Health Care Interpreting Program

About the Interpreting Program

Created by certified interpreters and medical providers, WOU offers the only health care interpreter training program coordinated by a public university in the Pacific Northwest. This program complies with the guidelines set forth in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-002 and is an Oregon Office of Equity and Inclusion approved training.

Online, In-Person and Scenario-Based

We're called a "hybrid" program because the program is a combination of online and in-person classes. About 50% of the program can be completed online. The remaining 50% consists of simulations, interpreting practice sessions and language labs. Each lesson is scenario-based and uses real scenarios provided by local hospitals. Scenarios help bring the program to life and make the content much more engaging than a traditional online class.

Multiple Language Options

The program is designed to be "language neutral" because it is taught in English. But, we offer language specializations to bilingual students who speak Spanish or Russian. Language specializations feature culturally appropriate medical terminology and cultural comptetency lessons.

Flexible Program Format

This medical interpreter training program features 110-hours of online and in-person (or "hybrid") instruction. The online lessons are self-paced with individual attention from instructors. It includes a 20-hour student practicum; features medical terminology in English, Spanish and Russian; and prepares you to take either the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) certification exam.

Built to Exceed Industry Standards

This program is taught by experienced certified interpreters, medical providers and university faculty who have designed the training program to exceed industry standards set by the following organizations:

1. Oregon Office of Equity and Inclusion (OAR 333-002)
2. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care
3. International Medical Interpreters Association
4. California Healthcare Interpreting Association.

Guided by an Interpreter Advisory Council

Our 7 member Interpreter Advisory Council is filled with the best interpreters and providers we could find. The Council helps ensure our programs remain up-to-date with the changing needs of the health care interpreting industry. You can learn more about the Interpreter Advisory Council by clicking here.