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Understanding a diagnosis and treatment plan is difficult enough for some patients and can be very stressful. But if the patient has limited English language ability, more complications arise from the communication barrier. Health Care Interpreter is an emerging occupation spurred by the nation's changing demographics, health care reform and a law that requires federally funded providers to arrange for interpreters at no cost to the patient. Because of this demand, the field of Health Care Interpretation is professionalizing quickly, moving toward national standards and certification.
In the past, I worked for social service organizations and found it very rewarding. When I became a mother, it made sense to become a part-time health care interpreter. There are many great aspects of my job including being my own boss, flexibility and helping the Japanese community. I enjoy the variety of cases, but my number one satisfaction is hearing and feeling the patient's appreciation. Assisting a patient through labor as a telephonic interpreter and hearing the newborn was awesome, too!
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Mami Yamada
Certification from Portland Community College, Healthcare Interpreter Training Program
Freelance interpreter/
private contractor
Working from home as a
telephonic healthcare interpreter
In person, by phone or by video, Health Care Interpreters provide a vital service to help ensure quality care. Interpreters facilitate communication, accurately translating information to a patient from health providers including matters concerning prescriptions, diagnoses, diseases, procedures, follow-up visits and forms. The Interpreter also listens to the patient's questions, symptom description and any other comments and translates them into the health provider's language.
The need for Health Care Interpreters in Oregon and nationwide is booming. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20 million residents have low-level English language skills and one in five speaks a language other than English at home. The nation's minorities constitute one-third of the total population. Latinos are expected to have the largest increase by 2050, growing to 133 million. The number of Asians is expected to reach 40 million by 2050. In Oregon, Spanish is the most common language next to English.
In the United States, Health Care Interpreters must have an in-depth knowledge of medical terminology and fluency in English and at least one other language. A strong ability to listen, focus, and express concepts and ideas is needed to be a success in this profession. A calm demeanor helps in stressful situations. Interpreters also serve as a bridge between cultures and help patients feel comfortable.
Video Description of Interpreters and Translators
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Health Care Interpreters Work
Health Care Interpreters work in a variety of settings including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing Facilities
- Rehabilitation Facilities
Educational Requirements
Educational and training backgrounds of Interpreters vary. It is necessary to be bilingual in English and at least one other language, understanding nuances and quickly translating in both directions. Efforts are marching towards education standards and certification in this field; meanwhile, many employers prefer or require certain education, a certificate of language proficiency, knowledge of medical terminology and concepts, and experience in health care. See:
For progress on national standards for training programs, see:
It is so rewarding to have chosen a career as a Healthcare Interpreter.
Every day I get to make a difference in my community by conveying vital information between patients with limited English proficiency and their medical providers. I am making my own contribution to the quality of the health care experience. Being an independent contractor allows me the flexibility to choose my own work schedule which helps me keep a healthy balance in my personal life.
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Jorge L. Martinez
Spanish Health Care Interpreter
Graduate of PCC Health Care Interpreter Training Program
Passport to Languages — Language Services
Certification
At present there is no State of Oregon or national certification for Health Care Interpreters; however, there is progress towards this goal. See:
Health Care Interpreter Earnings
A 2008 survey by the International Medical Interpreters Association found that 72% of medical staff interpreters earned an hourly wage between $15 and $25 per hour.
The OED data on all Interpreters and Translators shows an average hourly wage of $22.70 and an average annual salary of $47,200 in 2009.
Employment Outlook for Health Care Interpreter
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 242 job openings for all Interpreters and Translators in Oregon. As mentioned, the demand for Health Care Interpreter is growing due to Oregon's and the nation's changing demographics, health care reform and a law that requires federally funded providers to arrange for interpreters at no cost to the patient.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Health Care Interpreter
- All Other Language Interpreters
- Translators
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
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