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What is a medical interpreter and how to become one
Medical interpreters are tasked with providing accurate translations for healthcare providers and patients. They help to bridge the gap between a doctor and a patient, serving as the communication link when needed. They also endeavor to create a warm and positive environment so that patients can feel relaxed. Medical interpreters earn a median sum of $43,000 annually or $21 per hour. Medical interpreters are professionals with the expertise and passion for participating in continued training to stay on top of new medical information.
They also help with patient follow-up as necessary, contacting them to remind them of appointment times, and may accompany the patients on office visits. Medical interpreters mostly earn a four-year degree in a foreign language with a concentration in interpreting studies or specialized medical interpretation courses. They are required to hold a certification or licensure in interpretation or translation and are, of course, expected to be fluent in at least a foreign language.
What general advice would you give to a medical interpreter?
Laura Polhemus Ph.D.
Advanced Assistant Professor, Bethel University
Avg. Salary $43,593
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 20%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 14.26%
Black or African American 4.72%
Hispanic or Latino 35.32%
Unknown 5.75%
White 39.64%
Genderfemale 67.58%
male 32.42%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Medical interpreter career paths
Key steps to become a medical interpreter
Explore medical interpreter education requirements
Start to develop specific medical interpreter skills
Skills Percentages Patients 35.47% Customer Service 11.01% Patient Care 7.68% LEP 7.43% Informed Consent 4.15% Complete relevant medical interpreter training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New medical interpreters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a medical interpreter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real medical interpreter resumes.Research medical interpreter duties and responsibilities
- Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
- Inform providers and patients of relevant cultural issues to assist providers in delivering culturally competent patient care.
- Assist another medical interpreter in interpreting for patients who have trouble understanding English spoken by health professionals and receptionists.
- Create education and promotional materials relate to Latino health and wellness.
Prepare your medical interpreter resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your medical interpreter resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a medical interpreter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable medical interpreter resume templates
Build a professional medical interpreter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your medical interpreter resume.
Apply for medical interpreter jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a medical interpreter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first medical interpreter job
Eleonora Rytsar
Medical Interpreter
The first five years were particularly challenging. Picking up the English language was a slow and often frustrating process. Every day, I immersed myself in the language through conversations, television, and reading, determined to improve my skills. The jobs I held during this period were far from glamorous, but they were necessary for my survival. Each job, though menial, taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, hard work, and perseverance.
After a decade in the United States, my persistent efforts began to pay off. By 2021, I had achieved a level of fluency that allowed me to communicate effectively and confidently. This newfound fluency was a game-changer. It opened up opportunities that had previously been out of reach and allowed me to consider a career that aligned with my passion and skills.
During my journey, I discovered the critical role of medical interpreters in bridging communication gaps between healthcare providers and patients who speak different languages. This role appealed to me on many levels: it combined my passion for languages, my desire to help others, and my firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by non-English speakers in the healthcare system.
With a clear goal in mind, I began researching the steps required to become a certified medical interpreter. I enrolled in training programs, attended workshops, and studied diligently to pass the necessary certification exams. The process was rigorous and demanding, but my determination and the support of mentors and peers kept me motivated.
Today, I am proud to call myself a Medical Interpreter. My journey from working menial jobs to achieving fluency in English and becoming a certified professional has been long and arduous, but incredibly rewarding. As a medical interpreter, I now play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive accurate and compassionate care, regardless of the language they speak.
Looking back, I realize that every step of my journey was essential in shaping who I am today. The struggles, the perseverance, and the ultimate
Average medical interpreter salary
The average medical interpreter salary in the United States is $43,593 per year or $21 per hour. Medical interpreter salaries range between $27,000 and $68,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do medical interpreters rate their job?
Medical interpreter reviews
Being the mediator and the satisfaction I get from helping people communicate.
Nothing so far.
I do not like teaching American students
interpreting student's school work
I do not like teaching bilingual classes
Updated January 8, 2025
