Waukesha County Technical College
Medical Interpreter for Healthcare

Medical Interpreter for Healthcare

Program Information

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

Evening

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

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: Health programs require multiple vaccinations, including COVID-19 and flu shots. Deadlines vary by program.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2023 Start

  • Application Opens: October 1, 2022
  • Application Deadline: August 7, 2023

Spring 2024 Start

  • This program cannot be started in spring.

Summer 2023 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • Any computer or tablet
  • Drug screen: $55
  • Immunizations: up to $850
  • Caregiver criminal background check: $10

How To Apply

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
 

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

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

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.

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$38,300 – $74,800 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

For this program, financial aid only covers courses. Loans and other aid will be prorated.

Learn more about financial aid.

Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various COVID-19 safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Required protocols and measures may include, but are not limited to, receipt of COVID-19 vaccination and/or testing for COVID-19. 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.

Please review the required Caregiver criminal background check information under "How to Apply."

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Program Courses

Student Studying
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Program PDF

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

Engagement in other programs allows the Medical Interpreter student to experience real-life situations.

2

All healthcare providers are utilizing certified language interpreters in their healthcare settings. Language interpreters are a vital part of the healthcare team and are required to be certified when serving both patients and providers.

3

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.

Related Certificates

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.

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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.

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