GateWay Community College

Spanish Interpreting for Healthcare Professionals

Certificate of Competency (CC)

Phoenix, AZ

120Hours

$10,356cost

0Units/Credits

Program Details & Enrollment Information

Learn everything you need to know about the program and how to take the first step toward enrollment.

Program Overview

Program Overview

The Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Spanish Interpreting for Healthcare Professionals prepares bilingual healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain certification as a Spanish medical interpreter. Program participants will be introduced to the field of interpreting, professional ethics, legal issues, standards of practice, and cultural awareness across both languages during this 120-hour program that includes a 40-hour clinical practicum through either clinical simulation or at a clinical site. Emphasis is placed on practicing interpretation in the consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have exceeded the minimum training requirements for certification and will be eligible to take national certification examinations through the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).

Program Objectives

Medical Terminology Mastery: Participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology in both English and Spanish, ensuring accurate interpretation of complex healthcare concepts.
Cultural Competence: The program emphasizes cultural competency, providing insights into cultural nuances and sensitivities relevant to healthcare interactions, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations.
Interpretation Techniques: Participants will develop the skills needed for clear and accurate interpretation in various healthcare contexts, including doctor-patient consultations, medical interviews, and educational sessions.
Ethical Guidelines: The program covers ethical considerations in healthcare interpretation, ensuring participants understand the importance of confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism in their role.
Healthcare System Familiarity: Participants will gain knowledge of the healthcare system's structure, procedures, and common medical practices, enhancing their ability to interpret within this specialized context.
Role of the Interpreter: The program explores the roles and responsibilities of healthcare interpreters, emphasizing effective communication with healthcare professionals while maintaining a neutral and impartial stance.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Demonstrate general proficiency in speaking and understanding each of the relevant languages including identifying cognates and false cognates in the healthcare setting.
Employ commonly used medical terms and concepts related to signs, symptoms, illnesses, treatments, and healthcare specialties in each language.
Use critical thinking skills to optimize communication between patients and providers who speak different languages.
Utilize ethical decision-making processes to serve as a patient-provider advocate in the healthcare setting.
Abide by applicable HIPPA laws for the patient.
Maintain thorough and complete encounter documentation.
Manage cultural diversity in the healthcare setting.

Potential Career Opportunities

Healthcare Interpreter
Medical Interpreter
Bilingual Patient Services Coordinator
Language Access Specialist
Interpreter Liaison Officer
Cross Cultural Communication Specialist
Community Health Interpreter
Interpreter Trainer
Healthcare Language Access Coordinator
Language Services Manager

Skills you will gain

Medical Terminology
Communication Skills
Cultural Competence
Interpretation Techniques
Ethical Guidelines
Healthcare System Knowledge
Spanish Language Proficiency
Cross-Cultural Communication
Interpreter Roles

Degree Requirements:

Students who select MIC105 for the practicum will need to meet the following requirements:

Background check requirements: Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Background Check Standards. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Background Check Policy.
Clinical health and safety requirements must be met. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Clinical Health and Safety Policy.
Inability to comply with background check requirements and/or clinical health and safety requirements at the start of classes may result in cancellation of enrollment.

Notes:

This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
This is a Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.
Program participants must demonstrate proof of prior healthcare work experience during the enrollment process. Clinical practicum hours are mandatory, and if attending a clinical site, health and safety requirements must be met as a prerequisite to enrolling. Clinical sites and simulations are location specific and may require attendance any day of the week, including during unscheduled days and times.

Please refer to the school's official website for the complete Program Course List.