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Graphic showing moving from Novice with additional preparation to intermediate level

Novice Healthcare Interpreter

This is a viable entry point for Deaf or hearing interpreters who have satisfied the prerequisites. Ideally work is supervised 75% of the time.

May be qualified to interpret in the following settings or situations:

  • Routine and low risk assignments
  • Routine physical exams
  • Routine doctor’s office visits
  • Non-critical follow up appointments
  • Blood drives or health fairs
  • General health and nutrition courses
  • Childbirth courses
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Well patient checkups
Additional Preparation

Attend workshops and trainings on various topics, including:

Observe experienced interpreters in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:

Readings

Document your progress on the worksheets in Using the Healthcare Interpreting Career Lattice (PDF).

Moving Up the Lattice

Once you have completed this additional preparation, you are ready to move on to working as:

Intermediate Healthcare Interpreter

This is a viable entry point for Deaf or hearing interpreters who have already satisfied the requirements for Novice Healthcare Interpreter:

  • Observed non-interpreted medical interactions.
  • Observed experienced interpreters in healthcare settings.
  • Documented 200 hours of healthcare interpreting experience.
  • Arranged supervision for 75% of healthcare interpreting hours.

May be qualified to interpret in the following settings or situations. Ideally is supervised 50% of the time:

  • Routine inpatient care
  • Acute care (with supervision)
  • Urgent care (with supervision)
  • Video remote interpreting (with supervision)
  • Specialty care clinics (cardiology, HIV/AIDS, ob-gyn, dialysis)
  • Health planning meetings following a diagnosis
  • Diabetes education

Back to Lattice

Copyright 2015, CATIE Center St. Catherine University

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