UT Professional Development Center announces launch of Medical Interpreter Certificate Program

The Professional Development Center at The University of Texas at Austin (UT PDC) is pleased to announce the fall launch of their new offering – the Medical Interpreter Certificate Program (MICP). This 40-hour program will be conducted on The University of Texas at Austin campus in a bootcamp-style week of classes. This MICP is taught in a small class format by an industry-experienced instructor and designed to allow students to receive increased individual attention.

This MICP program is designed to train bilingual healthcare workers to interpret for Spanish-speaking patients and English-speaking doctors. Course participants gain the practical and analytical skills they need to become essential, trusted sources of information for both their colleagues and the patients they serve.

"Our new Medical Interpreter Certificate Program offers a unique opportunity to people who speak both English and Spanish - who are either currently working in healthcare or want to - to enter this dynamic field," states Liliya Spinazzola, director of UT PDC. "These professionals often deliver some of the most important news a patient will hear—good and bad—so it is critical that health care providers have trained staff who can properly translate information to the patient's understanding. This program gives medical interpreters the knowledge and background they need to speak with conviction, compassion and authority."

Graduates of the program receive a Certificate of Completion, and are prepared to take the NBCMI (National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters) exam or the CCHI (Certified Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) exam. The NBCMI certification is a nationally recognized professional credential that reflects that the holder possesses a thorough knowledge of medical terminology and interpreter ethics and regulations.

"On behalf of The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education we are delighted to provide our very popular Spanish/English Medical Interpreter program in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin. We recognize there is a high demand for medical interpreters nationally and our program content provides the appropriate education to equip students for a career in this growing field," states Denise Logan, Department Head, The Georgia Center for Continuing Education. "We are honored to be able to provide this very valuable education to The University of Texas at Austin community."