Get trained as a Healthcare Interpreter
CHIA stands for California Healthcare Interpreting Association, an association aiming at increasing the quality level of medical interpreting services in California.
CHIA standards, set in 2002, are recognized nationwide in the United States. The purpose of these standards is to standardize medical interpreting practices by means of a code of ethics, interpreting protocol, and guidance on roles, to grant successful access to care and treatment for limited English proficient people. The Association also holds an annual conference and provides onsite training for medical interpreters.
The information provided by means of the annual conferences (links available on the website) are surely useful for the profession, especially for those who want to work for clinics and hospitals in California.
Other useful references: CLAS
The CLAS website provides the US standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Healthcare. The principal standard is to provide all people with effective, fair, and respectful Healthcare services.
The other standards cover issues including governance, leadership, language assistance, engagement, improvement, and accountability.
Other useful references: NBCMI
The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters offers a certification that is recognized internationally. The exams taken at the NBCMI are validated by a third-party organization. There are prerequisites to be met by candidates before being admitted to the test. The exams can be scheduled all year round, and FULL certification is available in Spanish, Russian, and four Asian languages.
To get trained to become a medical interpreter and take the NBCMI exam, click on MiTio link.
