Thank you Rosa. Although I am a certified healthcare interpreter working for a large HMO, there are other interpreters ion staff that are not certified. I think the way you have presented the information is easy to understand and compare. I will share this info with them.
Hi just a question I’ve been trying to become a medical interpreter but can’t find an accredited school if you don’t mind me asking where did u get ur cert ?
HI Ruby. Not sure where you live but I live in the SF Bay Area. Pre COVID went in person throufh City College of San Francisco. I believe it's all online now. It's a 2 semester program called the Healthcare Certificate Program. Good luck. @@rubyzaleta7299
I've have been awarded my CMI by NBCMI! It has been a long process due to covid, surprises and learning. I am super excited for my new career. I appreciate all the videos you and others like, Interpret Your World, have uploaded. They are very helpful. Thank you.
@@sotoalexandra57 RUclips, this channel, Interpret your world channel, took a note taking online course, interpretrain. Practice with friends, took a bridge the gap 40 hour course and Medline Plus medical website, spanish/English. Plenty of help out there. Best of luck.
Rosa, this is a great video. Your presentation of this interesting topic is right on point. Simple, informative and precise, especially for the ones who don't know anything about this career. What I like the most about your videos is that you truly give the ins and outs of the process of becoming a medical interpreter. But more importantly, you encourage candidates to never give up if they feel it is their true calling. Congratulations!
Marlon! OMG! Your comment is so thoughtful! THANK YOU! I wanted to start this because whenever I was looking for information about this career or about other colleagues' experiences I could not really find much so I'm happy you are finding it useful. Thanks for being here!
Wow, this was very informative and necessary for those who want to be tested. I will take one of this test once I graduate from college. Thank you for your great and valuable information. Daniel
@@Interprepedia your welcome Rosa, I love your channel and look forward to new content. Im looking into studying to become a Medical Interpreter soon and shift career paths. un saludo guapa, cuidate.
Thank you for the video. It is informative and succinct. What are the resources available to prepare. to the written and oral tests? Where are the courses offered?
Hi Shanti! Thank you for your kind words. There are so many options it's hard to narrow them down because a lot of things come into play when it comes to choosing the right resources for you. I have a video about this in the channel (ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html) and also you can check out CCHI's list of approved prerequisite programs for your reference: cchicertification.org/prerequisite-programs/
Hi Rosa, my name is Anna. I speak both Ukrainian and Russian. I’ve been thinking of obtaining an interpreter certification. Your videos are very useful. So far I understand that I have to take a 40-hour course and after that I need to register for a NBCMI exam (I prefer this one over CCHI). Any ideas which 40-hour training courses are the best?How long does it take to cover the course (I’m very determined). Does it have a lot of information? I’m a novice, I have never translated or worked for a hospital before. Thank you !
Hi Anna! Thanks for reaching out! There are so many courses it's hard for me to recommend one, but I made a video with tips on how to choose the best one for you, check it out: ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html The time it takes to cover the course varies. Some courses are online but not self-paced. They have an instructor that will schedule classes, so the time it takes to complete will depend entirely on that. Other courses are self-paced, and if you are determined and take classes for about 8 hrs a day, you could finish it within a week! Most courses I've taken do have a lot of information. Sometimes it feels like you're drinking out of a firehose, honestly, but the key is to take in what you can and then make sure you organize the information so you can review it after the course is done at your own pace so you can really learn it.
Thank you for this video, it gave such a great summary :) May I ask - what do you think of NBCMI not renewing their NCCA accreditation? Do you think this is something that may be a disadvantage in the job market?
Hi! Thanks so much! I have both certifications at the moment and so far none of my clients seem to favor one over the other, so in my experience it hasn't been a disadvantage. I haven't seen a difference at all. I hope this helps!
I found it very helpful. I have a question for you. When it comes time national exam, cchi requires 1. Diploma 2..Proficiency 3. Language Immersion for Language Proficiency. My question is how can I show them my Language Immersion.
Hi, Tun Lin! Great question! A letter of explanation stating the time you spent living (working or studying) in a country where that language is spoken should suffice but as always, I suggest reaching out to CCHI directly just to make sure.
Hi, Rosa! This is Silvana from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have a question for you: what online interpreter programs would the NBCMI accept as valid in order to be able to register to take their certificate? Looking forward to your reply! Thanks a lot for taking the time to read my message and for the clarity of your explanations.
Hi, Silvana!!! 👋 There are many online training programa accepted by NBCMI so it’s hard to give you a direct answer. Normally the ones that have been pre approved advertise that information in the course description. When in doubt, you can always contact NBCMI directly, just to double-check. They usually reply quickly.
Question… if your already getting certified through NBCMI, would you still need to go through an online program? I thought NBCMI website provided all that.
Watching your video, which is very good, by the way, I gather the best option for interpreters outside of the US would be the NBCMI, if only for it providing more flexibility as far as testing sites (online vs on site). Are there any specifics as to how to apply for their certification when one lives outside the US?
Hi Ivan! I totally agree with you. NBCMI seems to be your best bet and no, there are no specific requirements that apply to overseas candidates as far as I know.
Thank you so much for this informative video! In your experience, have you noticed if an employer prefers one certification over the other? Is one of them seen as more "prestige" or favorable than the other?
Hi, Erika! In my experience, no, I haven't found a prospective client/employer who prefers one certification over the other. Both are equally accepted nation-wide. Thank you for your support and for being here!
So informative! Thank you for your help. I have one question. Which 40hour training do you recommend for both exams? I’m training to find it online but i don’t know which one to use, and the one you did before is not available anymore.
Hi! It's hard to recommend a specific course because there are many great ones out there. Have you checked out the other video I made where I share tips on how to choose a medical training program? If not, here's the link to it: ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html
hola rosa! Soy nuevo intepretando. Vivo en México y tengo mucha dificultad sobre las categorías de doctores! Ya que aquí creo que eso no existe (attending dr., Diferencia entre physician, doctor, provider. Entre otros que ahora mismo no recuerdo Dx) ojalá puedas hacer un vídeo al respecto para los interpretes que no vivimos en usa. He buscado pero no encuentro como la traducción equivalente. Ayudaaaa plox
¡Hola! Bienvenido al canal y muchas gracias por estar aquí. Excelente sugerencia. Voy a trabajar en eso pero por ahora, te comparto este enlace a una página que tiene algunos recursos sobre el tema: bit.ly/39R2fR2 - Espero que te sea útil por el momento 🤗
Hi! The renewal is $300. You don't have to do everything again but you do have to comply with their continuing education requirements within the renewal period.
Thank you I appreciate it . Am so sorry for the bother but I actually have one more question. Really hope u see it…. Well I was wondering if I can use my iPad Pro that hs a magic keyboard for the class of CCHI or NBCMI ?. I heard of course that you can use computers but I don’t know if the iPad Pro I have that looks just like a laptop will be fine for me to use .
Hello Rosa, I am currently looking forward to be a Certified Medical Interpreter and I was so confused with the amount of information I found online, thank you so much for this video it really helped me. I have one question: Where would you recommend to me to complete my 40 Hours of Professional Training? I found a lot of options on CCHI's website but not sure which one is specifically for Spanish-English interpretation. Also, do I have to register myself on the CCHI's site only when I am ready to complete the exam? Because I already did thinking it was a course to be an interpreter :(
Hi! The amount of info online can certainly be overwhelming. You can start the registration process with CCHI but you won't be eligible to take the written exam until after you complete the 40-hr course because it's a prerequisite. I would like to invite you to watch this video I made with tips on how to choose a training: ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html
Hi, Jean! In the NBCMI test, the 12 scenarios took about 25-30 minutes to complete. You also have to sight translate two passages from English > foreign language which take about 10 minutes. Good luck!
Hi! I have a couple questions! For NBCMI I have to register and create an account then I have to select a 40hr personal training that is approved by them then I can go ahead and take the tests required but I have one year to take all the tests needed to get certified? Is that correct? Also, would the 40hr personal training be enough to pass all the exams that I will need to take?
Hi Yessica! Yes, that is the process for the NBCMI certification. I wish I could tell you the 40 hr training is enough to pass all the exams but that is not always the case. For example, for the oral exam you need to be really good at taking notes and have good interpreting technique (not just knowing the vocabulary) so if your course doesn't include a strong practice component, you may need to find additional resources or classes to work on that. I want to make a video explaining this in further detail. Stay tuned.
Wonderful video. It definitely answered a lot of unknowns I had. One question, I am also considering to be a translator. Could you explain the process, please Thanks
Hi! Thank you so much for your comment. I have some experience in translation as I worked for a big translation company for about four years. The whole process and my experience are a bit of a long story to share in a comment but I will make sure to make a video about it. Stay tuned!
Hi Rosa!! Love your videos 😊 I am hoping to study further! I already have the Bridge in the Gap certificate. Is that enough of a training for both certificates? Also proof of proficiency, I do have what’s called the Seal of Bilateracy where I was tested back in high school- or what specific courses, like can the Bridge in the Gap course count? I think NBCMI would be best. By getting this other credential/certificate, can I get paid more ? Like it’s not necessary to have a degree to get paid more than $20 at this career ? Thank you!
