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What
will this program do for me?
This program is for bilingual and bicultural individuals who are interested
in facilitating linguistic and cultural communication between patients
and health care providers. The program is designed to train bilingual
and bicultural students to develop the awareness, knowledge and skills
necessary for effective language interpretation in health care settings.
Through academic preparation, practical skills training and service
in community-based health care settings and educational organizations,
certificate candidates learn: a) roles and responsibilities of a health
care interpreter; b) basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments
and procedures; c) insight into language and cultural nuances for specific
communities; d) application of interpreting skills in English and the
language of service.
What
kind of job can I get once I complete the program?
Since this is an emerging profession, interpreters with formal education
and training are very much in demand. You can seek work as a staff interpreter,
a contract interpreter through an interpreting agency and/or be a freelance
interpreter managing your own business. Also, you can add marketability
as a bilingual employee, especially in the health care industry.
How
much can I earn in this career?
The salary will vary depending on the health care or interpreting agency.
Agencies' rate of pay varies based on the supply and the demand of the
languages. Salaries can range from $15.00 to $25.00+ per hour. If you
work as a freelance interpreter you may charge more. This is especially
true if you have a certificate in health care interpreting. Please refer to Occupational Outlook Handbook for current information on salary and job prospects.
How
long will the program take?
This is a one-year (two-semester) program beginning in Fall and ending
in Spring. Please refer to
Program Curriculum for specific requirement information.
Where
will classes be held?
One group usually meets at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Campus
located at 5th Avenue and Geary Blvd. A second group meets at the City
College Mission District Campus located at 22nd Street and Barlett.
Check Schedules
for Credit Classes for times and locations.
Where
do I get more information?
Call the Health Science Department at (415) 239-3220 or the program
directly at (415) 452-5158. Information is also available on the program's
Web page: Health
Care Interpreter.
What
time of day are classes offered?
Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm or Thursday evenings from
5:30 - 8:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to 12:30 pm (Spring Semester 9:00
am to 3:00 pm). There will be occasional Saturday sessions from 9:00
am to 5:00 pm.
When
do classes start?
Please check Schedules for Credit Classes for times.
How
do I enroll?
Attend a required orientation meeting. Orientations are offered in the
spring or summer. Call (415) 452-5158 for dates and details.
What
are the admission requirements?
Must be bilingual, bicultural, and absolutely fluent in both English
and a language of service.
How
much money will the training cost?
Please refer to Tuition
Information for specifics on costs. Financial
Aid is available for those who qualify. You may also
call the Financial Aid Office at (415) 239-3576. Textbook & materials
will cost about $100 per semester.
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