Translator Certificate & Debunking 3 Medical Interpreting Myths

Translator certificate or interpreting certificate? What's the difference? For starters, a professional translator is a bilingual adult who converts written text (think posters, forms, books etc) from one language to another. On the other hand, a professional interpreter is a bilingual worker who goes to appointments (either in person or remotely) with a client and relays verbal information to them in the language they can understand. The difference comes down to this: interpreters work with verbal information and translators work with written information. There is certainly some crossover- for instance, who would write the closed captions and subtitles for movies and TV shows?- but bilingual professionals can even specialize in one or the other. These terms are often used interchangeably but they do have different implications. Did you know this? If not, keep reading!

Getting a translator certificate and debunking 3 medical interpreting myths...

Myth #1- "A translator certificate is the same thing as a license"

Reality: Our medical interpreting training class certificate does not make you a licensed interpreter. Your state's National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) is the only institution that has the power to provide an official medical interpreter license. Language Connections issues your translator training certificate- which proves you have completed our online medical interpreting training course- and your medical interpreters license is issued by your state's NBCMI which allows you to work for a hospital or interpreting agency. We train bilingual adults to become professional interpreters and translators by providing students with a unique and engaging✅ online medical interpreting training course. Our alumni learn from experts ✅ who teach ethics, essential vocabulary, and provide essential training through 100% LIVE✅ remote interpreting classes.

Myth # 2- "ANY bilingual person can work as a medical interpreter"

Reality: Doctors, patients and their families need you to be serious about your interpreting training. Just one, simple interpreting or translation mistake can have huge consequences- that may result in death. Being bilingual is an essential, first step towards becoming a certified medical interpreter but it takes dedication, time and skill to do it well.

Myth #3- "Advanced medical interpreting training? I don't need that!"

Reality: preparing for your medical interpreters licensing exam is no joke. To become a licensed medical interpreter and work for a hospital you must pass your state's medical interpreters licensing exam. Just to register for this exam, you must pay the non-refundable entrance fee, in addition to the fees for the written and oral exams, and in order to work at a hospital or agency you must pay $300 every 4 years to renew your state-issued interpreters license. It can get expensive so we want to make sure our students are prepared to succeed the first time with an accelerated course that covers the advanced material that will be on the examination. Just like doctors must have a license to practice medicine in a hospital, you must have a license to practice medical interpreting in a hospital as well. The only instance where you don't need a medical translator certificate is if you want to offer freelance interpreting services.