $750.00 per employee.
As we see, the training entity has been provided with the bodies to fill their training courses. However, how was the training entity established. More often than not a grant was provided to establish this training facility. Also, the training unit can itself be afiliated or be part of a heathcare organization itself.
Now, lets look a little further up the scale and introduce the advocates who promote and sponsor legislation to certify medical interpreters. First off, these organizations are staffed by professionals who have dedicated endless hours to develope an entity that provides a forum for interpreters to connect with others in their field and share experiences and learn new skills. Of course becoming a member is not free ($40. - $60. year).
These same organizations some national, others claim to be international establish criteria for what constitutes proper training for interpreters. Yes, If you desire to create a curriculum you may do it. However, you are required to have that curriculum approved by first paying the organization, then allowing them to view your curriculum to determine if it is appropriate in content, context, etc. Also, you may not be an outsider and lecture at their numerous and expesive conferences. You need only know someone.
Colleges and universities get on board as well, They create interpreter training courses and will offer these as part of a Human Services Degree. Additionally, they make money in the process as well. Furthermore, they are connected to anyone of the numerous interpreter organizations out there. Isn't it beautiful?
Moreover, if one were to perform an analysis of who are the participants and board members of these organizations you will find that many of the same individuals in a given geography are involved in the process at many levels. If you are not willing to be political in your approach you cannot enter into this organizational hierarchy. Isn't it beautiful?
I'm not saying that any of this is negative. However, I can see some problems with a small group of individuals controlling and making decisions that affect a whole industry. let me end this by saying I would like you the interpreter to think about what I have set before you. Analyse and be calculative in every scenario. Find the fifth leg on the cat, as we say. Know the network you are involved in.
06 September, 2013
Denial of Medical Treatment
The use of a medical interpreter during medical treatment has always been considered, by advocates, an important element of such treatment. In fact, advocates have for many years claimed that you could not properly or adequately provide treatment to a person with an LEP (limited English Proficiency) because the LEP would impede the providers ability to proper diagnosis due to lack of information about the symtoms a patient is experiencing. Moreover, interpreters in the field acknowledge this as fact and have expressed their opinions over the years.
In a recent ruling in a California Workers Compesation case, failure to provide an interpreter during medical treatment constitutes denial of treatment. This is interesting simply because these are the kind of cases that are used to around the country to establish guidelines and best practices. Advocates and healthcare providers alike are analyzing case study to determine what they can do to provide quality care and avoid litigation.
Enough said, read the article:
In a recent ruling in a California Workers Compesation case, failure to provide an interpreter during medical treatment constitutes denial of treatment. This is interesting simply because these are the kind of cases that are used to around the country to establish guidelines and best practices. Advocates and healthcare providers alike are analyzing case study to determine what they can do to provide quality care and avoid litigation.
Enough said, read the article:
CA DWC Clarifies Interpreter Rules
By 09/05/2013 11:52:00
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Sacramento, CA (WorkersCompensation.com) - The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) reminds claims administrators that failure to provide a necessary interpreter at a medical treatment appointment may constitute a failure to provide medical treatment. Examples of a failure to provide medical treatment include a situation where the lack of an interpreter’s services prevents the exam from going forward or inhibits the injured worker’s ability to communicate with the primary treating physician. Such conduct could also result in penalties and/or sanctions against the claims administrator.
It has come to DWC’s attention that some claims administrators are not responding timely to requests for provisional certification of interpreters, and not arranging for other interpreters to attend medical treatment appointments. As a result, some appointments are not going forward as scheduled.
Labor Code Section 4600(g) provides that injured workers who cannot communicate effectively in English with their primary treating physician are entitled to the services of a qualified interpreter at all medical treatment appointments.
“Qualified interpreters” for purposes of medical treatment appointments may be, but are not required to be, formally certified. They can be provisionally certified by agreement of the employer prior to providing interpreting services. Employers are not required to pay for the services of interpreters who are not formally or provisionally certified.
