Why Study to be a Health Care Interpreter at RC

The program’s purpose is to prepare bilingual and bicultural individuals to develop skills necessary for effective language interpretation in health care settings, to bridge the cultural gap, to develop cultural competency and improve linguistic and cultural communication for health care clients. Interpreters will utilize these skills in community-based organizations to provide accurate health care information and perform cultural advocacy.

The curriculum for the Health Care Interpreter Certificate is designed to train bilingual and bi-cultural students to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective language interpretation in health care settings. Through academic preparation, practical skills training, and service hours in community based health care settings and educational organizations, certificate candidates learn:

• 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 the language of service

Health Care Interpreter Degree and Certificate Programs:

Program maps represent one possible pathway through the program and are for reference only. Detailed information is available in the course catalog.

Students should make a counseling appointment to create a customized education plan to fit their needs.