Ongoing reviews of standards and professional development are required as part of our 40 hours of continuing education for every 24 months of service.

A 3-hour training session is provided to review the Standards for Healthcare Interpreters: Ethical Principles, Protocols, and Guidance on Roles & Intervention.

Mandatory viewing of a 28 mi. video “Communicating Effectively Through an Interpreter”

Interpreters are informed about ongoing trainings in the field of healthcare interpreting.

Staff trainings provided by the in house interpreter trainer are regularly scheduled.

Language World Services, Field Supervisors screen every interpreter on-site for their first appointments, to ensure that the lesson learned are deployed during the appointment. Surprise audits occur throughout the year, where the interpreter is visited by Field Supervisor during an actual interpreting assignment without prior knowledge. A Feedback Report is given to the interpreter to help s/he understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Every customer of Language World Services can also send an electronic Interpreter Feedback Form directly to our offices (either on-line or by fax). This feedback-on-the-fly helps Field Supervisors evaluate individual interpreters according to a set of performance metrics established and trained throughout the year.

Language World Services also provides a yearly summer and winter reunion where Interpreters meet and discuss issues of mutual interest. These bi-yearly meetings provide many with an opportunity to share experiences, gain knowledge of best practices, and create a sense of fellowship and purpose for our new profession.

Our Screening and Training Process

Interpreters are cross-checked for linguistic proficiency in both English and in the target language. All must have either a background in the medical field with experience in a hospital or clinical setting, and/or posses an Associate Degree from an accredited U.S. College or University. An oral interpreting test is given to determine linguistic competencies in vocabulary, grammar and syntax.

Currently there is no formal curriculum available to the healthcare interpreter in many communities. Our trainings are performed as time, expense and geography permits. Past learning opportunities have been provided through a variety of programs and initiatives sponsored by:

• The California Healthcare Interpreting Association
• Bridging The Gap (CCHCP- The Cross Cultural Healthcare Program-a 40 hour training)
• The University of Arizona
• Connecting Worlds Healthcare Interpreting Training (a 40 hour training)

Interpreters are required to undergo 40 hours of training and/or other clinical experience prior to becoming contractors. Linguistic resources for medical terminology are made available via the Internet, in the target languages and other educational resources are made available. Medical glossaries are a necessary tool of the trade and are highly recommended for the interpreter to purchase.

The Sacramento Chapter of the California Health Interpreters Association (CHIA) meets bi-monthly and provides continuing education opportunities to all members, and all interpreters are invited and encouraged to join the association. The Association meetings include discussions of the healthcare standards for interpreters as well as presentations about specific areas of knowledge such as: informed consent, folk medicine and cultural traditions of specific groups, geriatric care, mental health interpreting and other topics.