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Health Care Interpreter Certificate

Become a Health Care Interpreter

Health Care Interpreters facilitate understanding and communication between clinical providers such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and technicians, and patients who speak English as a second language. The need for language interpreters fluent in Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and other languages is growing rapidly. Employment for interpreters and translators is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to increase by 20 percent by 2031.

Health Care Interpreter Training at HCC

In just a few months, you can earn a certificate in health care interpreting. Upon successful completion of this training, you will be ready for a career as a staff medical interpreter, to work as a bilingual staff member in a health care agency, and more. Funding for this program was provided by the Horizon Foundation.

The entire program consists of three courses for a total of 124 hours, taking place over seven months. You will earn 10 CEUs upon completion of the program.

Admission Requirements
Requirements include:
- Bilingual or the ability to speak proficiently in another language besides English
- A high school diploma or GED
- At least 18 years in age
- Some experience in interpreting preferred, but not required
- Good communication and interpersonal skills

Career Opportunities

Completion Requirements
To earn a certificate, you must:
- Complete Orientation to Health Care Interpreting, Interpreting, Interpreting in Health Care and Field Experience in Health Care Interpreting
- Attend all class hours and skills/demonstration labs
- Complete all homework assignments and pass all quizzes and exams
Courses

The Health Care Interpreting Program is comprised of three courses that need to be taken sequentially to earn a certificate of training. You must have a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language to be able to participate in this class. Registration opens on April 15, 2025.

In the first course, Orientation to Health Care Interpreting Training, you will get an overview of the program components and requirements. The Health Care Interpreter’s standard of practice, roles and functions will also be introduced. You must pass language assessments that aim to gauge your level of proficiency to be invited to take the second course in the series. In the second course, Interpreting in Health Care, students will develop the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective language interpretation in health care settings. Students will learn basic information about common medical conditions, their treatments, and medical procedures. Students will also learn to bridge linguistic and cultural competency between patients and providers. In the third course, Field Experience in Health Care Interpreting, students will find their own volunteer opportunities to practice their interpreting skills. They will reflect, analyze, and self-evaluate their performance.

Orientation to Health Care Interpreting
Aug 11–Aug 14
YE-800-3366 (5752), $140 (Flexible Online)
Register Now

Interpreting in Health Care
Sat, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Sep 6–Dec 6
YE-801-3367 (5753), $995 (In-Person Hybrid)

Field Experience in Health Care Interpreting
Thu 7–8 p.m. Winter 2026: Jan 22, Feb 26, Mar 19, Apr 30, May 28.
YE-802-3368 (5754), $155 (Scheduled Zoom)
(Dates and times for additional sessions will vary)

For more information, visit HowardCC.edu/HCIT or email HCIT@HowardCC.edu.

Occupation	Average Annual Salary	Expected Regional Employment Demand
Staff Medical Interpreter	$31,200 - $52,000+	Increasing due to recent legislation and increased demand.
Per Diem / Contractor Medical Interpreter	$31,200 - $40,000+ ($25 - $50/hr.)	Hours are not guaranteed.
Interpreting Services Managers/Directors	$52,000 - $62,400+	Small demand, since this is a management position.
Coordinators of linguistic and cultural services	$40,000 - $55,000+	Small demand; the coordinator is generally an interpreter with seniority.
Bilingual staff in a healthcare agency	Varies	HCI training improves employability in a variety of medical and non-medical staff positions.

For more information, call 443-518-3214 or email HCIT@howardcc.edu

COURSE LEGEND

* Fees not eligible for waiver.
Tuition and fees not eligible for waiver for XE courses.
(S) = Supplies needed. Instructor will provide list at first class.
(T) = Textbook recommended or required. Purchase at HCC Bookstore or online before first class.
(DB) = Digital badge eligible.**

Health Care Interpreter Certificate

Become a Health Care Interpreter

Health Care Interpreter Training at HCC

COURSE LEGEND

* Fees not eligible for waiver.** Tuition and fees not eligible for waiver for XE courses.(S) = Supplies needed. Instructor will provide list at first class.(T) = Textbook recommended or required. Purchase at HCC Bookstore or online before first class.(DB) = Digital badge eligible.

* Fees not eligible for waiver.
Tuition and fees not eligible for waiver for XE courses.
(S) = Supplies needed. Instructor will provide list at first class.
(T) = Textbook recommended or required. Purchase at HCC Bookstore or online before first class.
(DB) = Digital badge eligible.**