Hi Rosa, thank you so much for the informative video! You really helped me make my decision! Do you know how much time you have to register after you complete a medical interpreter training program?
Thank you Rosa for this very informative video. The application process for the CCHI exam is very ambiguous and confusing. I was ready to give up, but the founder and CEO of the 40 hour Interpreting school was so kind, and helped me through part of the process. Even he said it was overwhelming. I'm a little concerned with the subjectivity involved with the ethics part of the written test. Has anyone taken and completed the entire process, who can relate to me (us) the experience?
Hi, Len! Thanks for sharing your comment. I am happy to hear that you found someone to help you through the process because it can be overwhelming. I share the same point of view regarding the ethics part of the written test but do your best, read the questions very carefully because sometimes one word can give you a clue about the correct answer (especially those with all, none, always or never), and use your best judgment after studying the standards of practice. Good luck!
Hola Rosa, me encanta el lenguaje. Estudie español en los EE. UU. Y recibí mi certificación de intérprete/ traductor (inglés/español) por la universidad. Pero me gustaría continuar a interpretación médica. Por ahora tengo más de 8 años interpretando y traduciendo en varios ámbitos específicamente con énfasis en religión. Pero mi meta es interpretación médica. Pero no se como proseguir a esa meta. Qué recomiendas para nosotros que queremos enderezar el camino hacia este ámbito de interpretación. ¿Hay programas que pueda tomar en línea? Ya que tengo un trabajo a tiempo completo. ¡Muchas gracias! Nunca es tarde para seguir nuestros sueños.
¡Hola, Adilenne! Muchas gracias por visitar el canal y compartir tu pregunta. Por supuesto que puedes conseguir esa meta. Ahora hay un sinnúmero de cursos disponibles en línea para cumplir con los requisitos de capacitación que exigen los programas de certificación. En mi canal hay un video en el que comparto consejos sobre cómo elegir uno de esos cursos dependiendo de tú situación. Si estás basada en los EE. UU. puedes optar por la certificación de NBCMI o CCHI. Si estás en el extranjero, puedes optar por NBCMI porque ofrece la posibilidad de tomar los exámenes en línea. En mi opinión y en base a mi experiencia, este sería un paso esencial para incursionar en la interpretación médica. Mucho éxito y déjame saber si tienes alguna otra pregunta.
That was great to watch! I also watched your simultaneous session (Court interrupting) and I only have used consecutive interpreting for medical interpreting... simultaneous seems so overwhelming. Do you have any recommendations or tips to improve? Otherwise I’ll have to go for NBCMI. Do you know of any resources for sample tests or websites while preparing?
Thank you Gilda! You can definitely master your simultaneous interpretation skills, it just takes lots and lots of practice. My tip to improve is to do just that, practice a lot, even if you do so with scenarios that are meant for consecutive interpretation. If they are not too fast (
Hi Rosa. Very helpful video. Thank you. My question is how do I get certified if the language I interpret from was NOT included in CCHI nor in NBCMI . Thanks
Hi, Helen! Excellent question! You can take the written exam and opt for the CoreCHI or Hub-CMI credentials. These are available for any language pair.
Hi Rosa, question will NBCMI Accept the Transinterpreting's 40 hr course that you took a few years ago as a legit course? I it does Will you put the link down below so I can make sure Im on right one please! Thanks!😊
Hola, Angelica! Thank you for sharing your question. Yes, NBCMI accepts Transinterpreting's course and they recently upgraded from 40 to 60 hours 😀 Here's the updated one: www.transinterpreting.com/60-hour-healthcare-training
Hola!!! I just love your videos!!! How would you interpret "siento la cara como descompuesta" can you make a video with the most crazy words You have had to interpret??? It would be amazing!!! Saludos!!! 💓
Hi, Olivia! That's a tough one 🤯 I would definitely need to ask for clarification from the patient because it could mean so many different things 😵 A video with the most crazy words I've had to interpret! OMG! That's a great idea!
Hey, so it seems that you need two things: training and certification. If so, do you just apply for jobs after that? From your experience, you have seen some demand for French interpreters? Thanks!
Hey! Technically, yes, ideally you'd get some training and a certification to apply for jobs, although, to be fully honest, in some circumstances it doesn't always work in that order. I can't really say in general what is the demand for French interpreters but I have several colleagues who are French interpreters and they stay busy if they work with multiple clients, and they do specially well if they can interpret in French Creole and Haitian Creole as well. Good luck and thank you for stopping by!
Hello, I'm an Arabian. Can I take the oral test if my targeted language is Arabic? Is the oral test mandatory to be certified? Do I have to go through all of this if I want to be just a translator? Thank you
Hi! CCHI offers a full certification for Arabic interpreters. To be fully certified with CCHI, I believe you would have to take the oral test. If you just want to be a translator, (translating written documents) this may not be necessary since these certifications are intended mainly for interpreters. I hope this helps!
Hi, do you have any resources on where to look for training in order to be ready for the certification exams. I just graduated with BA in Spanish and I have no idea where to start.
Hi! I sure do! I made a video with some recommendations on how to narrow down the best option for you (ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html) because there are different courses to cover different needs so it's a very personal choice. I hope it helps!
Hello Rosa. Thank you very much for the information. I am pretty new at this. What I understand is that one of the requirements is to prove language proficiency in both English and in the target language (in my case, Spanish). I have read that the ACTFL or ILR are renowned for testing/certifying language abilities. What type of "Language Proficiency Certification" would you recommend to be able to apply for either the CHI OR CMI? Thanks!
Thank you, Stefany! In my case, I studied overseas in a Spanish-speaking country so I didn’t have to take a language proficiency test in Spanish, only in English (TOEFL). One thing I like about CCHI is that if you’ve spent time working or studying in a country where they speak your foreign language, that could suffice to proof proficiency but they actually don’t list a specific testing entity. The NBCMI lists ACTFL and Parrot. I hope this helps and good luck 😉
Hi, I worked as a bilingual QA for Spanish and English in the health care industry bpo located in the US. I am planning to study a new language. They said Japanese, Mandarin, or French. I need your suggestions. To which language is in demand, especially in the healthcare industry. Thank you.
Great video. What kind of jobs and careers are available for English / spanish interpreters, in the US? I’m fluent in both (I taught both languages as a second language ) and I have an interest in interpretation as a career. Thanks!
Hi! There are so many opportunities it's hard to cover them in a simple reply. To summarize I can share that opportunities range from remote telephonic/video interpreters handling general calls (utilities, customer service, etc.), interpreters working in the medical, judicial or educational fields both remote, and in-person, as freelancers or employees, interpreters working in international conferences, the UN, the DOS, etc....
Great question! Yes, everything is still relevant. One important update in CCHI's certification program is the EtoE (English to English) oral test, which is now available as a new certification option for all languages.
@@itube5186 As far as I know, if your language of expertise is one for which there is an oral exam CHI-Spanish, CHI-Arabic, and CHI-Mandarin) you must take it to be fully certified. If no oral exam is available for your specific language, then you can opt for the EtoE.
¡Hola, Jesus! Pues hay un montón que son muy buenos pero solo puedo hablar por experiencia propia. Yo hice un curso con Transinterpreting - de hecho, he hecho varios cursos con ellos - y en mi caso fue el adecuado.
Simultaneous is my strong suit; which association do you recommend to go with? Asking, as I understand this video perhaps may be outdated on certain things, just in case.. Thanks
Hi! If you're strong in simultaneous interpretation, I would definitely recommend CCHI since their oral exam is the only one that has a simultaneous interpretation component. Best of luck!
Thanks for the Info very helpful. Do you recommend any school in person or online to get prepared for the certification? There is one online MiTio I don't know much about it maybe someone knows...well I found another video that you made about the right course to prep us for the test thanks it's very very helpful
Hi, Kharly! I can only speak from personal experience. I took a course with Transinterpreting and it was the right one for me at the time but I hope other colleagues can pitch in and share their feedback too. Thank you for being here!
Thank you I appreciate it . Am so sorry for the bother but I actually have one more question. Really hope u see it…. Well I was wondering if I can use my iPad Pro that has a magic keyboard for the class of CCHI or NBCMI ?. I heard of course that you can use computers but I don’t know if the iPad Pro I have that looks just like a laptop will be fine for me to use .
Hi! No problem! Ask away! So, I'm a little confused... CCHI and NBCMI offer certification programs where you have to take a written and oral test. For these tests, I believe you can't use an iPad Pro; you must use a computer. Now, you mention a class, so I'm not sure if what you mean is if you can use the iPad for that 40-hr class that you have to take in order to certify... if so, I guess that would depend on the school that is teaching the class so I'm not sure. Feel free to reach back if this doesn't clarify your question. Best of luck!
