Interpreting in Health and Human Services
New introduction classes for Interpreting in Health and Human Services will be held on
- Wednesday, August 2 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
- Wednesday, August 2 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Monday, August 7 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
- Monday, August 7 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
It is a requirement for students to attend one (1) of these introduction classes listed above to register for the program. These introduction classes will be held at the West Campus in Room 20. Contact the Student Care Center at 336.734.7023 to register for an introduction class. If you are not able to attend one of the above sessions, but interested in this program, please email sbowen@forsythtech.edu or abuljina@forsythtech.edu.
For more information please contact the Customer Service Department at 336.734.7023.
To see if you qualify for a scholarship, please contact Michael Glontz at 336.757.3701 or mglontz@forsythtech.edu.
If you are fluent in English and Spanish, if you like to help people, if you are interested in working in the health and/or human services field, and if you are looking to add a skill to your resume, then the Certificate in Health and Human Services may be right for you!
One of the fastest-growing needs of the health community is for qualified and professionally trained interpreters. Interpreters must have a strong understanding and grasp of medical terminology and common words for those terms in both languages as well as cultural understanding of the Hispanic and American Culture.
The Interpreting Program offers a certificate of completion. To obtain the certificate, the student needs to complete 269 hours (five classes) with 80% or more and a 45-hour practicum in one of our partner healthcare facilities. Classes can be taken face-to-face or online and are offered spring, summer, and fall semesters!
National Standards and Ethical Practices for Interpreters: Are you interested in learning more about the principles and standards for professional interpretation as established by the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare? In this course, you will explore cultural awareness as it applies to Interpreting in Health and Human Services. This course is not language specific, all languages are welcome.
Spanish/ English Medical Terminology: This course is an introduction to the principles of medical terminology for interpreters and translators in the medical field. It teaches the meaning and pronunciation of specific medical terms and the study of the body systems in both languages.
English/Spanish Advanced Grammar for Interpreters and Translators: This course prepares you to improve their written proficiency in Spanish and English in order to function at the highest possible level as a professional interpreter and translator lab class.
Case Studies Translator Lab: In this lab, you will translate medical case studies from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. This lab consists of computer-based training and is designed to develop and improve grammar, reading and writing skills in both languages.
*Case Studies Interpreter Lab and Professional Skills: In this lab, you will interpret medical case studies from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. This lab consists of computer-based training and is designed to improve consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills. This class emphasizes listening and oral skills in both languages. This course is also designed to build practical skills and job seeking tools.
*Students may qualify for Scholarship assistance.
Careers are available in a Doctor’s Office, Small Clinics or Hospitals.
Average Salary Range is $9-12 per hour for entry-level positions with potential to earn more with experience and continuous training.
- High School Diploma or HSED
- Spanish/English Bilingually literate individuals
- Must attend an introduction class to register
- Take the English and Spanish Standardized Test (TABE)
- Basic Computer Skills
- Students are required to complete this program in one year
Course Schedule and Estimated Cost
National Standards and Ethical Practices for Interpreters: Are you interested in learning more about the principles and standards for professional interpretation as established by the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare? In this course, you will explore cultural awareness as it applies to Interpreting in Health and Human Services. This course is not language specific, all languages are welcome. The next class will begin in Janurary
| Dates | Days | Times | Location | Cost | Units | Course Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/21/2024 - 06/16/2024 |
N/A | N/A | ON -Online Courses LINE | $70.00 | 2.40 | 166650 |
Spanish/ English Medical Terminology: This course is an introduction to the principles of medical terminology for interpreters and translators in the medical field. It teaches the meaning and pronunciation of specific medical terms and the study of the body systems in both languages.
| Dates | Days | Times | Location | Cost | Units | Course Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/28/2024 - 09/01/2024 |
N/A | N/A | ON -Online Courses LINE | $180.00 | 8.10 | 166663 |
English/Spanish Advanced Grammar for Interpreters and Translators: This course prepares you to improve their written proficiency in Spanish and English in order to function at the highest possible level as a professional interpreter and translator. The course would expand your knowledge in those two language skill areas before taking Case
Studies Translator lab class.
Note: This class is mandatory for all students enrolled in the Interpreting in Health and Human Services Program.
| Dates | Days | Times | Location | Cost | Units | Course Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/18/2024 - 07/28/2024 |
N/A | N/A | ON -Online Courses LINE | $125.00 | 3.60 | 166662 |
Case Studies Translator Lab: In this lab, you will translate medical case studies from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. This lab consists of computer-based training and is designed to develop and improve grammar, reading and writing skills in both languages.
