Questions & Answers

Depending on the venue, one would typically ask for a language access department, interpreting department, diversity inclusion or patient access. See all of the languages we provide interpretation services for.

While both convey the meaning of a statement from one language into another, translation is written while interpreting is spoken. Learn more about the differences between translation and interpretation.

If you are a person with limited English proficiency or no English proficiency, you have the right to an interpreter, free of charge. All immigration interpreters are trained and certified to conduct services within the state they are interpreting.

Over-the-phone interpreting is the use of a telephone or smart device to audibly communicate between a party with no English proficiency (NEP) or limited English proficiency (LEP) and an English speaker. No video feed is used.

Video remote interpreting uses a computer, tablet or smart device to video conference an interpreter, a party who has no English proficiency (NEP) or limited English proficiency (LEP), and an English-speaking party. VRI is typically conducted in HD Video and HD Audio.

A video interpreter is someone who facilitates communication through a video conferencing platform.  Typically, video interpreters either work in a call center or from home.

Connection times vary, but the industry standard is between 30 seconds to two minutes to be connected to a video interpreter.

Connection times vary, but the industry standard is between 30 seconds to two minutes to be connected to an over the phone interpreter.

Typically, OPI is accessed through a land line, mobile device or URL.

Typically, VRI is accessed through any computer, tablet, URL, iOS or Android device.

Yes. In a typical setting, an interpreter can be accessed through an application or web URL via smart phone. 

Depending on the region, years of experience, language, training, and type of interpretation, interpreters can make anywhere from USD $15 – $70 per hour.

A certified interpreter is any individual who receives certification through the Certification Commission for Health Interpreters (CCHI) or National Interpreter Certification (NIC).

Yes, interpreters are commonly used in a conference setting.  Additional equipment may be required depending on the size of the conference and target audience. Conference interpreting is the most expensive type of interpretation because it requires an interpreter to have extensive subject matter knowledge and conference experience. Contracting through a professional organization is recommended for this type of service.   

Best practices dictate that the use of an on-site interpreter, if available, is preferred to other interpreting modes.  An on-site interpreter will be able to pick up on nonverbal cues that might be crucial to a session and may otherwise be missed by a video or telephonic interpreter.   

While specifics depend on the environment, interpreter attire should always project professionalism and be neat in appearance.

Depending on the provider, some companies utilize resources outside of the continental US

While there is no Federal governing body, certain countries/states require additional certification/training to conduct services.

A consecutive interpreter is an interpreter who speaks after the source language speaker has finished speaking a sentence or phrase. The source language speaker must then pause to allow for interpretation.

A simultaneous interpreter is an interpreter who translates the message at the same time the source language speaker is speaking. The source language speaker does not need to pause in this form of interpretation.

A conference interpreter works within an interpreter team to do either consecutive or simultaneous interpreting with the help of specialized equipment. Teams are paired together to meet the specific needs of the conference.

Just because someone is bilingual does not make them a qualified interpreter.  A multi-step qualification process is required prior to employment.

Individuals who are considering the interpretation field as a career need to be fluent in the source and target languages.  Typically, companies will conduct a language proficiency examination prior to hire.

The hourly costs vary based on the appointment setting, type of service rendered, and volume. Learn more about the cost of interpretation services.

The hourly costs vary based on the appointment setting, type of service rendered, and volume. Learn more about the cost of interpretation services.

The hourly costs vary based on the appointment setting, type of service rendered, and volume. Learn more about the cost of interpretation services.

Typically, onsite interpretation happens on a prescheduled basis.  However, last minute requests are not uncommon.  Acutrans routinely fills over 90% of last-minute requests.

Any spoken language request made with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Phone interpreting is an on-demand service. Current customers experience less than 30 second connection time.

Yes, Acutrans provides long term specialized interpreting services.

Our VRI app can be utilized on any desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Yes, we provide on-site interpretation nationally on a pre-scheduled basis.

VRI and OPI services are available anywhere Wi-Fi or 4G is accessible.

Yes! At Acutrans, we take confidentiality very seriously.  All staff undergo industry-specific privacy training and have signed a confidentiality agreement.

Interpretation and translation services are kept separate.  Each modality requires specific quality assurance methods and training.

Yes, At Acutrans we offer domestic and international interpreter travel on a per diem basis.

Interpreters are screened through a multi-step process that ensures they are qualified in fluent communication in the source and target languages.

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Interpreter training varies depending on the field of expertise. For example, a legal interpreter position might require a state certification/enrollment in order to take assignments. In most cases, an interpreter working in the health care industry requires a training certificate from an accredited organization done either online or at an onsite location.  In order to obtain national certification, a training program of at least 40 hours is required.

Yes, some additional requirements might be necessary before starting work as an interpreter. These include, but are not limited to: a language proficiency assessment, background check, experience, immunizations and additional training.

Depending on the training you receive, individuals typically work in the medical, legal, and general fields

Depending on the course you will take, a professional organization will require additional testing prior to class enrollment. Acutrans requires all prospective interpreters to take a language proficiency class before they may enroll in a training class.

Yes, most companies require an interpreter to have some formal training from an accredited institution.

Typically, you do not need to have previous medical training to become a medical interpreter.  However, you do need to have a medical interpreting certification from an accredited institution.

The cost of medical interpreter training programs range in price and length. Some local colleges offer interpreter training programs that often times take a year to complete.  Typically, interpreter training from a private institution requires at least 40 hours of classroom training and additional in-the-field training.  Costs range from $500-900. Learn more.

Most organizations accept checks, money orders, credit cards, cash, and PayPal for medical interpreter training programs.

Yes, if you elect to train with Acutrans it is preferred to live in the Chicago or Milwaukee areas.  Please submit an inquiry for more information on upcoming classes and locations.

Yes, we offer localization services to ensure adaptation of products or services for a desired population.

Our recommendation is to reach out directly to the Acutrans team at [email protected] to see if they can service your language request. Languages are added or removed periodically.

Yes, we do accept international currency through electronic payments such as PayPal or wire transfer.

We accept cash, checks, money orders, credit cards, and electronic forms of payment.

Once a candidate completes our training, they are officially a trained medical interpreter with a certificate. Having obtained the certificate, the interpreter can do several things: apply for an independent interpreter position with Acutrans, apply to work for other vendors, apply for work in a hospital setting, or pursue their training further.

Languages of Lesser Diffusion (LLD) typically cost more due to a limited amount of resources available.  Our multi-step translation process requires different linguists to review at different points of the process. At a minimum this requires 3 linguists per document.

Acutrans has many linguists all over the world. Privacy and document security are a top priority.  We are happy to use a US-based team to translate your files for your specific project.

Acutrans only uses professional linguists with years of experience.  At a minimum each linguist has a college degree and has successfully passed the Acutrans language proficiency examination in the specific industry they are qualified for.

Health equity is the absence of unfair or curable differences among groups of people. Groups can be defined geographically, demographically, socially, economically or by other ways of classification.

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