Hi Rosa, My name is Veronica I'm originally from Colombia but live here all my life since the age of 2 . I presently know both languages proficient probably English I say is my first language . I work in healthcare for about 15+ years and do translate at work. I'm 60 yrs old and looking to do this from home one day. I have credentials. Which schools do you recommend ? BY THE WAY, great video . Veronica
Thank you, Veronica! I appreciate your support. There are so many great schools out there that is hard to make a recommendation. I personally chose Transinterpreting because I was looking for an online delivery and a combination of live classes and recorded classes. I had experience and other training so that was a great fit for me. Other schools offer in-person classes which some prefer, other schools offer a combination of classes based on ethics/standards of practice, medical terminology and interpreting skills. This is a list provided by IMIA that could be a good starting point: www.imiaweb.org/education/trainingnotices.asp?SearchType=precertification
Hi Gary! Keep studying and don't feel discouraged. Just recently I took a written test for the federal certification. I took a practice test and I failed it and I was feeling pretty defeated but when I took the actual test, I passed. Sometimes practice tests can be harder than the real ones or sometimes the questions are not properly formulated and those things can lead to scores that don't predict how well we'll do in the real test.
Why do you have to renew your credentials? And to renew your credentials do you have to repeat the whole process from the beginning as in doing the registration and taking the courses and the tests as well????
Hi! From what I understand, we have to renew our credentials to prove that we comply with the continuing education requirement. We don't have to repeat the same process (no tests again). For the renewal, we have to submit proof of the classes and courses we took during the time we've been certified to maintain our skills and pay the renewal fee.
Hello! Any tips for the NCBMI written and oral exam? I’m finishing my medical interpreting course in a few weeks and am going to start the exam process 😊
Hi Rosa, have a nice day!!!, I want to know if being a Latin, bilingual doctor, with 5 years of experience in the medical field in my country, can I get the certification without taking an exam?, I mean, just sending my medical degree and grades, translated; since, for example, in the "American Registry of medical Assistants" they take into account that you completed a 6-year professional career that gives us sufficient knowledge of terminology and medical procedures and only asks for the documentation that supports it, such as Diploma, notes and translated work letters to process your license without taking extra courses or taking exams, is it possible to do the same to obtain a license as a medical interpreter?
I am a certified DSHS medical interpreter in the state of WA. My question is, by getting the national medical certification I can work anywhere in the US right? I'm thinking about doing the national medical certification since I may not live here in WA forever and instead of just having the state certification it opens things up more for me. My question is the National certification can serve for this state as well correct? Thank you!!
Hi Jackie! 👋 As far as I know, CCHI and NBCMI are nationally recognized but I have seen many job/contract listings that include the DSHS certification as accepted for job qualification purposes. Ultimately it may depend on the company or agency offering the position but I think getting one of the two national certifications would benefit you 👌
Hi, Catherine! I think the NBCMI test had longer utterances than the CCHI so if you struggle with notes it will be more difficult. Also they had some more colloquial expressions. However, the CCHI test has other components (simultaneous, translation) that NBCMI doesn't have so you may find one or the other more difficult depending on different things. I personally found NBCMI a bit more difficult and my scores were okay but lower than CCHI.
Hi Rosa, I am assuming all these credentials are only valid in the USA 🇺🇸, right ? Because I was trying to listen to what country you are talking about but even half way through your video, I still haven't heard where you are located.
Hi Esther! Great question. I'm based in the USA, but I've met many colleagues based overseas who have become certified through these US entities because in many countries they don't offer something similar and it opens up opportunities to work for US clients.
Hello. Thank you Rosa for this video I’ve learned a lot from it. I’ve decided I want to take the CCHI exam. Becoming a medical interpreter has always been a dream of mine. I have no professional experience expect growing up & translating for family relatives. I’ve had many doctors tell me to turn this into a career. I wanted to ask you if taking the minimum 40 hour training program is good enough for me to pass the CCHI or do you recommend me taking other classes as well. I really hope to hear back from you. Thanks!!
Hello! 👋 I'm glad you liked it and congratulations on making a decision to become a medical interpreter. It's a great career and sometimes I feel I'd pay to do what I do 😁 Many of us come from other career paths and started interpreting without formal experience so you are not alone. To answer your question, I feel the more we study, the better we will be, plus this is a career where you never stop studying and learning, even after certifying. Now, having said that, many 40-hr programs will prepare you well enough to pass the certification exam if they offer a combination of theory and practice so you can learn ethics and standards of practice, medical vocabulary, and concepts plus interpreting technique with practice scenarios. Best of luck and share in the comments if you have more questions!
@@Interprepedia thank you so much!! I am now more motivated to give it a try. I am paying for everything my self my parents aren’t helping with any of it because they feel as if I won’t be able to make it a job. May I ask what training program you recommended? Your videos have definitely helped me more than any other videos here on RUclips. I’d love to see more of your content!
I'm very happy for you, use this momentum to keep going. I understand it tough for others to believe in something that hasn't materialized. This can be a lucrative career but like any other, it takes some time and effort to take off. There are great training programs out there, but I can only speak based on my experience which was with Transinterpreting and it was great. Visit this link (tinyurl.com/y5k6njkb) and scroll down. You'll find a detailed list of courses where you can do some shopping around to compare the most renowned programs. You'll do great!!!
I am wondering where can I do the training in order to get the certificate? Thank you so much! This video is very informative and I am very grateful for it
Hello Rosa, I just found your channel, I have a question about this certification. One can get the certification living outside of the U.S. or it´s just for those living in there?
thank you so much dear Rosa, I'm really very interested in being a medical and a court interpreter but i don't know if someone from Senegal in west Africa can have an opportunity to get any training on this subject
Hi!! I think anyone, from any part of the world or language combination can have that opportunity. Nowadays, there are many online training programs, and many programs that are called “language neutral” because they are in English only. It may not be the ideal situation because you may need to do additional research to translate terms into another language, but there’s still a lot of value in those trainings. Follow your dreams! Don’t give up!
Thank you so much for your informative video. I was certified medical assistant for more than 20 years. Currently I am A certified surgical technologist for 5 years. In those years I have been available whenever needed to translate from patient to medical staff and vise versa. Is this action part of the required documentation?
Hi Jenny! Thanks for stopping by! Wow! You have a great background that will certainly be helpful if you want to pursue a career as a medical interpreter. I believe at least some of your training and experience will count to meet the requirements for the certifications but as always, your best bet is to email each organization to check on that. Be sure to have dates, certificates of completion or diplomas if you have them, and an account of how many hours of training you took for each. Best of luck!
@@Interprepedia Rosa please advise what sort of schools have this course ? If it’s a college, do I apply as continuing education? And are there other institutions that offer this program. And what is the program called ? I see medical interpreter and healthcare interpreter. What is the difference. Thanks so much. I tried emailing you but the email address came back as incorrect. 💕
Hi, Jenny! There are courses offered at a college level and other short courses offered as +40-hour training programs. They are usually called "Medical Interpreter Training" or "Healthcare Interpreter Training" (terms used interchangeably but the meaning is the same) - Get in touch at www.rosaospina.com. Have you seen this video where I offer tips and information about these courses? ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html
Hello, sorry I’m confused. How can I prove that I’m fluent in both English and Spanish? Do I have to take a CMI approved course to obtain a diploma and take a proficiency test to be able to register for a CHI or CMI certification? How can I also get 40 hours of medical interpretation if I’m not certified yet? -Thank you im advance
Hi! Great questions! Let me try to clarify: To be accepted into the certification program you need to meet some prerequisites. One prerequisite is providing language proficiency in English and Spanish. You can do this by sending a diploma you earned in one of those languages (high school or college, for example) OR by taking a language proficiency test. You also need to prove you have taken at least 40 hours of medical interpreting classes (not work experience, just classes or courses). Once you have that, you can register and submit the documents they need. Once they accept your registration, you can schedule your tests. Once you pass the tests you become officially certified. I hope this helps! I know it can be confusing 😐
@@Interprepedia thank you 😊 I was wondering if by taking a certified course I can get both a language proficiency test and 40 hours of medical interpreting classes?
@@adrianatoledo1903 As far as I know, the 40-hr courses only count as medical interpreting training. You’d have to take a language proficiency test in addition to that. Did you finish high school in the US or in another country where Spanish is the official language?
@@jospina12 I graduated high school in the U.S. But I grew up speaking Spanish to my family, I know how to read and write it but I’m not sure how to show my proficiency in Spanish :/
Perfect! Then, your high school diploma from the US proves that you are proficient in English. You would just need to take the Spanish language proficiency test to show how well you can speak the language. You can find a list of approved proficiency tests on NBCMI’s or CCHI‘s websites. They also list the minimum scores you should get in the test to meet the language proficiency requirement. Good luck!
Very informative video! For me, getting certified with NBCMI worked well because I, as well, had all the required documentation. I agree, you can't go wrong with either. Good video. Thank you!
