The Road to

Medical Interpreting
By Tiffany M. Greenlee Service Learning II - November 2018

The Road to Medical Interpreting PAGE 1

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ........................................................ 3

What is Medical Interpreting? ............................... 4

Methods of Medical Interpreting? ......................... 5

Is Medical Interpreting for Me? ............................. 6

Certification Requirements .................................. 7

How Do I Know I’m Ready? ................................... 8

Safety Awareness .............................................. 11

Clothing Considerations .................................... 12

Helpful Technology ........................................... 13

Self-Care ........................................................... 14

Final Thoughts .................................................. 15

Sources ............................................................ 16

The Road to Medical Interpreting PAGE 2

 Introduction

This manual serves as a basic guide for you to learn the first steps of
venturing into the specialized medical interpreting setting. It
outlines advice on the journey of deciding if medical interpreting is
right for you.

I interviewed four prominent medical interpreters in the Atlanta

area. They shared their experiences and guidance on how to begin
working as an interpreter in healthcare.

It is my goal to provide you with an overview of basic information as

well as questions to consider while contemplating your path down
the road to medical interpreting.

A special THANK YOU to the following medical interpreters for their

support:

Celio R. Best

Adrianne Clegg

Renae Gunter

Debbie Lesser

The Road to Medical Interpreting PAGE 3

 What is Medical Interpreting?

Medical sign language interpreters provide services in the

healthcare setting to facilitate communication and provide cultural
mediation between deaf and hard-of-hearing clients and doctors,
nurses, and other medical staff. The interpreter might be employed
by healthcare facilities, interpreter agencies, or operate their own
business.

Healthcare interpreting can be onsite or video remote. On-site

assignments require a medical interpreter to travel to the location.
The interpreter is present with the deaf person(s) and medical
professionals.

Video remote interpreting is an on-demand service that provides

communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing persons and
hearing persons that are in the same location, utilizing an interpreter
via computer with a webcam and Internet connection or a tablet
using a cellular connection (Purple Communications).

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 Methods of Medical Interpreting?

While medical interpreters generally use both modes of interpreting

during assignments, consecutive interpreting is used most often.

Simultaneous Interpreting
 The medical interpreter interprets as he listens to the speakers. There
is no room for pause as the conversation between the respective
parties continues without interruptions. This mode of interpreting is
most commonly seen in conferences and presentations with large
audiences.

Consecutive Interpreting
 The medical interpreter interprets when the speakers pause. The
interpreter may possibly ask the speaker(s) for clarification to ensure
accuracy of the intended message. This mode of interpreting is most
commonly seen in medical facilities.

Certain individuals may require the addition of a Certified Deaf

Interpreter (CDI). A CDI is a certified interpreter who is also deaf or
hard of hearing who works in tandem with the sign language
interpreter. This type of an interpreter is specially trained to
facilitate communication between the medical provider and
individuals who are deaf with poor communication skills secondary
to language deprivation or use a foreign or home-based sign
language unfamiliar to the medical interpreter.

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 Is Medical Interpreting for Me?
In any profession, it is important to know your
limitations. Here are some questions to ponder.

Interest in Healthcare
 Do you have an interest in medicine or find it fascinating?

o If you have a natural curiosity for medicine and healthcare, then

medical interpreting might be the setting for you!

Can You “Stomach” It

 Can you handle the sights, sounds, and smells of hospitals and bodily
fluids without overt reactions?

o It is important that you can tolerate the stimulating sounds

associated with hospitals and other medical facilities. A patient
vomiting, foul odors, or a bloody injury are examples of situations
you might have to endure.

Health Concerns
 Do you have personal health concerns that might be compromised
with onsite medical assignments?
o Be aware of any medical situations that might trigger past trauma
or pose a risk to your own health concerns or conditions.

 Do you have personal conflicts that might hinder your focus in a

medical setting?
o Be aware of your emotional filters, attitudes, and health care
biases, beliefs and values.

The Road to Medical Interpreting PAGE 6

 Certification Requirements

Unlike legal, mental health, and educational interpreting, there is no

specialized certification requirement for medical interpreting. Some
interpreting professionals believe that due to the demand for
interpreters working in patient healthcare settings, the Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) should investigate the need for a
specialty credential.

Are You Qualified?

 For medical interpreting, you must hold the National Interpreter
Certification (NIC).

 Some healthcare facilities like hospitals require the interpreter to show

proof of current immunizations such as the yearly flu vaccination.

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 How Do I Know I’m Ready?

When considering which medical assignments to

accept, remember that the agency gives a brief
overview of the client and type of assignment. Take assignments
related to procedures you already know. You can also accept low-
risk assignments such as eye and dental appointments, physical
therapy, well-baby checkups, and basic follow-up appointments.

Whether you are working towards national certification, an entry-

level interpreter considering the medical setting, or an experienced
interpreter planning for a first-time medical assignment, there are
many ways to expand your professional development for medical
interpreting.

Background Knowledge
Do you already have a working knowledge of various healthcare
procedures, terminology, or general human anatomy?

