HCAN is excited to partner with the College of Saint Mary to offer their Foundations of Medical Interpreting course to our health centers! This class is fully online and can be completed at your own pace. The class provides an introduction to interpretation skills for bilingual speakers (Spanish or any other language). Topics include interpretation techniques, terminology, and industry ethics.

Offered in the Fall & Spring semesters.

Course Description

Foundations of Interpreting (MDI 100) introduces basic concepts in interpreting, including professional specific terminology, the various settings in which interpreters work, and the role of the interpreter. This course will familiarize students with the different interpreting modalities and may include interactions with professional interpreters in action.

Registration

Click here to learn more and register.

Cost

Tuition for the Foundations of Interpreting is $450 plus the cost of books. HCAN will reimburse $200 per student toward the tuition costs. Talk to your health center about payment questions.

Pathway to Interpreter Certification

After completing MDI 100: Foundations of Interpreting, there are three additional classes available for interested students. For additional information, click here.

  • MDI 110: Medical Interpreting I: Musculoskeletal, Cardio and Digestive Systems
  • MDI 120: Medical Interpreting II
  • MDI 130: Medical Terminology

FAQs

  • What books are needed?
    • The Medical Interpreter: A Foundation Textbook for Medical Interpreting. Bancroft, M.A., Culture and Language Press, 2016
    • A bilingual dictionary
    • A bilingual medical dictionary
    • Stenographer’s pad for interpreting notetaking
  • Will HCAN be offering classes in the Fall?
    • HCAN plans to offer the Foundations course again in Fall 2024.
  • Can a student participate in the course from any computer with internet access?
    • Yes! If a student does not have a computer or internet, please reach out to your health center leadership or to Samantha Wall at sdw@hcanebraska.org for resources.
  • What is the expected time commitment for this course?
    • Approximately 4-5 hours per week, for a total of 16 weeks.