What kind of books, articles, etc do you recommend to prepare/practice for this exames specialty scenarios to practice ethical and roles of an interpreter ? Thank You
Hi, Elisa! Great question! Any training program for medical interpreters should cover this in detail, but if you’re looking for scenarios and role plays, here are some recommendations: * The Community Interpreter - An International Workbook of Activities and Role Plays * California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters - Appendix B (p. 54) has some examples: www.chiaonline.org/Resources/Documents/CHIA%20Standards/standards_chia.pdf * ATA Presentation about ethical dilemmas: ruclips.net/video/R8vsZ8u4_iw/видео.html I hope this helps!
Hello, nada! Check this out. I hope this helps and good luck! * The Community Interpreter - An International Workbook of Activities and Role Plays * California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters - Appendix B (p. 54) has some examples: www.chiaonline.org/Resources/Documents/CHIA%20Standards/standards_chia.pdf * ATA Presentation about ethical dilemmas: ruclips.net/video/R8vsZ8u4_iw/видео.html
Great video! I have a question; can I get certified if I live in the Dominican Republic so that I can apply for a company overseas or is it only valid in the US?
Hi Joan! As fas as I know, you can complete the entire certification process through NBCMI even if you live overseas. It is a nationally-recognized credential in the US but I know - based on other colleagues' experience - that other countries recognize the credential as well, especially if they don't have one of their own. I hope this helps!
Is the written test medical terminology in the target language or all in English? I am confused if I should be remember terminology for Spanish or do I just need to remember the English terms?
Hi! The course I took with Transinterpreting a few years ago is no longer available but they now have upgraded the course to a 60-hr one and here is that link: www.transinterpreting.com/60-hr-healthcare-interpreter-training-self-paced-neutral
Hi Rosa! I'd like to become a certified medical interpreter but I don't know where to start! I have some experience working as "interpreter" in the education - special ed meetings and such - and interpreting at church, but I have done all of this informally; just based on the fact that I speak English and Spanish. I'd LOVE to get into medical interpreting, but I don't know were to start! I was wondering if I could contact your services for detailed advice. Possible?
Hi Rosa , thank you so much for your help! Your awesome. I wanted to ask you I’m not to sure if you could help me but for this certification how much work is available? I know that there are a lot of people that do freelance and work remotely. If I were to move to Mexico for a given number of months could I still work remotely? Thank you once again
Hi! Thanks for reaching out! I can't tell you how much work is available for this certification, but what I can tell you is that having the certification opened a lot of doors for me and helped me have priority for assignments over non-certified interpreters. It's not only a validation of your skills but also a great marketing tool if used correctly. In my experience, being able to work from Mexico would totally depend on your employer or clients. Some are okay with that but others may require you to be in the US.
Thank you for this videos! Something that is not clear for me about to demostrate english proficiency is that i have to take a test like TOEFL OR ELST? i don't know if i wrote the initials correctly sorry
Hi Sthefany! It depends. For example, I don't have a diploma from a school in an English-speaking country so I had to prove my English proficiency by taking one of the approved tests, in my case I had taken the TOEFL, but there are others. Now, if on the contrary, let's stay you grew up in the USA and learned Spanish from your parents. If you have a diploma from a school in the USA that already proves your proficiency in English, so you'd have to take one of the approved tests to prove your proficiency in Spanish. I hope this helps and wasn't too confusing. Thanks so much for sharing your question!
Hi Rosa, thank you for this great video. I have a question. Can you suggest a legit approved 40 hrs course that will be accepted by NBCMI? Also, any tips on how to study for the sight translation. Thanks again.
Thanks, Maria! Of course, there are many great courses out there. A lot depends on what you are looking for in terms of delivery (online vs in person), content (some are language-specific, others focus more on extensive vocab, others offer a combination of vocab + skills training) and ultimately price. I took Transinterpreting's 40-hr course a couple of years ago and it was the right one for me. I'd recommend taking a look at this references posted by NBCMI: tinyurl.com/y68pyfnq. About sight translation, my advice would be to make sure you know vocabulary by heart first and foremost. Then get your hands on as many documents as you can (consents, discharge instructions, test results like ultrasound reports) in both working languages and record yourself as you sight translate them until you feel your delivery is smooth + accurate. Good luck!!!
@@Interprepedia The hospital where I work has a qualified spanish medical interpreter program service for their LEP. I got qualified on this program and I realized that this is my passion. I love helping my LEP. This is why I would like to get the nationwide certification. I found your channel the other day and I was thrilled. Keep up posting your excellent informative videos. Thanks for your time.
how long it takes to become a medical interpreter from cero, I am native spanish speaker with fluent English as a second language. where should I start? If you have any book or training recommendations please 🙏
It's hard to put a timeline on that one 🤔 Based on what I've seen, I'd say it could take a few months while you complete the basic medical interpreter training and find your first job or contract. I'd say you could start there, with a training. I highly recommend the "Telephone Interpreting" book by Nataly Kelly. It will give you a better idea of what to expect. It's useful even if you don't plan on working on the phone, and it's free 😁 If you want something more in-depth, check these out: cultureandlanguagepress.net/catalog There are so many good training programs I could not recommend one in specific. Check out a video I made with tips on choosing a medical interpreter training based on your particular situation.
@@Interprepedia thanks, it is very motivating to know we are compatriotas 😊 last question: Do you think I can find a remote job in medical interpreting from Dominican Republic? Do you think certification will help to obtain a work visa?
Hi, Ingrid! You can certainly find a remote job in medical interpreting from the DR. Several companies are actively looking for interpreters overseas. Have you tried GLOBO? 🤔 I'm not sure if a certification would help you get a work visa but I'm sure it will help boost your chances of getting a contract to do remote interpreting. You can shoot for NBCMI since it's the only entity that offers testing opportunities from home for the written and oral components. Good luck!
Hi Rosa, Does the NBCMI accept High School diplomas from Mexico? I was an Registered Nurse in Mexico and a now a Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas, however, I do not have a a GED from the United States.
Thank you! I hope they're accepted. My concerns are that the Nursing degree is from 1985 and being a Massage Therapist is a certification, not a degree (Associates/Bachelor's) like it states on the NBCMI website. Is there a way to officially confirm this through them prior to commencing?
Thank you Rosa. Although I am a certified healthcare interpreter working for a large HMO, there are other interpreters ion staff that are not certified. I think the way you have presented the information is easy to understand and compare. I will share this info with them.
Wanda! Thank you so much for your kind comments and for your support!
Hi just a question I’ve been trying to become a medical interpreter but can’t find an accredited school if you don’t mind me asking where did u get ur cert ?
HI Ruby. Not sure where you live but I live in the SF Bay Area. Pre COVID went in person throufh City College of San Francisco. I believe it's all online now. It's a 2 semester program called the Healthcare Certificate Program. Good luck. @@rubyzaleta7299
This was the most informative video that compares both organizations and the exams so far. Thank you!
I'm so glad! Thank you!
I've have been awarded my CMI by NBCMI! It has been a long process due to covid, surprises and learning. I am super excited for my new career.
I appreciate all the videos you and others like, Interpret Your World, have uploaded. They are very helpful. Thank you.
OMG! That's wonderful! 🎉 CONGRATULATIONS 🎉
Congradulations. What did you use to study?
@@sotoalexandra57 RUclips, this channel, Interpret your world channel, took a note taking online course, interpretrain. Practice with friends, took a bridge the gap 40 hour course and Medline Plus medical website, spanish/English.
Plenty of help out there. Best of luck.
@@Interprepedia thank you!
@@NELSONG12 Thank you! 🙌
Rosa, this is a great video. Your presentation of this interesting topic is right on point. Simple, informative and precise, especially for the ones who don't know anything about this career. What I like the most about your videos is that you truly give the ins and outs of the process of becoming a medical interpreter. But more importantly, you encourage candidates to never give up if they feel it is their true calling. Congratulations!
Marlon! OMG! Your comment is so thoughtful! THANK YOU! I wanted to start this because whenever I was looking for information about this career or about other colleagues' experiences I could not really find much so I'm happy you are finding it useful. Thanks for being here!
Great breakdown showing the differences between the two entities. Good Job!
Thank you for this video, it reassures me on the choice I made. I decided on NBCMI and currently getting ready to do my written test.
Nice! I'm happy to hear that. Best of luck with the test!
Rosa, thank you for this easy to follow video. The information is presented in a logical manner & it is to the point. Thank you!
Thank you, Claudia!
This was very informative!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much 😊 I’m glad you liked it!!!
Thanks again for the great information..NBCMI is my route to go..🙏
My experience with them was great! Best of luck!
Wow, this was very informative and necessary for those who want to be tested. I will take one of this test once I graduate from college. Thank you for your great and valuable information.
Daniel
please keep on doing these videos!! I working to become a interpreter one day and these help so much
Thanks so much, Desmond! Your words are very encouraging for me to make more videos!
Thank you so much for sharing. Greetings from Guadalajara Jalisco México
Thanks for watching! You’re so welcome!
excellent! I was wondering which one to take, now you have clarified the options. Thanks
Hi, Sara! That's awesome! Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you so much for your video. It is very detailed and helpful.
