Online Medical Interpreter Certificate

Your Language Skills Can Change Lives

Medical Interpreters-Health Care Interpreters-work with doctor's offices, hospitals, emergency rooms, and other medical facilities to help eliminate language barriers and protect patients from misunderstandings or harm. The need for qualified Medical Interpreters has never been greater.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2012), roughly 1.8 million residents of New York City have limited English proficiency. That means there is a great demand to understand English to communicate effectively with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. New York City law requires all hospitals to provide medical interpreting services to help eliminate the language barrier and protect patients from misunderstandings or harm. The need for qualified Medical Interpreters has never been greater.  

Course Description

This 102 hour curriculum is designed to train entry-level medical interpreters in English/Spanish to meet the needs of doctors' offices, hospitals, emergency rooms, and other medical facilities. Many hospitals now rely on telephone interpreters to assist patients. CCNY’s Certificate in Medical Interpreting is the only one of its kind to incorporate Telephonic Interpreting as part of its curriculum. Students also receive targeted assistance with resume writing, interview skills, and career development.

Curriculum

This course offers participants an introductory understanding of the role of the Spanish-English interpreter in healthcare settings. The course provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop abilities and skills needed to meet the criteria established by the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the International Medical Interpreters Association. 

Program Highlights

  • Includes consecutive, simultaneous, sight, and phone interpretation
  • Member of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
  • Expert instructors who are practicing medical interpreters
  • Preparation for national certification exam included
  • Incorporates resume-building and interview skills 

Enrollment Requirements

  • Students must have a High School Diploma, GED® or HSE Diploma
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Able to work legally in the U.S
  • Oral proficiency in English and Spanish

Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must show oral proficiency in English and Spanish.

  • Applicants must provide documentation of proficiency in English by ONE of the following methods:

    1. Five years or more of professional experience in the US, or in another country where English is the official language

    2. A high school diploma (or equivalent),or an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the US, or in another country where English is the official language

    3. Passing Score on FREE Diagnostic Exam given by CCNY before you register.

  • Applicants must also provide documentation of proficiency in a second language by ONE of the following methods:

    1. Five years or more of verifiable professional experience in Spanish

    2. Bachelor's, Masters, PhD, or any other degree from an institution of higher education where Spanish is spoken

    3. Graduation from a high school where Spanish is the medium of instruction

    4. Acceptable score for the following language exam: 
      • Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI): Advanced Mid
         

        The OPI is offered by the company Language Testing International. The cost of this test is included in the course tuition. 

        For more information about the OPI, please visit: https://www.languagetesting.com 

 

Instructor

Christian González

Mr. González has over 10 years experience working as a Certified Spanish Health Care Interpreter and Certified Legal Interpreter in hospitals, private medical offices, and the U.S. court system. Mr. González earned his B.A. in English/Spanish Interpretation and Translation from Hunter College of the City University of New York. He is certified by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters and the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters. 

Click HERE to view Mr. González's complete instructor profile.

 

Registration is Now Open!
Register Now

Questions regarding the above program, email  cpshealth@ccny.cuny.edu

 

100% of our Medical Interpreter students who take the National Certification Exam pass and earn the Core CCHI credential.

Our expert instructor guides you through real-world scenarios, industry standards, and practice to ensure you feel confident and fully prepared for national certification and immediate entry into the field.

For more information about the free diagnostic exam and qualification please email:

translationsny@hotmail.com  or ace@ccny.cuny.edu

Last Updated: 12/01/2025 13:28