For Interpreters

Medical Interpreter Training

Gain the necessary skills to become a certified medical interpreter in any state.

For Interpreters

Build the Skills and Terminology You Need to Interpret for Patients and Providers with Confidence

Our Medical Interpreting Program prepares bilingual professionals to work effectively in hospitals, clinics, and health care settings and to meet the training requirements for national Medical Interpreter Certification through both the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) and the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).

This comprehensive online program includes 81 hours of expert-led instruction, far exceeding the 40-hour minimum required by national certification bodies. Students may earn their 40-hour foundational certificate partway through the program and continue on to complete the full 81 hours for advanced readiness.

Delivered entirely online and on demand, this program blends instructor-led training, realistic medical scenarios, live assessments, and unlimited lab practice to help you develop strong consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation skills specific to the medical field.

Pre-Requisites

Certification Eligibility and Training Requirements

To qualify for national medical certification exams (CCHI, NBCMI), candidates must:

  • Complete 40 hours of approved medical interpreter training
  • Demonstrate language proficiency in both languages


Our program satisfies both requirements. Students will be awarded a certificate of completion of 40 hours after Introduction to Medical Interpretation I and II and be offered the required language proficiency exam.

Students will be awarded an 81-Hour Advanced Certificate in Medical Interpretation upon completing all three courses with a score of 70% or higher.

Terminology

Deeper terminology mastery.

Clinical Topics

Advanced clinical topics.

Delivery Speeds

Development of faster delivery speeds.

Expanded Skills

Expanded sight translations skills.

Stronger Prep

Far stronger preparation for certification exam success.

AI Tools

24/7 access to Knowi (our proprietary AI model) and labs.

Reminder

For All
Students

Students are strongly encouraged to complete the full 81-hour program, which provides:

This Program is Ideal for:

Individuals from diverse professional backgrounds who are preparing for or advancing a career in medical interpreting

Bilingual Adults

Bilingual adults seeking to become professional medical interpreters

Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers or bilingual staff seeking formal training

Medical Certification

Individuals preparing for the CCHI and/or the NBCMI certification exams

Current Interpreters

Interpreters transitioning from legal or community settings into medical interpreting

Program Structure (Full 81 Hours)

Students will be awarded an 81-Hour Advanced Certificate in Medical Interpretation upon completing all three courses with a score of 70% or higher.

01

Introduction to Medical Interpretation I

Cost: $595.00

  • 27 hours of instruction + 1 live assessment
  • Qualifies toward the 40-hour certificate


What You'll Learn

  • Core medical terminology in English and Spanish
  • Hospital forms and documents (MRI screening, blood transfusion refusal, discharge instructions)
  • Colloquialisms, slang, and patient-friendly language
  • Consecutive interpreting up to 40 terms per segment
  • Simultaneous interpreting up to 130 words per minute
  • Ethical decision-making foundations


Included

  • One live assessment via Zoom with a certified evaluator
  • Detailed performance report
  • Unlimited 24/7 Online Interpreting Lab access
  • Ask Knowi any question

Introduction to Medical Interpretation II 

Cost: $595.00

02

  • Prerequisite: Passing Introduction to Medical Interpretation I with 70% or higher
  • 27 hours of instruction
  •  1 live assessment


What You'll Learn 

  • Specialized clinical terminology:
  • ○
    Pediatrics
  • ○
    Women’s Health
  • ○
    Emergency Care
  • ○
    Substance Use
  • Hospital forms (pediatric asthma history, catheterization consent, adult medical history)
  • Consecutive interpreting up to 60 terms per segment
  • Simultaneous interpreting up to 150 words per minute
  • Expanded idiomatic and culturally relevant expressions


Included 

  • One live assessment
  • Detailed performance report
  • Unlimited 24/7 lab access
  • Ask Knowi any question

03

Sight Translation for Medical Interpreters

Cost: $595.00

  • Prerequisite: Passing Introduction to Medical Interpretation I with 70% or higher
  • 27 hours of instruction
  •  1 live assessment


What You' Learn

  • Sight translation principles:
  • ○
    Localization vs. normalization
  • ○
    Re-structuring and clarity
  • ○
    Reducing interference
  • Practice with real clinical documents:
  • ○
    Consent forms
  • ○
    Medical records
  • ○
    Discharge instructions
  • ○
    Health history forms


Included

  • One live assessment
  • Unlimited 24/7 lab access
  • Detailed performance report
  • Ask Knowi any question

Sign up for our next Orientation and Live Q&A

Get more information and ask questions before deciding your next career path.
Orientation

Ready to Start Your New Future?

Take the first step toward a rewarding and respected career as a medical certified interpreter. With over 30 years of proven excellence, the Southern California School of Interpretation has helped thousands turn their bilingual talent into professional success. Our online programs bring expert instruction, real-world practice, and cutting-edge technology straight to you. No matter where you are, your path to certification starts here.

Begin your journey today!

Register Now