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad it was helpful 🤗
Wow, thank you for such an amazing breakdown of both 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here!
Great job Rosa!!!
Gracias, Pedro 🤗
Súper completa información. Muchas gracias.
Muchas gracias Rosa! Muy lindo video con la information exacta. Felicidades!
¡Hola, Diego! ¡Muchas gracias!
Thank you for the update. Looking forward to get register to NBCMi
Nice! I’m glad to hear that, Claude! Good luck!
Great video Rosa, very informative, thankyou for sharing with us.
Thank you for being part of this community and always showing your support. It means a lot to me!
@@Interprepedia your welcome Rosa, I love your channel and look forward to new content. Im looking into studying to become a Medical Interpreter soon and shift career paths. un saludo guapa, cuidate.
Thank you so much for the detailed information. This is very helpful in making my decision
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
¡Gracias Rosa!
Thank you so much. this was very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Could you explain what "continuing education" means? (Stated in renewal section) And could you place an example please?
No se Como llegue aki pero siempre me a gustado esta carrera .
I found it very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Gracias, Beatriz 🤗 it makes me happy to hear that
This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing!
Hi! Thanks for being here! I'm glad it helped!
Thank you for the video. It is informative and succinct. What are the resources available to prepare. to the written and oral tests? Where are the courses offered?
Hi Shanti! Thank you for your kind words. There are so many options it's hard to narrow them down because a lot of things come into play when it comes to choosing the right resources for you. I have a video about this in the channel (ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html) and also you can check out CCHI's list of approved prerequisite programs for your reference: cchicertification.org/prerequisite-programs/
Excellent!!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thank you for sharing this is quite informative
You are so welcome 🤗 Thank you for your support!
Very very helpful Thank you!
Thank you! Glad you found it useful!
The NCBCMI offers Spanish now. Please update this video. Thanks!
Thank you for the useful information. By any chance, Do you have a link to a glossary that covers the Medical terminologies for the CCHI Core test?
My pleasure! I don’t have one but if you search on quizlet.com I’m sure you’ll find several. Good luck!
@@Interprepedia Thank you. Yes I have found some .
Excelente video.Tienes algun Test practice test?
Great video! I’m a bilingual ICU nurse attempting to obtain my medical interpreter certification
This is a great video, thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Thank you Rosa for your no non-sense description of both certifications.
Thank you, Jesus!!! I appreciate your kind comment!
Hi Rosa, my name is Anna. I speak both Ukrainian and Russian. I’ve been thinking of obtaining an interpreter certification. Your videos are very useful. So far I understand that I have to take a 40-hour course and after that I need to register for a NBCMI exam (I prefer this one over CCHI).
Any ideas which 40-hour training courses are the best?How long does it take to cover the course (I’m very determined). Does it have a lot of information? I’m a novice, I have never translated or worked for a hospital before. Thank you !
Hi Anna! Thanks for reaching out!
There are so many courses it's hard for me to recommend one, but I made a video with tips on how to choose the best one for you, check it out: ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html
The time it takes to cover the course varies. Some courses are online but not self-paced. They have an instructor that will schedule classes, so the time it takes to complete will depend entirely on that.
Other courses are self-paced, and if you are determined and take classes for about 8 hrs a day, you could finish it within a week!
Most courses I've taken do have a lot of information. Sometimes it feels like you're drinking out of a firehose, honestly, but the key is to take in what you can and then make sure you organize the information so you can review it after the course is done at your own pace so you can really learn it.
Thank you for this video, it gave such a great summary :)
May I ask - what do you think of NBCMI not renewing their NCCA accreditation? Do you think this is something that may be a disadvantage in the job market?
Hi! Thanks so much! I have both certifications at the moment and so far none of my clients seem to favor one over the other, so in my experience it hasn't been a disadvantage. I haven't seen a difference at all. I hope this helps!
Informative video. Thank you. Which do u recommend for arabic/English?
Thanks! I'd say CCHI since as far as I know, NBCMI does not offer the full certification for Arabic interpreters.
I found it very helpful. I have a question for you. When it comes time national exam, cchi requires 1. Diploma 2..Proficiency 3. Language Immersion for Language Proficiency.
My question is how can I show them my Language Immersion.
Hi, Tun Lin! Great question! A letter of explanation stating the time you spent living (working or studying) in a country where that language is spoken should suffice but as always, I suggest reaching out to CCHI directly just to make sure.
Hi, Rosa! This is Silvana from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have a question for you: what online interpreter programs would the NBCMI accept as valid in order to be able to register to take their certificate? Looking forward to your reply! Thanks a lot for taking the time to read my message and for the clarity of your explanations.
Hi, Silvana!!! 👋 There are many online training programa accepted by NBCMI so it’s hard to give you a direct answer. Normally the ones that have been pre approved advertise that information in the course description. When in doubt, you can always contact NBCMI directly, just to double-check. They usually reply quickly.
Question… if your already getting certified through NBCMI, would you still need to go through an online program? I thought NBCMI website provided all that.
Watching your video, which is very good, by the way, I gather the best option for interpreters outside of the US would be the NBCMI, if only for it providing more flexibility as far as testing sites (online vs on site). Are there any specifics as to how to apply for their certification when one lives outside the US?
Hi Ivan! I totally agree with you. NBCMI seems to be your best bet and no, there are no specific requirements that apply to overseas candidates as far as I know.
Thank you so much for this informative video! In your experience, have you noticed if an employer prefers one certification over the other? Is one of them seen as more "prestige" or favorable than the other?
Hi, Erika! In my experience, no, I haven't found a prospective client/employer who prefers one certification over the other. Both are equally accepted nation-wide. Thank you for your support and for being here!
So informative! Thank you for your help. I have one question. Which 40hour training do you recommend for both exams? I’m training to find it online but i don’t know which one to use, and the one you did before is not available anymore.
Hi! It's hard to recommend a specific course because there are many great ones out there. Have you checked out the other video I made where I share tips on how to choose a medical training program? If not, here's the link to it: ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html
hola rosa! Soy nuevo intepretando. Vivo en México y tengo mucha dificultad sobre las categorías de doctores! Ya que aquí creo que eso no existe (attending dr., Diferencia entre physician, doctor, provider. Entre otros que ahora mismo no recuerdo Dx) ojalá puedas hacer un vídeo al respecto para los interpretes que no vivimos en usa. He buscado pero no encuentro como la traducción equivalente. Ayudaaaa plox
¡Hola! Bienvenido al canal y muchas gracias por estar aquí. Excelente sugerencia. Voy a trabajar en eso pero por ahora, te comparto este enlace a una página que tiene algunos recursos sobre el tema: bit.ly/39R2fR2 - Espero que te sea útil por el momento 🤗
Thank you for your very informative video.
Thank you, Tatiana! I'm glad you found it helpful 😊
Excellent! Thanks
Mari! Gracias! 🤗
Hey Rosa thanks for the video. I have a quick question, how much is the renewal? Or do u have to do everything again?
Hi! The renewal is $300. You don't have to do everything again but you do have to comply with their continuing education requirements within the renewal period.
Thank you I appreciate it . Am so sorry for the bother but I actually have one more question. Really hope u see it…. Well I was wondering if I can use my iPad Pro that hs a magic keyboard for the class of CCHI or NBCMI ?. I heard of course that you can use computers but I don’t know if the iPad Pro I have that looks just like a laptop will be fine for me to use .
Hello Rosa, I am currently looking forward to be a Certified Medical Interpreter and I was so confused with the amount of information I found online, thank you so much for this video it really helped me. I have one question: Where would you recommend to me to complete my 40 Hours of Professional Training? I found a lot of options on CCHI's website but not sure which one is specifically for Spanish-English interpretation. Also, do I have to register myself on the CCHI's site only when I am ready to complete the exam? Because I already did thinking it was a course to be an interpreter :(
Hi! The amount of info online can certainly be overwhelming. You can start the registration process with CCHI but you won't be eligible to take the written exam until after you complete the 40-hr course because it's a prerequisite. I would like to invite you to watch this video I made with tips on how to choose a training: ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html
Great video! Can you tell me how long the oral exam (total 12 scenarios) of NBCMI take to complete?
Hi, Jean! In the NBCMI test, the 12 scenarios took about 25-30 minutes to complete. You also have to sight translate two passages from English > foreign language which take about 10 minutes. Good luck!
Hi! I have a couple questions! For NBCMI I have to register and create an account then I have to select a 40hr personal training that is approved by them then I can go ahead and take the tests required but I have one year to take all the tests needed to get certified? Is that correct? Also, would the 40hr personal training be enough to pass all the exams that I will need to take?
Hi Yessica! Yes, that is the process for the NBCMI certification. I wish I could tell you the 40 hr training is enough to pass all the exams but that is not always the case. For example, for the oral exam you need to be really good at taking notes and have good interpreting technique (not just knowing the vocabulary) so if your course doesn't include a strong practice component, you may need to find additional resources or classes to work on that. I want to make a video explaining this in further detail. Stay tuned.
