About the Healthcare Interpreting Certificate Program
Are you interested in bridging communication barriers and promoting health equity through language access? Learn the skills needed to become a certified healthcare interpreter or a qualified bilingual staff working in dual roles.
The Healthcare Interpreting (HCI) Certificate is a 17-unit program designed to train bilingual and bicultural students to become linguistically and culturally competent interpreters who can function effectively and efficiently in a variety of health and community settings. This is done through academic preparation, practical skills training, and service in community-based health settings. The certificate candidates learn basic medical knowledge, intercultural communication skills, interpreting skills, related code of ethics and interpreter standards of practice.
The HCI Certificate Program has graduated students in 12 different languages since its inception in 1997. These include Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Mongolian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Tigrinya. Each cohort will have a mix of different language groups. We encourage all language communities to apply, especially, the languages of lesser diffusion. Students learn theory in lectures and practice in language labs with expert language coaches. This program is not for Sign Language interpreters as they have different certification requirements.
Explore Potential Careers
Healthcare interpreting requires a complex and intricate set of skills and has become recognized as a professional service by the industry. As an integral member of the healthcare team, the interpreter facilitates linguistic and cultural understanding among the patient/client, provider, and the healthcare system at large. Unless the healthcare professional speaks the patient’s language and understands their culture, interpreting service is critical to promoting optimal health outcomes.
Interpreters may be hired as a staff interpreter or in a dual role capacity as qualified bilingual staff, such as a bilingual receptionist, medical assistant, nurse, research specialist, community liaison, and any other allied health roles. Often professional interpreters are working as freelancers or independent contractors. Work settings may include public and private health systems, educational institutions, community-based organizations, language service agencies, and other large and small enterprises. Interpreting services may be provided onsite or remotely via phone and video conferencing.
Program Information
Transfer Options
The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities.
Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.