Medical Interpreting Certificate
At a glance
Prepare to become a vital link in healthcare communication. This 40-hour program equips bilingual individuals with the skills to interpret accurately and ethically in medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
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Program Level Details
Format
In-person instruction
Schedule
Program Dates: January 23, 2027 to March 13, 2027
Final Exam: March 20, 2027 | 9:00am-11am (In person)
Make-up Exam: March 27, 2027 | 9:00am -1100am
Time Commitment
Saturdays | 8:30am-2:00pm
40 hours
Cost
$695
Ways to Save
Parking validation included in tuition
Apply By
January 8, 2027
Upcoming Events
Register for a Virtual Information Session to learn more about the program:
September 15, 2026, 5:30-6:30pm
Medical Interpreting Program Overview
The Medical Interpreting Certificate Program prepares bilingual individuals to serve as language bridges between patients with limited English proficiency and healthcare providers. Through this 40-hour training program, participants develop the skills needed to interpret accurately and ethically in healthcare environments such as hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and medical offices.
Participants will learn the core competencies required for healthcare interpreting, including interpreting techniques, medical terminology, interpreter ethics, cultural competence, and the role of interpreters within the healthcare system. The program combines instruction, practical exercises, and role-play scenarios to help students build confidence interpreting in real-world healthcare settings.
This program is designed for bilingual individuals interested in working in healthcare interpretation or for professionals already working in healthcare or community services who wish to strengthen their language access skills.
This comprehensive 40-hour, in-person training includes interactive role-play and practice scenarios and is taught by an experienced professional. The program is designed to prepare participants for real-world healthcare interpreting settings
Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills in medical interpreting techniques, including consecutive interpreting and sight translation, while developing a strong foundation in medical terminology, interpreter ethics, cultural competence, effective communication strategies for patient-provider interactions, and the professional standards expected of healthcare interpreters.
This program is ideal for bilingual individuals interested in a career in healthcare interpreting, including those who wish to pursue national medical interpreter certification.
- Complete 40-hour training program
- Earn Certificate of Completion
- Begin working as a medical interpreter (entry-level)
- Option to pursue national certification (CCHI or NBCMI)
How to Join the Program
- Admissions Requirements
- Bilingual Language Proficiency
- Educational Background
- Professional Readiness
This program is designed for individuals who already possess strong bilingual language skills and are interested in developing the knowledge and skills needed to interpret in healthcare settings. To be considered for admission, applicants must satisfy both the eligibility requirements and the admissions process outlined below. Before enrolling, applicants must:
- Demonstrate bilingual language proficiency in English and a second language
- Posses a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent)
- Complete the online application
- Participate in a language screening interview
- Receive an admission decision before enrolling
Optional Virtual Information Sessions
Although not required for admission, prospective students are encouraged to attend one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about the program, and admissions process. Attendance is optional but highly recommended.
- Information session dates and registration links are available under the Important Dates tab. Please select the session that best fits your schedule.
Applicants must demonstrate strong speaking and comprehension skills in English and at least one additional language. This program teaches interpreting techniques, not language fluency. Therefore, participants must already be bilingual.
To ensure students are prepared for the training, applicants will participate in a 15–30 minute language proficiency screening interview. This brief conversation-based assessment evaluates the applicant’s ability to communicate clearly and comfortably in both languages.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). A copy of your highest educational credential (high school diploma, GED, or college diploma) must be submitted prior to the start of the course.
Because medical interpreters work in professional healthcare environments, students should be prepared to engage in:
• Professional communication and role-play exercises
• Ethical discussions and case studies
• Practical interpreting simulations
Participants should also feel comfortable engaging in structured practice interpreting scenarios during the training.
Program Format, Schedule and Location
Program Schedule: January 23, 2027- March 13, 2027 (40 instructional hours)
Saturdays | 8:30-2:00pm |with a 30-minute lunch
Program Modality: In person
Program Location: Roger Williams University | Extension School | 1 Empire Street, Providence, RI
Parking: Free validation for the Civic Center Parking Garage, located at 165 Washington Street, Providence, RI
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Certificate vs. Certification Explained
- Certificate of Completion (Training Program)
- National Certification (Professional Credential)
- Certification and Employment in Rhode Island
Successful participation in this program confers a Certificate of Completion at the end of the training. Participants must pass a final exam with a minimum score of 70% in order to receive the certificate. Understanding the professional pathway for medical interpreters can sometimes be confusing. The following explains the difference between completing a training program and obtaining professional certification.
Students who successfully complete this program receive a Certificate of Completion for 40 hours of Medical Interpreter Training.
This certificate demonstrates that participants have completed formal training in medical interpreting skills, ethics, terminology, and professional standards. Many healthcare employers consider completion of a 40-hour interpreter training program to be an important qualification for entry-level interpreting roles and a common starting point for individuals entering the field.
After completing a minimum of 40 hours of medical interpreter training, individuals may choose to pursue national professional certification. Two nationally recognized organizations offer certification for medical interpreters:
- Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)
- National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)
Certification typically requires passing written and oral examinations that assess interpreting skills, language proficiency, and knowledge of professional standards. While certification is optional, some interpreters pursue it to strengthen their professional credentials, demonstrate advanced competency, and expand employment opportunities.
In Rhode Island, individuals do not need national certification to work as a medical interpreter. Many employers consider completion of a 40-hour medical interpreter training program to be the foundational qualification for entry-level positions. As a result, many interpreters begin their careers after completing a 40-hour training program and later decide whether to pursue national certification as their experience grows. While certification is optional, some healthcare organizations may prefer it for certain roles, and some professionals choose to obtain it to enhance their professional standing and expand employment opportunities.
Important Notice
Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion for 40 hours of Medical Interpreter Training.
Completion of this program does not guarantee employment. Please note that the program does not provide job placement services. Participants are responsible for seeking and securing their own employment opportunities after completing the training.
Please note that there is a minimum number of students required to start a cohort. If that minimum is not met, the program may be canceled or postponed and enrolled students will receive a full refund.