Wonderful video. It definitely answered a lot of unknowns I had. One question, I am also considering to be a translator. Could you explain the process, please
Thanks
Hi! Thank you so much for your comment. I have some experience in translation as I worked for a big translation company for about four years. The whole process and my experience are a bit of a long story to share in a comment but I will make sure to make a video about it. Stay tuned!
Hi Rosa!! Love your videos 😊 I am hoping to study further!
I already have the Bridge in the Gap certificate. Is that enough of a training for both certificates? Also proof of proficiency, I do have what’s called the Seal of Bilateracy where I was tested back in high school- or what specific courses, like can the Bridge in the Gap course count? I think NBCMI would be best.
By getting this other credential/certificate, can I get paid more ? Like it’s not necessary to have a degree to get paid more than $20 at this career ? Thank you!
Hi Rosa, thank you so much for the informative video! You really helped me make my decision! Do you know how much time you have to register after you complete a medical interpreter training program?
That's awesome! As far as I know, there isn't a specific time limit for that. Good luck!
Thank you Rosa for this very informative video. The application process for the CCHI exam is very ambiguous and confusing. I was ready to give up, but the founder and CEO of the 40 hour Interpreting school was so kind, and helped me through part of the process. Even he said it was overwhelming. I'm a little concerned with the subjectivity involved with the ethics part of the written test. Has anyone taken and completed the entire process, who can relate to me (us) the experience?
Hi, Len! Thanks for sharing your comment. I am happy to hear that you found someone to help you through the process because it can be overwhelming.
I share the same point of view regarding the ethics part of the written test but do your best, read the questions very carefully because sometimes one word can give you a clue about the correct answer (especially those with all, none, always or never), and use your best judgment after studying the standards of practice. Good luck!
Hola Rosa, me encanta el lenguaje. Estudie español en los EE. UU. Y recibí mi certificación de intérprete/ traductor (inglés/español) por la universidad. Pero me gustaría continuar a interpretación médica. Por ahora tengo más de 8 años interpretando y traduciendo en varios ámbitos específicamente con énfasis en religión. Pero mi meta es interpretación médica. Pero no se como proseguir a esa meta. Qué recomiendas para nosotros que queremos enderezar el camino hacia este ámbito de interpretación. ¿Hay programas que pueda tomar en línea? Ya que tengo un trabajo a tiempo completo. ¡Muchas gracias! Nunca es tarde para seguir nuestros sueños.
¡Hola, Adilenne! Muchas gracias por visitar el canal y compartir tu pregunta. Por supuesto que puedes conseguir esa meta. Ahora hay un sinnúmero de cursos disponibles en línea para cumplir con los requisitos de capacitación que exigen los programas de certificación. En mi canal hay un video en el que comparto consejos sobre cómo elegir uno de esos cursos dependiendo de tú situación. Si estás basada en los EE. UU. puedes optar por la certificación de NBCMI o CCHI. Si estás en el extranjero, puedes optar por NBCMI porque ofrece la posibilidad de tomar los exámenes en línea. En mi opinión y en base a mi experiencia, este sería un paso esencial para incursionar en la interpretación médica. Mucho éxito y déjame saber si tienes alguna otra pregunta.
That was great to watch! I also watched your simultaneous session (Court interrupting) and I only have used consecutive interpreting for medical interpreting... simultaneous seems so overwhelming. Do you have any recommendations or tips to improve? Otherwise I’ll have to go for NBCMI. Do you know of any resources for sample tests or websites while preparing?
Thank you Gilda! You can definitely master your simultaneous interpretation skills, it just takes lots and lots of practice. My tip to improve is to do just that, practice a lot, even if you do so with scenarios that are meant for consecutive interpretation. If they are not too fast (
Hi Rosa. Very helpful video. Thank you. My question is how do I get certified if the language I interpret from was NOT included in CCHI nor in NBCMI . Thanks
Hi, Helen! Excellent question! You can take the written exam and opt for the CoreCHI or Hub-CMI credentials. These are available for any language pair.
Hi Rosa, question will NBCMI
Accept the Transinterpreting's 40 hr course that you took a few years ago as a legit course? I it does
Will you put the link down below so I can make sure Im on right one please! Thanks!😊
Hola, Angelica! Thank you for sharing your question. Yes, NBCMI accepts Transinterpreting's course and they recently upgraded from 40 to 60 hours 😀 Here's the updated one: www.transinterpreting.com/60-hour-healthcare-training
Hola!!! I just love your videos!!! How would you interpret "siento la cara como descompuesta" can you make a video with the most crazy words You have had to interpret??? It would be amazing!!!
Saludos!!! 💓
Hi, Olivia! That's a tough one 🤯 I would definitely need to ask for clarification from the patient because it could mean so many different things 😵 A video with the most crazy words I've had to interpret! OMG! That's a great idea!
Hey, so it seems that you need two things: training and certification. If so, do you just apply for jobs after that? From your experience, you have seen some demand for French interpreters? Thanks!
Hey! Technically, yes, ideally you'd get some training and a certification to apply for jobs, although, to be fully honest, in some circumstances it doesn't always work in that order. I can't really say in general what is the demand for French interpreters but I have several colleagues who are French interpreters and they stay busy if they work with multiple clients, and they do specially well if they can interpret in French Creole and Haitian Creole as well. Good luck and thank you for stopping by!
Hello, I'm an Arabian.
Can I take the oral test if my targeted language is Arabic? Is the oral test mandatory to be certified?
Do I have to go through all of this if I want to be just a translator? Thank you
Hi! CCHI offers a full certification for Arabic interpreters. To be fully certified with CCHI, I believe you would have to take the oral test. If you just want to be a translator, (translating written documents) this may not be necessary since these certifications are intended mainly for interpreters. I hope this helps!
@@Interprepedia you mean the oral is unnecessary or the exams at all are not necessary if I want to be a translator?
Hi, do you have any resources on where to look for training in order to be ready for the certification exams. I just graduated with BA in Spanish and I have no idea where to start.
Hi! I sure do! I made a video with some recommendations on how to narrow down the best option for you (ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html) because there are different courses to cover different needs so it's a very personal choice. I hope it helps!
Hello Rosa. Thank you very much for the information. I am pretty new at this. What I understand is that one of the requirements is to prove language proficiency in both English and in the target language (in my case, Spanish). I have read that the ACTFL or ILR are renowned for testing/certifying language abilities.
What type of "Language Proficiency Certification" would you recommend to be able to apply for either the CHI OR CMI? Thanks!
Thank you, Stefany! In my case, I studied overseas in a Spanish-speaking country so I didn’t have to take a language proficiency test in Spanish, only in English (TOEFL). One thing I like about CCHI is that if you’ve spent time working or studying in a country where they speak your foreign language, that could suffice to proof proficiency but they actually don’t list a specific testing entity. The NBCMI lists ACTFL and Parrot. I hope this helps and good luck 😉
Hi, I worked as a bilingual QA for Spanish and English in the health care industry bpo located in the US. I am planning to study a new language. They said Japanese, Mandarin, or French. I need your suggestions. To which language is in demand, especially in the healthcare industry. Thank you.
Great video. What kind of jobs and careers are available for English / spanish interpreters, in the US? I’m fluent in both (I taught both languages as a second language ) and I have an interest in interpretation as a career. Thanks!
Hi! There are so many opportunities it's hard to cover them in a simple reply. To summarize I can share that opportunities range from remote telephonic/video interpreters handling general calls (utilities, customer service, etc.), interpreters working in the medical, judicial or educational fields both remote, and in-person, as freelancers or employees, interpreters working in international conferences, the UN, the DOS, etc....
Thank you for this mazing video. Are those information still relevant please?
Great question! Yes, everything is still relevant. One important update in CCHI's certification program is the EtoE (English to English) oral test, which is now available as a new certification option for all languages.
@@Interprepedia Thanks. So I can choose either to take the EtoE or not, right?
@@itube5186 As far as I know, if your language of expertise is one for which there is an oral exam CHI-Spanish, CHI-Arabic, and CHI-Mandarin) you must take it to be fully certified. If no oral exam is available for your specific language, then you can opt for the EtoE.
Hi Rosa, are there 40 hour personal training courses that are language specific?
Hi! Yes! There sure are!
Hola Rosa, quería preguntarte cuál programa me recomiendas para obtener las horas necesarias para certificarme, muchas gracias 🙏
¡Hola, Jesus! Pues hay un montón que son muy buenos pero solo puedo hablar por experiencia propia. Yo hice un curso con Transinterpreting - de hecho, he hecho varios cursos con ellos - y en mi caso fue el adecuado.
@@Interprepedia Muchísimas gracias Rosa🙏
Simultaneous is my strong suit; which association do you recommend to go with? Asking, as I understand this video perhaps may be outdated on certain things, just in case.. Thanks
Hi! If you're strong in simultaneous interpretation, I would definitely recommend CCHI since their oral exam is the only one that has a simultaneous interpretation component. Best of luck!
