Model Program Profile
The HCI Certificate Program is designed to train bicultural & bilingual students to develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and experiences 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 cultural & linguistic 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. In addition to working with the program faculty, students will be working closely with their assigned Language Coach to enhance their cultural & linguistic competency skills. Minimal student qualification includes the ability to speak fluently in both the target and source language (English) and a commitment to the entire training program which consists of three minimal courses (based on the City College of San Francisco's course offerings):
Introduction to Health Care Interpreting
- Develop knowledge and skills necessary for effective interpretation in health care settings
- Learn roles and responsibilities of the health care interpreter
- Acquire basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments and procedures
- Develop insight on cultural & linguistic nuances of specific communities (based on the language of interpretation)
Advance Course in Health Care Interpreting
- Further skills building in being an integral member of the health care team in bridging cultural & linguistic gaps
- Learn about specialized health care service areas such as genetics, mental health, and end of life care
- Develop cultural competency in the community and workplace
Field Experience in Health Care Interpreting
- Gain field work experience
- Apply knowledge and skills learned in the previous two courses