Medical Interpreter (Spanish/English)

Medical Interpreter Certification Training (Spanish/English)

$3,428

• 6 Months
• 105 Course Hours
• 100% online
• Start anytime

View Program Details

Prepare for a Career in Medical Interpreting

Prepare for a rewarding career as a medical interpreter in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and other healthcare settings where Spanish-language interpretation is essential. 

This comprehensive online medical interpreter course provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to support effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals. While the program is not tied to a specific medical interpreter certification, it helps prepare you for many medical interpreting exams offered throughout the U.S. 

You will acquire the three interpreting skills needed for success—simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation. You will also learn the proper transfer of medical terminology into Spanish, divided into the different areas in a hospital and medical specialties. 

Learning is reinforced through intensive online interpreting laboratory practices included in this medical translator certification course. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion, making the course ideal for individuals seeking to build skills, gain experience, and prepare for further credentialing. Note: This course is language-specific – Spanish/English.

Job Outlook for Interpreters and Translators

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for interpreters and translators is $59,440. Salary can vary widely based on specialization, experience, and location. Data from ZipRecruiter shows that medical interpreters in the U.S. typically earn between $34,500 and $89,500 per year, with an average salary of around $70,410.

As organizations expand their reach across languages and cultures, interpreters and translators can expect a wide range of career opportunities. Whether working as freelancers or as part of healthcare systems, government agencies, schools, or private companies, the skills gained through interpreter and translator training can lead to a rewarding career that helps bridge communication gaps and fosters greater understanding across communities.

Medical Interpreter (Spanish/English) FAQs

What is a medical interpreter? What does a medical interpreter do?

A medical interpreter is a trained language professional who facilitates communication between patients and healthcare providers who do not share the same language. Most commonly, this involves interpreting between English and another language, such as Spanish, to ensure accurate understanding in medical settings. Medical interpreters play a critical role in patient care by helping reduce language barriers, improving outcomes, and ensuring that patients fully understand diagnoses, treatment options, and medical instructions.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes, this course prepares you for any Medical Interpreter certification exam as a Spanish Medical Interpreter.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 6 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

Course Objectives

• Build practical medical interpreting skills, including consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation
• Accurately interpret English and Spanish medical terminology used in clinical encounters
• Follow medical interpreting protocols and role boundaries when supporting communication with Spanish-speaking patients
• Apply the medical interpreter code of ethics, including confidentiality, impartiality, and professional conduct
• Prepare for Spanish medical interpreter certification exams through focused review of core competencies
• Demonstrate professionalism, cultural awareness, and accuracy across diverse health care settings

Prerequisites and Certification Requirements

In order to sit for CoreCHI™ certification, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent; therefore, it’s recommended that you have completed this qualification before enrolling in this course. 

There is no requirement regarding formal education in either Spanish or English. However, you must be able to speak English and Spanish without any hesitation. You should be familiar with using a personal computer, mouse, and keyboard. You should be comfortable in a Windows or Mac environment and be able to launch and close activities. 

If you intend to apply for CoreCHI™ certification, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age 18+ with a high school diploma/GED (or equivalent) 
• 40 hours of health care interpreter training (which this course will provide)
• Demonstrated proficiency in English and a second language

Instructor

Diana Lara

Diana Lara is a licensed court interpreter and Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI™–Spanish) with extensive experience in medical, legal, and community interpreting. She has worked across healthcare systems, public health initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and government settings, providing both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Diana currently serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Texas at El Paso, where she teaches courses in translation and interpreting. She is passionate about preparing future interpreters and translators through practical, real-world training and emphasizes accuracy, ethics, and professional standards in her teaching.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

This program is offered in partnership with a third-party provider responsible for marketing, outreach, recruitment, curriculum design, and/or instructional services. The courses are not eligible for degree credit at SDSU and are not taught by University faculty nor associated with any campus academic department.