Language Line University offers new scalable online training tool for medical interpreters

Language Line(R) University, the interpreter assessment and training division of Language Line Services, an over-the-phone and video interpretation services provider, is offering a new scalable online training tool for medical interpreters. LLU Web Advanced Medical Training for Interpreters (Web AMT), the first of its kind in the industry, combines 15 hours of self-paced Web activities with 10 hours of live over-the-phone instructor-led sessions. Completion of the course qualifies participants to receive 10 continuing education points from the American Translators Association.

The Web AMT curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, medical specialties, healthcare practices, pathology and treatment, and diagnostic procedures and testing. It also covers advanced interpreting issues and topics, such as ethical and linguistic challenges, sight translation, and cultural competence. Self-evaluation opportunities provide immediate feedback for learners to gauge their progress.

"The Web AMT contains the most comprehensive, up-to-date content developed by healthcare practitioners with interpreting experience," said Danyune Geertsen, Director of Training and Quality for Language Line University. "This program enables interpreters to complete the equivalent of a 40-hour traditional training course in a condensed format, at their own pace, and from any convenient location with Internet access."

The Web AMT supports both individual and large-scale training in which hundreds of interpreters can take the training at the same time, making it far more efficient than traditional face-to-face training hosted in on-site, classroom settings. It also gives learners the freedom to access the course and its instructional materials at any time they choose.

"Healthcare organizations are challenged every day to communicate with all patients as effectively as possible, in whatever languages they speak," said Louis Provenzano, Language Line Services President and COO. "The Web AMT allows organizations with constrained budgets and dispersed staff to improve the interpreting quality of their staff for the benefit of patient safety and satisfaction for limited English proficient patients."

To obtain a Certificate of Completion, enrollees are required to review the Web course in its entirety and attend all instructor-led sessions, which are scheduled at different times to address the needs and schedules of all participants. Sessions are facilitated by experienced medical interpreter trainers who provide more information, answer questions and engage participants in role-play exercises.