Thanks!@@Interprepedia
Thank you
Thank you, Mohamed!
For the cchi you have the first test to go to the next test to then get your certification if you pass
That is absolutely right, Natalie. Thank you!
Thanks for the Info very helpful. Do you recommend any school in person or online to get prepared for the certification? There is one online MiTio I don't know much about it maybe someone knows...well I found another video that you made about the right course to prep us for the test thanks it's very very helpful
Hi, Kharly! I can only speak from personal experience. I took a course with Transinterpreting and it was the right one for me at the time but I hope other colleagues can pitch in and share their feedback too. Thank you for being here!
Thank you I appreciate it . Am so sorry for the bother but I actually have one more question. Really hope u see it…. Well I was wondering if I can use my iPad Pro that has a magic keyboard for the class of CCHI or NBCMI ?. I heard of course that you can use computers but I don’t know if the iPad Pro I have that looks just like a laptop will be fine for me to use .
Hi! No problem! Ask away! So, I'm a little confused... CCHI and NBCMI offer certification programs where you have to take a written and oral test. For these tests, I believe you can't use an iPad Pro; you must use a computer.
Now, you mention a class, so I'm not sure if what you mean is if you can use the iPad for that 40-hr class that you have to take in order to certify... if so, I guess that would depend on the school that is teaching the class so I'm not sure.
Feel free to reach back if this doesn't clarify your question. Best of luck!
Hi Rosa, My name is Veronica I'm originally from Colombia but live here all my life since the age of 2 . I presently know both languages proficient probably English I say is my first language . I work in healthcare for about 15+ years and do translate at work. I'm 60 yrs old and looking to do this from home one day. I have credentials. Which schools do you recommend ? BY THE WAY, great video .
Veronica
Thank you, Veronica! I appreciate your support. There are so many great schools out there that is hard to make a recommendation. I personally chose Transinterpreting because I was looking for an online delivery and a combination of live classes and recorded classes. I had experience and other training so that was a great fit for me. Other schools offer in-person classes which some prefer, other schools offer a combination of classes based on ethics/standards of practice, medical terminology and interpreting skills. This is a list provided by IMIA that could be a good starting point: www.imiaweb.org/education/trainingnotices.asp?SearchType=precertification
I will be taking the NBCMI written test in a few days and I am nervous. I failed to pass the MITS practice exam. What do you suggest I do?!
Hi Gary! Keep studying and don't feel discouraged. Just recently I took a written test for the federal certification. I took a practice test and I failed it and I was feeling pretty defeated but when I took the actual test, I passed. Sometimes practice tests can be harder than the real ones or sometimes the questions are not properly formulated and those things can lead to scores that don't predict how well we'll do in the real test.
Good video for me.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Why do you have to renew your credentials? And to renew your credentials do you have to repeat the whole process from the beginning as in doing the registration and taking the courses and the tests as well????
Hi! From what I understand, we have to renew our credentials to prove that we comply with the continuing education requirement. We don't have to repeat the same process (no tests again). For the renewal, we have to submit proof of the classes and courses we took during the time we've been certified to maintain our skills and pay the renewal fee.
Hello! Any tips for the NCBMI written and oral exam? I’m finishing my medical interpreting course in a few weeks and am going to start the exam process 😊
Hello! The video I am working on (coming up in a few days) is just about that 😉 Stay tuned!
Hi Rosa, have a nice day!!!, I want to know if being a Latin, bilingual doctor, with 5 years of experience in the medical field in my country, can I get the certification without taking an exam?, I mean, just sending my medical degree and grades, translated; since, for example, in the "American Registry of medical Assistants" they take into account that you completed a 6-year professional career that gives us sufficient knowledge of terminology and medical procedures and only asks for the documentation that supports it, such as Diploma, notes and translated work letters to process your license without taking extra courses or taking exams, is it possible to do the same to obtain a license as a medical interpreter?
I am a certified DSHS medical interpreter in the state of WA. My question is, by getting the national medical certification I can work anywhere in the US right? I'm thinking about doing the national medical certification since I may not live here in WA forever and instead of just having the state certification it opens things up more for me. My question is the National certification can serve for this state as well correct? Thank you!!
Hi Jackie! 👋 As far as I know, CCHI and NBCMI are nationally recognized but I have seen many job/contract listings that include the DSHS certification as accepted for job qualification purposes. Ultimately it may depend on the company or agency offering the position but I think getting one of the two national certifications would benefit you 👌
I heard from another interpreter that NBCMI tests are more difficult than CCHI.Do you think that’s the case?
Hi, Catherine! I think the NBCMI test had longer utterances than the CCHI so if you struggle with notes it will be more difficult. Also they had some more colloquial expressions. However, the CCHI test has other components (simultaneous, translation) that NBCMI doesn't have so you may find one or the other more difficult depending on different things. I personally found NBCMI a bit more difficult and my scores were okay but lower than CCHI.
@@Interprepedia Thanks for replying!
Hi Rosa, I am assuming all these credentials are only valid in the USA 🇺🇸, right ? Because I was trying to listen to what country you are talking about but even half way through your video, I still haven't heard where you are located.
Hi Esther! Great question. I'm based in the USA, but I've met many colleagues based overseas who have become certified through these US entities because in many countries they don't offer something similar and it opens up opportunities to work for US clients.
Hello. Thank you Rosa for this video I’ve learned a lot from it. I’ve decided I want to take the CCHI exam. Becoming a medical interpreter has always been a dream of mine. I have no professional experience expect growing up & translating for family relatives. I’ve had many doctors tell me to turn this into a career. I wanted to ask you if taking the minimum 40 hour training program is good enough for me to pass the CCHI or do you recommend me taking other classes as well. I really hope to hear back from you. Thanks!!
Hello! 👋 I'm glad you liked it and congratulations on making a decision to become a medical interpreter. It's a great career and sometimes I feel I'd pay to do what I do 😁 Many of us come from other career paths and started interpreting without formal experience so you are not alone. To answer your question, I feel the more we study, the better we will be, plus this is a career where you never stop studying and learning, even after certifying. Now, having said that, many 40-hr programs will prepare you well enough to pass the certification exam if they offer a combination of theory and practice so you can learn ethics and standards of practice, medical vocabulary, and concepts plus interpreting technique with practice scenarios. Best of luck and share in the comments if you have more questions!
@@Interprepedia thank you so much!! I am now more motivated to give it a try. I am paying for everything my self my parents aren’t helping with any of it because they feel as if I won’t be able to make it a job. May I ask what training program you recommended? Your videos have definitely helped me more than any other videos here on RUclips. I’d love to see more of your content!
I'm very happy for you, use this momentum to keep going. I understand it tough for others to believe in something that hasn't materialized. This can be a lucrative career but like any other, it takes some time and effort to take off. There are great training programs out there, but I can only speak based on my experience which was with Transinterpreting and it was great. Visit this link (tinyurl.com/y5k6njkb) and scroll down. You'll find a detailed list of courses where you can do some shopping around to compare the most renowned programs. You'll do great!!!
I am wondering where can I do the training in order to get the certificate? Thank you so much! This video is very informative and I am very grateful for it
Hello Rosa, I just found your channel, I have a question about this certification. One can get the certification living outside of the U.S. or it´s just for those living in there?
You sure can! NBCMI offers the option to certify from the comfort of your home so that would be a way to do it if you are outside of the US!
thank you so much dear Rosa, I'm really very interested in being a medical and a court interpreter but i don't know if someone from Senegal in west Africa can have an opportunity to get any training on this subject
Hi!! I think anyone, from any part of the world or language combination can have that opportunity. Nowadays, there are many online training programs, and many programs that are called “language neutral” because they are in English only. It may not be the ideal situation because you may need to do additional research to translate terms into another language, but there’s still a lot of value in those trainings. Follow your dreams! Don’t give up!
Thank you so much for your informative video. I was certified medical assistant for more than 20 years. Currently I am A certified surgical technologist for 5 years. In those years I have been available whenever needed to translate from patient to medical staff and vise versa. Is this action part of the required documentation?
Hi Jenny! Thanks for stopping by! Wow! You have a great background that will certainly be helpful if you want to pursue a career as a medical interpreter. I believe at least some of your training and experience will count to meet the requirements for the certifications but as always, your best bet is to email each organization to check on that. Be sure to have dates, certificates of completion or diplomas if you have them, and an account of how many hours of training you took for each. Best of luck!
@@Interprepedia Rosa please advise what sort of schools have this course ? If it’s a college, do I apply as continuing education? And are there other institutions that offer this program. And what is the program called ? I see medical interpreter and healthcare interpreter. What is the difference. Thanks so much. I tried emailing you but the email address came back as incorrect. 💕
Hi, Jenny! There are courses offered at a college level and other short courses offered as +40-hour training programs. They are usually called "Medical Interpreter Training" or "Healthcare Interpreter Training" (terms used interchangeably but the meaning is the same) - Get in touch at www.rosaospina.com. Have you seen this video where I offer tips and information about these courses? ruclips.net/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/видео.html
Hello, sorry
I’m confused. How can I prove that I’m fluent in both English and Spanish? Do I have to take a CMI approved course to obtain a diploma and take a proficiency test to be able to register for a CHI or CMI certification? How can I also get 40 hours of medical interpretation if I’m not certified yet?