 It is important to assess your general understanding of medical

terminology and procedures and how they impact communication
ability (i.e. x-rays, eye exams, dental surgeries)

Training Workshops
Attend medical workshops to help enhance your knowledge of
current practices and laws in the healthcare setting.

 Medical Workshops | Mental Health Training

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Post-Secondary Education
There are opportunities to advance your preparation with formal
education. There are individual classes, programs, and degrees
available for healthcare interpreting.

 Associate Course Electives

o Medical Terminology course

o Other Health Science Pathway courses

 National Technical Institute for the Deaf

o Healthcare Interpreting Certificate Program

 Nine-month program that includes a week-long face to face
classroom experience and online learning components
 https://www.ntid.rit.edu/aslie/certificate-healthcare-
interpreting

o Master of Science in Health Care Interpretation Degree Program

 The curriculum employs an online pedagogical approach
with a one-week on-campus residency
 https://www.ntid.rit.edu/aslie/mshci/overview

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Observations
Scheduling observations can be tricky due to the Health Information
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy laws. However,
there are some agencies that will work with interpreters to arrange
opportunities to shadow an interpreter in a medical setting.

 Observations with Interpreters

o Contact an agency to shadow an interpreter
 Observations with Other Healthcare Providers
o Contact a medical practice to shadow a doctor or nurse

Websites
The following are a few valuable websites that medical interpreters
utilize as a resource for articles, archived webinars, independent
studies, and videos to help with medical interpreting training.

 St. Catherine University CATIE Center -

https://healthcareinterpreting.org/

 Deaf Health -
http://deafhealth.org/

 Deaf MD -
https://healthcareinterpreting.org/deafmd-org/

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

https://www.rid.org/

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 Safety Awareness
Safety on a medical assignment is of the utmost
importance. It is imperative to become a fully
competent and safe member of the healthcare team
by demonstrating personal safety practices.

Universal precaution is an approach to infection

control. It refers to the practice of avoiding contact with bodily fluids
of patients. This is achieved by practicing effective hand hygiene and
using nonporous Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE articles
include medical gloves, goggles, gowns, and face shields.

In 2016, the FDA approved a clear, surgical face mask called “The
Communicator”. It combines the best of a traditional fabric face
mask and a clear plastic face mask, so you can easily see the user’s
mouth, but do not have fogging problems due to their unique design.

“The Communicator”

Although interpreter assignments typically take place in

environments governed by healthcare safety standards, training
workshops in infection control and industrial safety principals are
highly recommended.

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 Clothing Considerations
Proper clothing for medical interpreting is
necessary to maintain professionalism as
well as safety. Safe clothing suggestions
include:

 Business casual apparel

 Full coverage clothing
 Fitted clothing – no trailing elements
 Layers for heat modulation
 Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
 ID Badge

Some medical interpreters wear black lab

coats while on assignment. This contributes to
a higher level of respect from the healthcare
team; and prevents hospital staff from
perceiving the interpreter as a family member.

While wearing medical scrubs seems ideal, it is not recommended

that interpreters wear this attire. Depending on the medical
institution, the color of the scrubs has significant meaning and could
possibly conflict with the facility.

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 Helpful Technology
The healthcare industry has a culture with a language and jargon
most laypeople cannot understand. Use information technology to
broaden knowledge and research specific topics related to health
care.

 Tablets & Smart phones

 Google descriptions and pictures

 Apps such as a medical dictionary,

thesaurus, and visual 3D anatomy

 Animation or visual model

When available, use charts, diagrams, models and aids in the

medical office to help explain certain concepts and basic anatomy.

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 Self-Care
Medical interpreters are impacted by the various demands and
experiences of the work environment that may create distress. It is
not uncommon for interpreters to feel stress, grief, or anger due to
illness and social problems of patients. Through it all, self-care is
vital. It is important to recognize the warning signs related to stress,
exhaustion, or vicarious trauma and employ strategies for dealing
with feelings. Practicing self-care is essential to both prevent and
lessen long-term consequences for physical and mental health.

To maintain mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness, some

commonly recommended techniques for self-care include:

 Protective Support Network

o Active collaboration with health teams to
debrief and to smooth the process
o Seek support from a trusted confidante

 Active Stress and Grief Management

o Physical exercise
o Breathing techniques
o Meditation
o Journaling
o Creative activities (i.e. painting, music, dance)
o Professional counselor

Experiment with what works best for you and commit to taking care
of yourself!

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 Final Thoughts

Wherever you are in your interpreting journey, I hope this guide has
been helpful in your thought and decision about medical
interpreting.

Access in the form of effective communication must be created and

consistently provided to shape an optimal health care system.
Maximize learning opportunities by attending workshops,
conferences, and medical lectures. Seek available resources in the
community to help navigate your way.

The Road to Medical Interpreting PAGE 15

 Sources
“The Communicator” Clear Surgical Face Mask Now Available.
(2017, February 12). Retrieved from
http://hearinglosshelp.com/blog/the-communicator-clear-surgical-
face-mask-now-available/

How to Become a Medical Interpreter. (2018, November 9).

Retrieved from https://toughnickel.com/industries/How-Do-I-
Become-a-Medical-Interpreter

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