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in/or have completed Spanish/English Medical Terminology and National Standards and Ethical Practices for Interpreters to take this course.
| Dates | Days | Times | Location | Cost | Units | Course Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/30/2024 - 09/08/2024 |
N/A | N/A | ON -Online Courses LINE | $125.00 | 3.30 | 166657 |
Case Studies Interpreter Lab and Professional Skills
(This is the last class to take for students who started in Spring 2022.)
In this lab, you will interpret medical case studies from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. This lab consists of computer-based training and is designed to improve consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills. This class emphasizes listening and oral skills in both languages. This course is also designed to build practical skills and job
seeking tools.
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in/or have completed Spanish/English Medical Terminology and National Standards and Ethical Practices for Interpreters to take this course.
| Dates | Days | Times | Location | Cost | Units | Course Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/04/2024 - 07/28/2024 |
N/A | N/A | ON -Online Courses LINE | $125.00 | 5.00 | 166659 |
Practicum: Once students successfully complete the five classes with a passing grade of 80 in each class, the student will be assigned a practicum location. In-order-to complete the practicum, the student will complete a 45-hour clinical rotation in which 10 of those hours are shadowing professional interpreters and 35 hours are hands-on interpreting with a passing evaluation rate. Placement is dependent upon the student’s availability as well as open clinical rotations at available facilities.
The Interpreting in Health and Human Services assistant can be reached at 336.734.7790.
Technical Standards
Program technical standards are to help students understand nonacademic standards, skills, and performance requirements expected of a student in order to complete this particular curriculum.
If an accommodation is necessary to participate in the program, it is imperative to identify reasonable accommodations for those students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonableness is determined by Accessibility Resources and the program, on a case-by-case basis, utilizing the program technical standards. The accommodation needs to be in place prior to the start of the program, or it may delay your ability to start the program. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Accessibility Resources and request accommodations.
| SKILLS | DESCRIPTION | SPECIFIC EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|
| MOTOR SKILLS | Maintain upright posture, mobility and endurance to attend and participate in lectures for extended periods.Functional use of taking written notes. | Use a computer keyboard and mouse. |
| VISION | Functional use of vision. | Read audiovisual materials on projection or overhead screens during lectures.Read printed materials on handouts, quizzes and tests. |
| HEARING | Functional use of hearing. | Hear classroom demonstrations with minimal instruction.Understand instructor’s lecture in a regular classroom environment. |
| TECHNOLOGICAL | Demonstrate evidence of basic computer skills and technological literacy using blackboard.Use of technology to communicate and collaborate with students and college faculty in order to support student learning. | Operate a computer for all classes. |
| COMMUNICATION | Demonstrate evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills (English and Spanish) in the classroom with staff, students and college faculty.Demonstrate an intermediate/advanced knowledge and understanding of Medical Terminology concepts related to interpreting. | Listen to oral lectures, ask questions, and understand answers.Participate in small group discussions with other students.Prepare and present classroom projects.Identify spoken or nonverbal communication of distress or discomfort during patient care practicum. |
| CRITICAL THINKING/ PROBLEM SOLVING | Employ technology resources and development strategies for solving problems and making decisions. | Ability to transfer theory into practical application. |
| INTERPERSONAL SKILLS | Interpersonal skills sufficient for classroom participation and interaction. | Participate in team assignments and projects.Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues with an understanding that individuals have different experiences and beliefs. |
| ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE | Remain calm in stressful situations. | Maintain a cooperative learning attitude during patient care practicum. |
| OTHER | Understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to becoming a professional interpreter.Develop positive attitudes toward being an interpreter in a hospital setting versus a small clinic or health community center.Demonstrate continual growth in interpreting knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging issues and information. | Interact with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.Interact professionally, ethically, and confidentially with patients.Accept criticism and respond with appropriate modification of behavior.Timely and adequately respond to personal or academic struggles; seek assistance and practice planning; and avoid procrastination. |
This document is intended to serve as a guide regarding the physical, emotional, intellectual and psychosocial expectations placed on a student. This document cannot include every conceivable action, task, ability or behavior that may be expected of a student. Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the degree program.