Medical interpreters need much more than conversational fluency in a second language to meet the needs of patients with limited proficiency in English.

Massachusetts Medical Interpreter Training, a UMass Medical School program, provides bilingual and multilingual individuals with the essential skills required to interpret effectively in health care settings:

• Fluency in medical terminology
• Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences
• Competency in specialized medical settings like emergency rooms and mental health clinics

Our programs, taught by highly qualified instructors, offer instruction appropriate for a wide variety of participants, from those just entering the profession to experienced interpreters:

• Fundamentals of Medical Interpreting Training Schedule
• 60-hour Fundamental Medical Interpreting Course
• Customized medical interpreter training at worksites
• Continuing education seminars
• Train-the-trainer programs
• Conferences for medical interpreters and those interested in improving health care access for those with limited English-language skills

Massachusetts Medical Interpreter Training, a program of the MassAHEC Network at UMass Medical School, has a dual purpose. In addition to helping health care institutions ensure clearer communication between staff and patients with limited English-language skills, we offer career advancement opportunities for people with multilingual skills.

We weave cultural awareness and sensitivity training into all of our medical interpreter programs. Massachusetts Medical Interpreter Training also offers cultural awareness consulting and training for health care organizations. Evaluating employee awareness of and sensitivity to patients’ cultural and linguistic needs is the first step to ensuring accurate, positive communication experiences.