Whether you’re new to the interpretation field or want to boost your career, certifications help you reach new heights. Within the healthcare field, certification as a medical interpreter is particularly vital. Medical interpreting is complex and features nuances not present in other types of interpretation.
Fortunately, securing your medical interpreter certifications involves a reasonably straightforward process. Here’s a look at why certification matters and how to get certified as a medical interpreter.
Why Certification Matters for Medical Interpreters
Getting certified as a medical interpreter allows you to demonstrate your language proficiency and subject-matter expertise. Medical interpretation is a highly specialized niche, so most employers prefer (if not require) certifications to ensure you have the necessary language skills and relevant healthcare knowledge.
Additionally, the process for preparing for the medical interpreter certification is beneficial. You need to study for the exams, creating an opportunity to ensure you have the right knowledge and capabilities to thrive as a medical interpreter.
How to Get Certified as a Medical Interpreter
1. Complete Any Prerequisite Education and Training
Before you can pursue a medical interpreter certification, you need to meet any prerequisite education and training requirements. Typically, this includes getting a high school diploma (or its equivalent). However, some employers may require college-level coursework in your chosen language, so keep that in mind.
Developing your language proficiency in two or more languages – one of which can be your primary language – is also essential. Similarly, you’ll need to undergo medical interpreting training in most cases. That ensures you have the required knowledge of the healthcare industry, medical terminology, HIPAA requirements, and how to interpret in potentially sensitive situations.
2. Choose a Credentialing Organization
There are several organizations that offer medical interpreter certifications. While you can undoubtedly secure a certification through more than one if you choose, it’s often best to focus on a single organization initially.
In most cases, the most widely respected national certification organizations for medical interpreters are the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) and the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI). As a result, those organizations are the best places to start.
Which you choose may depend on personal preference. However, it’s wise to do some research into employer preferences to determine if one benefits your career more than the other.
3. Register for the Certification Program
Once you choose a credentialing organization, you typically need to register. Usually, that involves paying a small fee and uploading or sending in documentation that shows you meet all of the organization’s prerequisites.
4. Study for and Pass the Exams
Depending on the certification organization, the exam structure may vary. You might need to take a written exam as the next step in the process. The test will assess your language proficiency and gauge your knowledge regarding healthcare-related aspects of the job. The latter includes everything from medical terminology to privacy law compliance.
Oral exams usually follow the written exam. In some cases, you’ll have a provisional or alternative certification upon completing the written exam, giving you additional time to prepare for the oral exam.
Upon passing all of the required exams, you’ll officially have your medical interpreter certification from the certifying organization. Typically, the credential is valid for several years, though the exact timelines may vary by organization.
5. Renew Your Medical Interpreter Certification
Before your current medical interpreter certification is close to expiring, you need to prepare for renewal. Usually, you’ll need continuing education units (CEUs) to show you’re maintaining your proficiency and healthcare-related knowledge, as well as pay a fee.
By renewing before the expiry date (or an organization-specific cutoff date), you won’t have to retake any exams to maintain your medical interpreter certification. As a result, it’s wise to focus on retaining the credential instead of letting it lapse.
Do You Want to Become a Certified Medical Interpreter? Acutrans Can Help
Before you can become a certified medical interpreter, you need to complete comprehensive training to prepare you to meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients. At Acutrans, we offer Certified Medical Interpreter Training that’s designed to ensure your language proficiency and introduce concepts that are critical when working in healthcare environments. Our program is an excellent way to begin your journey, putting you on the path toward an exciting career in medical interpretation.
If you’re in need of a reliable medical interpreter, Acutrans provides an industry-leading solution that covers more than 200 languages. Our medical interpreters aren’t just skilled at their languages; they’re also highly trained in medical terminology, privacy regulations, medical interpreting ethics, and more, making them more effective than general interpreters.
Whether you need on-site, video remote, and over-the-phone interpretation, Acutrans has a program to meet that need quickly. Additionally, Acutrans provides certified medical document translations in 24 hours or less. Whether you need test results, medical records, diagnosis information packets, discharge paperwork, aftercare instructions, or anything else translated, our team can get the job done right. Contact us for a free quote today.