Description of the Courses

Introduction to Healthcare Interpreting: (4 hours)

This course will cover the basics of healthcare interpreting and most commonly used vocabulary. There will be an overview of appropriate register, literalism, idioms and euphemisms typically used in this environment, as well as the pitfalls of false cognates and Anglicism. We will offer a review of abbreviations in healthcare.

We will review best practices for healthcare interpreting and discuss restructuring and paraphrasing, as well as omissions, summarization and getting the complete message across.

We will offer a review organization charts in a medical facility to understand the roles of medical practitioners. An overview of some holistic medicine offerings will also be discussed.

And, we will offer a brief review the three types of interpreting services that may be required:

1. Sight translation for untranslated documents and assistance filling out forms.

2. Simultaneous Interpretation

3. Consecutive Interpretation

Protocols & Ethical Principles for Health Care Interpreters: (4 hours)

We will provide a review of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act [Section 601], Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services [CLAS], The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 [HIPAA], The Joint Commission, the Americans with Disability Act, and relevant state laws and local policies). Including a discussion of Liability insurance (e.g., Errors and Omissions) and the purpose, and limitations of certification.

During our ethics discussion, we will review the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Healthcare issued by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC), the National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Healthcare: Accuracy, Confidentiality, and introduce the Impartiality and International Medical Interpreters Association(IMIA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and the California Health Care Interpreters Association Standardized Interpreting Protocols, Guidance on Interpreter Roles and Interventions.

Review of Interpreting Strategies: (2 hours)

This workshop focuses on providing tools to improve the following key areas:

1. Memory Techniques for consecutive interpreting including effective note taking.

2. How to improve sight translation.

3. Requesting clarification

The workshop will also focus on the role of language and communication & cultural brokering. There will be a basic analysis of the various aspects of language and communication dynamics and how they impact interpreting as well as a review of Culture's Impact on understanding, cultural beliefs and practices. We will seek to understand the interpreter's role as a cultural clarifier to enrich cultural competency.

Oncology: (2 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical systems overview, a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty, abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang.

Physical & Occupational Therapy: (2 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical systems overview, a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty, abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang.

Hospice & Palliative Care: (2 hours)

This unit will cover terminology in this specialty and the emotional challenges in this environment. Note that sensitive material will be covered in this unit.

While understanding that the interpreter is a communications bridge, we will also place special emphasis on the principles adhered to in this medical field: Compassion, Dignity, Excellence, Patient & Family Choice, Teamwork and Integrity as recommended by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. We will review California's End of Life Law and its implications.

Nephrology: (2 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical systems overview, a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty, abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang. There will be a presentation, discussion, practice exercises.

Mental Health: (2 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical systems overview, a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty (psychiatry, psychology and mental health practitioners/ counselors), abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang. There will be a presentation, discussion, practice exercises.

Working with Worker's Comp: (2 hours)

During this session, we will have a presentation by interpreters currently working in the worker's comp about the methods and challenges of working in that specialty. This is an informational workshop meant to bring the profession closer to you.

Women's Health: (4 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical systems overview 9, a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty, abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang. There will be a presentation, discussion, practice exercises. Note that sensitive material will be covered in this unit.

Working with Medical Personnel: (2 hours)

During this session, you will have an opportunity to hear from medical and interpreters currently working in medical environments and the challenges therein. This is an informational workshop meant to bring the profession closer to you.

Cardiology: (2 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical systems overview (circulatory system), a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty, abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang. There will be a presentation, discussion, practice exercises.

Hepatology: (2 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical system (digestive system) overview, a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty, abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang. There will be a presentation, discussion, practice exercises.

Men's Health: (2 hours)

All the medical terminology units will focus on building vocabulary from an anatomical systems overview, a review of typical illnesses, procedures, laboratory exams within each specialty, abbreviations and the challenges of idiomatic expressions and typical slang. There will be a presentation, discussion, practice exercises and each unit will end with a multiple choice 40-question quiz, with passing set at 75%. Note that sensitive material will be covered in this unit.

Medical Certification Exam Preparation: (4 hours)

After you've completed the workshops above, we will have you participate in a simulation exam with various scenarios and terminology questions that are aligned with the study materials recommended by the certifying entities, particularly CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters). You will be given the tools to understand why there is a written exam and the opportunity to improve your critical thinking strategies for test taking.

This unit will contain a 60 - practice evaluation and a review of the answers.

Working in Person and Remotely in the New Normal 2020 - COVID-19 (2 hours)

A conversation about the different remote access tools available pros and cons of each. An analysis of new challenges that arise when working with audio and camera, ambient sound, etc. The importance and choices for Personal Protective Equipment and available resources for working in the current COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 environment.

The Business of Interpreting: (2 hours)

BLI's director Francine Kuipers will present an introduction to the business side of translators and interpreters covering the following topics:

1. Terminology: translator, transcriber, consecutive and simultaneous interpreter, voice talent, etc.

2. Certifications

3. How to market yourself and network

4. Trade associations

5. Employee vs 'Outside' Contractor

6. Continuing education

7. Cost and turnaround estimates

8. Contracts

9. Protocols

10. Code of ethics

This seminar will be conducted in English and applies to anyone interested in becoming a professional translator and/or interpreter. This unit will not be assessed by a quiz.