Interpreters certified for medical treatment appointments or medical legal exams qualify through successfully passing the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) exam or by passing the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (National Board).
Interpreter services FAQs and information on recently approved interpreter services regulations are posted on DWC’s website.
It has come to DWC’s attention that some claims administrators are not responding timely to requests for provisional certification of interpreters, and not arranging for other interpreters to attend medical treatment appointments. As a result, some appointments are not going forward as scheduled.
Labor Code Section 4600(g) provides that injured workers who cannot communicate effectively in English with their primary treating physician are entitled to the services of a qualified interpreter at all medical treatment appointments.
“Qualified interpreters” for purposes of medical treatment appointments may be, but are not required to be, formally certified. They can be provisionally certified by agreement of the employer prior to providing interpreting services. Employers are not required to pay for the services of interpreters who are not formally or provisionally certified.
Interpreters certified for medical treatment appointments or medical legal exams qualify through successfully passing the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) exam or by passing the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (National Board).
Interpreter services FAQs and information on recently approved interpreter services regulations are posted on DWC’s website.
05 September, 2013
Working from Home as a Interpreter
We've heard it over and over again. Work from home and earn a decent wage. For interpreters this is very true. In fact, if you are a freelance interpreter you can earn more per hour from home than working at a hospital on a per diem basis. Furthermore, what do you do when you don't have an assignment? The answer is simple, work for a company that provides phone interpreting or even video remote interpreting and never leave your home.
Yes, we have for many years said that we did not like the video system, but think again, working for them will get you better pay than working for a hospital. Most hospitals around the country under pay interpreters and blame it on their budget or lack there of. The real problem is that hospitals have not yet learned the real value of an interpreter.
Many interpreters are well educated holding baccaloriate or masters degrees, apart from their certifications. Yet, many hospitals and other healthcare providers do not want to provide steady full time employment for interpreters. Thats right, they rather hire on a per diem basis, for 10 to 32 hours per week in order to avoid paying benefits. This in part is because health insurance, vacation pay, sick days, etc., is costly. Well, they will have to contend with a shrinking work force that will inevitably demand more pay and full time work.
In the mean time don't waste your time driving to and from a hospital to earn your wages. Stay home and work for a video remote interpreter provider, phone interpretation, or any other company that hires interpreters to work from their homes. The pay is a little better and you won't have to spend on gas, public transportation, lunch, laundry and more. I would not have known this if not for a colleage who at a meeting stated she was being paid $ .40 cents per minute for over the phone interpretation and that was more than many interpreters in the field are paid. Do the math, that $24.00 dollars an hour. So, if you are looking to work as an interpreter where do you think you should look first? Thats right!
Yes, we have for many years said that we did not like the video system, but think again, working for them will get you better pay than working for a hospital. Most hospitals around the country under pay interpreters and blame it on their budget or lack there of. The real problem is that hospitals have not yet learned the real value of an interpreter.
Many interpreters are well educated holding baccaloriate or masters degrees, apart from their certifications. Yet, many hospitals and other healthcare providers do not want to provide steady full time employment for interpreters. Thats right, they rather hire on a per diem basis, for 10 to 32 hours per week in order to avoid paying benefits. This in part is because health insurance, vacation pay, sick days, etc., is costly. Well, they will have to contend with a shrinking work force that will inevitably demand more pay and full time work.
In the mean time don't waste your time driving to and from a hospital to earn your wages. Stay home and work for a video remote interpreter provider, phone interpretation, or any other company that hires interpreters to work from their homes. The pay is a little better and you won't have to spend on gas, public transportation, lunch, laundry and more. I would not have known this if not for a colleage who at a meeting stated she was being paid $ .40 cents per minute for over the phone interpretation and that was more than many interpreters in the field are paid. Do the math, that $24.00 dollars an hour. So, if you are looking to work as an interpreter where do you think you should look first? Thats right!
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