Medical Interpreter for Healthcare
Degree Type
16-credit Technical Diploma
Program Code
30-538-1
Time to Degree
Less than 1 year
Start Date
August
How You'll Learn
Hybrid
Daytime
Medical interpreters facilitate communication between limited English-speaking patients and their healthcare providers, to convey accurate messages about health and wellness. Learn to provide medical language interpretation for Spanish-speaking patients and families. Interpreters are skilled in spoken and written translation and interpretation, nonverbal communication and nuances of various dialects and subcultures.
This program focuses on Spanish language interpreting. You must be fluent in speaking and writing both English and Spanish.
Please note: Healthcare and Human Services Programs require multiple vaccinations, including flu shots. Deadlines vary by program. To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.
How To Apply
This program is not accepting applications.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
Potential Careers
If you have an extensive vocabulary of multiple languages, are objective and a good listener, a career in medical interpreting may be for you. Those working in this field must have strong memory, recall and comprehension skills, practice good judgment and understand medical terms. Medical interpreters should also be aware of cultural differences.
- Medical Interpreter
- Language Services Specialist
- Interpreter
- Lab Scheduler/Spanish Bilingual
Technical Standards
The students enrolled in the Medical Interpreter for Healthcare program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Medical Interpreter for Healthcare program are representative of those found in the Medical Interpreter for Healthcare profession.
Review the Medical Interpreter for Healthcare Technical Standards.
High School Eligibility
This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >
Please note, students must be 16 years or older to enroll in this program.
Career Salaries
$40,700 – $55,600 annually
Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.
Financial Aid
For this program, financial aid only covers courses. Loans and other aid will be prorated. Learn more about financial aid.
Clinical Site Compliance
Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.
Review the background check overview.
What Makes This Program Unique
- Engagement in other programs allows the Medical Interpreter student to experience real-life situations.
- All healthcare providers are utilizing certified medical interpreters in their healthcare settings. Medical interpreters are a vital part of the healthcare team and are required to be certified when serving both patients and providers.
- Upon completion of this program, be prepared to take either of the two national certification exams: National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters and Certification for Healthcare Interpreters.
More Credit Opportunities
High School Dual Credit
Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.