Admissions Requirements

Medical Interpreter

The Medical Interpreter Certificate program is designed to prepare students to enable accurate cross-cultural communications from one language to another in healthcare contexts. "Interpreters strive to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message taking into consideration the cultural context" (National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare Inc., 2005). Fluency in English and one or more target languages such as Portuguese or Spanish as well as sensitivity to the people and cultures associated with the target language are required.

This 16 credit program prepares graduates for Medical Interpreter positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Program standards reference the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare (NCIHC, www.ncihc.org) and the Certification Commission for Health Interpreters (CCHI, https://cchicertification.org/).

See also: Medical Interpreter certificate

Language Proficiency Requirement 

Admission into the Medical Interpreter Certificate program requires fluency in English and one or more target language such as Portugues or Spanish, as demonstrated by meeting with the Program Coordinator. Students must successfully complete a Target Language Assessment. 

After acceptance applicants will be required to:

• Pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and a SORI (Sexual Offender Record Information) check.
• Submit documentation of immunizations required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Cape Cod Community College.
• Successfully complete a Target Language Assessment administered by the Medical Interpreter Program Coordinator.
• Complete the Accuplacer Test, a computerized placement test with assessment scores demonstrating mastery of ENL020 College Reading and Study Skills, ENL050 Foundations of Writing and MAT020 Pre-Algebra or show proof of completion of comparable college work.
• Students who are unable to demonstrate the above required levels of mastery will be required to take developmental education courses and should anticipate an extended program of study