Health Care Interpreter Training
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PALS for Health interpreters are recruited from the communities that we serve. Our pool of interpreters consists of well-respected community leaders from different professional backgrounds that span various disciplines, including the health and social service arena.
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complete an intensive screening process that begins with the submission of a
resume and completed application form. Potential interpreters are invited to a
face-to-face meeting that facilitates an exchange of information. Applicants
have an opportunity to learn more about our program while we assess their
interest and experience. The personal interview is followed by a 2.5-hour
proficiency exam that evaluates each candidate in five areas: 1. General Knowledge 2. Grammar and Vocabulary 3. Medical terminology 4. Translation (written) 5. Interpretation (oral) |
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All proficiency exams evaluate a candidate’s proficiency level in English and in the target language.
Applicants who pass their proficiency exams are required to complete a health care interpreter training conducted by PALS for Health trainers. Our training curriculum has evolved through the years, growing from a 16-hour to a 40-hour training session. We currently train health care interpreters utilizing the Connecting Worlds curriculum.
As strong supporters of continuing education, PALS for Health also conducts ongoing seminars where guest experts are invited to speak on various issues pertinent to the health and/or interpretation arena. We also encourage interpreters to personally pursue other forms of continuing education by keeping abreast of current events in the United States and in their home country, enrolling in pertinent educational sessions, maintaining linkages with other interpreters, and more.
Language proficiency testing is conducted on various days of the month at our Los Angeles office while health care interpreter trainings are primarily held in our Los Angeles office on Fridays or Saturdays. Please call Susan K. Choi at 213-553-1827 (e-mail susanc@palsforhealth.org) if you have any questions or would like become a PALS for Health interpreter.
Health Care Interpreter Training Program
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Would you like to enroll in the PALS for Health interpreter training program? We offer interpreter trainings for bilingual persons who serve as interpreters at health care facilities and community based organizations in Southern California. To date we have trained bilingual persons from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Eligible participants are welcome to join our weekend trainings (space permitting) or we will be glad to arrange on-site trainings to suit your schedule. For training requirements and fees, please contact Susan K. Choi at 213-553-1827 or e-mail susanc@palsforhealth.org |
The Connecting Worlds curriculum is made possible through generous funding from The California Endowment. The development of the Connecting Worlds curriculum spanned 24 months and involved a statewide collaboration with partners, Asian Health Services, Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo, Healthy House and California Health Collaborative, Vista Community Clinic, and PALS for Health.
The purpose of Connecting Worlds – PALS for Health’s health care interpreter training is to provide bilingual participants with:
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Connecting Worlds is an effective introduction to health care interpreting as it combines a variety of teaching methods including lectures, videos, large group discussions, small group activities, role-plays, research and homework. |
