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
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: Health 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

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Complete the Spanish Language Assessment.
Review health requirements. Further information will be provided at program orientation.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Apply Online

Program Details

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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 >

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Career Salaries

$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.

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.

Program Courses

Health Programs

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.

Related Certificates

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Introduction to Health Careers

Explore the various roles and responsibilities within the healthcare industry and discover potential careers that match your skills and interests.

More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

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.

Learn More