Health Care Interpreting

We are pleased to offer these new continuing education courses in the area of Interpreting for the health care field.

Courses for New Interpreters

Health Care Interpreting: An Introduction to the Profession

Are you bilingual? Have you ever been curious about interpreting, particularly in the health care field? Join us for an overview of the profession of medical interpretation. You just might find a whole new career for your set of skills! See also www.danecountymedicalinterpreter.org.

Schedule and availability (Fee $40)

Health Care Interpreting:  Ethics

Learning the Code of Ethics for Healthcare Interpreters is one of the fundamental steps for entering this profession. The principles and how to apply them as you work will have a huge impact on your success.  In class emphasis will be placed on discussion of case studies and the development of critical thinking to make informed choices about the best course of action. Also, some self-care techniques will be presented to help deal with the stresses of interpreting in the field of healthcare. 

Schedule and availability (Fee $40)

Health Care Interpreting: Interpreting Skills 1

This course is designed to teach new interpreters how to interpret consecutively in a medical setting. Emphasis will be placed on learning consecutive technique, expanding medical vocabulary in both English and the target language, and learning how to manage the flow of conversation in the encounter. Participants will work extensively in small groups practicing with dialogues based on real-life medical encounters.

Schedule and availability (Fee $125)

Health Care Interpreting: Interpreting Skills 2

This course is designed to build on the skills new interpreters have acquired in Interpreting Skills 1. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to intervene and clarify appropriately, acquiring more advanced medical vocabulary in both English and the target language, and learning how to manage the flow of conversation when difficulties arise in the encounter. Participants will work extensively in small groups practicing with dialogues based on real-life medical encounters.

Schedule and availability (Fee $125)

Health Care Interpreting: Sight Translation

Sight translation is one of the most difficult skills to acquire as a Health Care Interpreter. Often interpreters are unsure of the guidelines and boundaries they should use when asked to relay written information in verbal form. This class will place emphasis on distinguishing vital from non-vital documents, how to appropriately handle inappropriate requests and skill building and technique for sight translation in the medical field.

Schedule and availability (Fee $30)

Continuing Education for Working Interpreters

Health Care Interpreting: Mental Health

As a working interpreter, you’ll find that the most challenging appointments are often in the field of mental health services. This class will help you understand different types of mental illness, how providers often structure their treatment and how to deal with the special challenges in this field.

Schedule and availability (Fee $240)

Health Care Interpreting: Telephonic/Video

Are you a working interpreter interested in other venues for your skills? Do you occasionally interpret by phone or video and are interested in exploring the special challenges that may arise in those circumstances? Join us for an introduction to telephonic and video interpreting.

Schedule and availability (Fee $80)

New students must first create a student account.  Returning students can use myMadisonCollege to sign up online for Continuing Education classes after activating their student accounts; students will need to login and add a course in the Student Center using the 5-digit nondegree class number.  Returning students can also phone (608) 246-6210 to register.  Please call (608) 258-2301 for more information.