Medical Interpreting Training

The Medical Interpreting training programs were developed to address the growing need for bilingual interpreters in Arkansas. Two different curricula are offered:

• Medical Interpreter Certificate Program (click link to learn more)
  Comprehensive training consisting of two integrated components:
  a 40-hour Beyond Communication Limits Course and an 8-hour Practical Skills Course provided together.
   
• Non-Medical Interpreting Program (click link to learn more)
  A 16-hour curriculum provides basic knowledge necessary for bilingual front office and other staff members to facilitate communication with Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients by explaining and providing non-medical information.

Training Dates and Locations

BCL & PSC is a comprehensive curriculum for training health care interpreters. It has been developed, written and compiled by experienced UAMS interpreters, medical providers, and representatives of various UAMS programs.

"Beyond Communication Limits" helps to master the art of interpreting in diverse medical settings; it also provides specific professional knowledge and practical skills needed to convey medical information accurately and completely, and to manage the dynamics of three-way medical sessions. It is a 40-hour course for health care interpreters of any non-English language. An additional 8- hour Practical Skills Course is incorporated into the medical interpreter training program and takes place at the UAMS Clinical Skills Center. This component of the program is taught in the context of a real and active health care environment, further honing the medical interpreter skills to facilitate communication in a health care setting. 

Certificate of Successful Completion

Upon completion of the program, participants with a final test score of 80% or better, combined with day-to-day practical skills assessment, receive a Certificate of Completion. UAMS staff medical interpreters receive a "Certified Medical Interpreter" Card, which helps to identify a trained interpreter and implies the individual's capacity to perform a particular set of skills.

Anyone who fails the final test may have two additional attempts to re-take the test to be eligible to receive a certificate. Another test fee of $50.00 is charged for each attempt.

Lost Certificates

If you lose your certificate and need to have another one printed, submit a written request accompanied by a $5.00 non-refundable reprint fee payable to:

UAMS Center for Rural Health
Attention: Medical Interpreter Training Program
4021 West 8th Street
Little Rock, AR 72204

Reprints of certificates may take up to 6 weeks to process.

Non-Medical  Interpreting Program

UAMS Regional Programs has also developed a curriculum to provide bilingual medical and non-medical staff with basic knowledge and skills. This training is ideal for bilingual staff who are proficient enough in both conversational languages to assist medical and non-medical personnel to communicate at their place of employment with LEP patients and family members related to non-medical matters. Formal training of a diverse staff in the techniques, methods, ethics, and standards of interpreting helps to ensure the quality of services and sets boundaries for their points of contact.

Certificate of Participation

Non-medical interpreting course participants, upon completion of the program with a final test score of 80% or better, combined with day-to-day practical skills assessment, will receive a Certificate of Participation.

NOTE: High language skills (speaking and understanding speech) in both languages is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to serve as an interpreter. The screening for language skills is the first step in assessing the competence of an interpreter candidate for either medical or non-medical training programs.