-Thank you im advance
Hi! Great questions! Let me try to clarify:
To be accepted into the certification program you need to meet some prerequisites.
One prerequisite is providing language proficiency in English and Spanish. You can do this by sending a diploma you earned in one of those languages (high school or college, for example) OR by taking a language proficiency test.
You also need to prove you have taken at least 40 hours of medical interpreting classes (not work experience, just classes or courses).
Once you have that, you can register and submit the documents they need.
Once they accept your registration, you can schedule your tests.
Once you pass the tests you become officially certified.
I hope this helps! I know it can be confusing 😐
@@Interprepedia thank you 😊
I was wondering if by taking a certified course I can get both a language proficiency test and 40 hours of medical interpreting classes?
@@adrianatoledo1903 As far as I know, the 40-hr courses only count as medical interpreting training. You’d have to take a language proficiency test in addition to that. Did you finish high school in the US or in another country where Spanish is the official language?
@@jospina12 I graduated high school in the U.S. But I grew up speaking Spanish to my family, I know how to read and write it but I’m not sure how to show my proficiency in Spanish :/
Perfect! Then, your high school diploma from the US proves that you are proficient in English. You would just need to take the Spanish language proficiency test to show how well you can speak the language. You can find a list of approved proficiency tests on NBCMI’s or CCHI‘s websites. They also list the minimum scores you should get in the test to meet the language proficiency requirement. Good luck!
Which one of these is recognized nation wide? Meaning I can work in any state?
Very informative video!
For me, getting certified with NBCMI worked well because I, as well, had all the required documentation. I agree, you can't go wrong with either.
Good video. Thank you!
Thank you, Karla!
What kind of books, articles, etc do you recommend to prepare/practice for this exames specialty scenarios to practice ethical and roles of an interpreter ? Thank You
@@elisaarangel2905 yes PLEASE
Hi, Elisa! Great question! Any training program for medical interpreters should cover this in detail, but if you’re looking for scenarios and role plays, here are some recommendations:
* The Community Interpreter - An International Workbook of Activities and Role Plays
* California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters - Appendix B (p. 54) has some examples: www.chiaonline.org/Resources/Documents/CHIA%20Standards/standards_chia.pdf
* ATA Presentation about ethical dilemmas: ruclips.net/video/R8vsZ8u4_iw/видео.html
I hope this helps!
Hello, nada! Check this out. I hope this helps and good luck! * The Community Interpreter - An International Workbook of Activities and Role Plays
* California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters - Appendix B (p. 54) has some examples: www.chiaonline.org/Resources/Documents/CHIA%20Standards/standards_chia.pdf
* ATA Presentation about ethical dilemmas: ruclips.net/video/R8vsZ8u4_iw/видео.html
Great video! I have a question; can I get certified if I live in the Dominican Republic so that I can apply for a company overseas or is it only valid in the US?
Hi Joan! As fas as I know, you can complete the entire certification process through NBCMI even if you live overseas. It is a nationally-recognized credential in the US but I know - based on other colleagues' experience - that other countries recognize the credential as well, especially if they don't have one of their own. I hope this helps!
Is the written test medical terminology in the target language or all in English? I am confused if I should be remember terminology for Spanish or do I just need to remember the English terms?
Hi, Walter! The written exam for the medical/healthcare interpreter certification is in English only. Good luck!
Is the link you gave below about the course link of Transinterpreting is not valid, can you please post a working one again? Thanks.
Hi! The course I took with Transinterpreting a few years ago is no longer available but they now have upgraded the course to a 60-hr one and here is that link: www.transinterpreting.com/60-hr-healthcare-interpreter-training-self-paced-neutral
Hi Rosa!
I'd like to become a certified medical interpreter but I don't know where to start!
I have some experience working as "interpreter" in the education - special ed meetings and such - and interpreting at church, but I have done all of this informally; just based on the fact that I speak English and Spanish.
I'd LOVE to get into medical interpreting, but I don't know were to start!
I was wondering if I could contact your services for detailed advice.
Possible?
Hi, Jeffrey! I totally get it because many of us started that way. Send me an email and we can chat 📨 www.rosaospina.com
Awsome!
Thank you
Hi Rosa , thank you so much for your help! Your awesome. I wanted to ask you I’m not to sure if you could help me but for this certification how much work is available? I know that there are a lot of people that do freelance and work remotely. If I were to move to Mexico for a given number of months could I still work remotely? Thank you once again
Likewise, how difficult is it to find work upon completion of a certification? Thanks
Hi! Thanks for reaching out! I can't tell you how much work is available for this certification, but what I can tell you is that having the certification opened a lot of doors for me and helped me have priority for assignments over non-certified interpreters. It's not only a validation of your skills but also a great marketing tool if used correctly. In my experience, being able to work from Mexico would totally depend on your employer or clients. Some are okay with that but others may require you to be in the US.
Thank you for this videos! Something that is not clear for me about to demostrate english proficiency is that i have to take a test like TOEFL OR ELST? i don't know if i wrote the initials correctly sorry
Hi Sthefany! It depends.
For example, I don't have a diploma from a school in an English-speaking country so I had to prove my English proficiency by taking one of the approved tests, in my case I had taken the TOEFL, but there are others.
Now, if on the contrary, let's stay you grew up in the USA and learned Spanish from your parents. If you have a diploma from a school in the USA that already proves your proficiency in English, so you'd have to take one of the approved tests to prove your proficiency in Spanish.
I hope this helps and wasn't too confusing. Thanks so much for sharing your question!
Hi Rosa, thank you for this great video. I have a question. Can you suggest a legit approved 40 hrs course that will be accepted by NBCMI? Also, any tips on how to study for the sight translation. Thanks again.
Thanks, Maria! Of course, there are many great courses out there. A lot depends on what you are looking for in terms of delivery (online vs in person), content (some are language-specific, others focus more on extensive vocab, others offer a combination of vocab + skills training) and ultimately price. I took Transinterpreting's 40-hr course a couple of years ago and it was the right one for me. I'd recommend taking a look at this references posted by NBCMI: tinyurl.com/y68pyfnq. About sight translation, my advice would be to make sure you know vocabulary by heart first and foremost. Then get your hands on as many documents as you can (consents, discharge instructions, test results like ultrasound reports) in both working languages and record yourself as you sight translate them until you feel your delivery is smooth + accurate. Good luck!!!
@@Interprepedia The hospital where I work has a qualified spanish medical interpreter program service for their LEP. I got qualified on this program and I realized that this is my passion. I love helping my LEP. This is why I would like to get the nationwide certification. I found your channel the other day and I was thrilled. Keep up posting your excellent informative videos. Thanks for your time.
That sounds wonderful, Maria! You are setting yourself up for success in this beautiful profession. Thank you for your encouraging words 🙏 🤗
how long it takes to become a medical interpreter from cero, I am native spanish speaker with fluent English as a second language.
where should I start? If you have any book or training recommendations please 🙏
It's hard to put a timeline on that one 🤔 Based on what I've seen, I'd say it could take a few months while you complete the basic medical interpreter training and find your first job or contract.
I'd say you could start there, with a training. I highly recommend the "Telephone Interpreting" book by Nataly Kelly. It will give you a better idea of what to expect. It's useful even if you don't plan on working on the phone, and it's free 😁
If you want something more in-depth, check these out: cultureandlanguagepress.net/catalog
There are so many good training programs I could not recommend one in specific. Check out a video I made with tips on choosing a medical interpreter training based on your particular situation.
@@Interprepedia thanks, it is very motivating to know we are compatriotas 😊 last question: Do you think I can find a remote job in medical interpreting from Dominican Republic? Do you think certification will help to obtain a work visa?
Hi, Ingrid! You can certainly find a remote job in medical interpreting from the DR. Several companies are actively looking for interpreters overseas. Have you tried GLOBO? 🤔 I'm not sure if a certification would help you get a work visa but I'm sure it will help boost your chances of getting a contract to do remote interpreting. You can shoot for NBCMI since it's the only entity that offers testing opportunities from home for the written and oral components. Good luck!
Hi Rosa, Does the NBCMI accept High School diplomas from Mexico? I was an Registered Nurse in Mexico and a now a Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas, however, I do not have a a GED from the United States.
Hi, Guillermo! They sure do accept them 👌 Wow! You have wonderful credentials!
Thank you! I hope they're accepted. My concerns are that the Nursing degree is from 1985 and being a Massage Therapist is a certification, not a degree (Associates/Bachelor's) like it states on the NBCMI website. Is there a way to officially confirm this through them prior to commencing?