The HCI Certificate Training Program Curriculum is designed to train bilingual and bicultural students to develop the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective language interpretation in health care settings. Through academic preparation, practical skills training, and service in community-based health care settings and educational organizations, certificate candidates learn the:

• Roles and responsibilities of a health care interpreter
• Basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments, and procedures
• Insight in language and cultural nuances for specific communities
• Application of interpreting skills in English and language of service

The HCI curriculum is a competency-based training program involving lectures, discussions, simulations, field work, and special student projects. Besides working with the course instructor, students will be working closely with their assigned Language Coach to enhance their linguistic and cultural competence skills. Minimal student qualification includes the ability to speak fluently in both the target and source language and a commitment to the entire training program which consists of three courses (see City College of San Francisco's pre-requisites, requirements, etc.):

Health 80 - 6 units

• Develop awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective interpretation in health care settings
• Roles and responsibilities
• Basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments and procedures
• Insight on language and cultural nuances of specific communities

Health 81 - 6 units

• Further skills building in being an integral member of the health care team in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps
• Specialized health care service areas such as genetics, mental health, and death and dying
• Development of cultural competency in the community and workplace

Health 82 - 3 units

• Field work experience
• Application of knowledge and skills learned in Health 80 and 81