Basic Interpreter Training   |   Medical Vocabulary for Interpreters   |   Deaf Education Series

Basic Interpreter Training (BIT) is a highly interactive 16-hour course that introduces participants to the field of health care interpretation. Class content is based upon industry standards supported by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC); the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT); and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

BIT is beneficial for bi- or multi-lingual persons who already interpret in health care settings or those who are interested in health care interpreting. Over the course of 16 hours (four 4-hour sessions), the following topics are covered: code of ethics for health care interpreters; methods of interpreting; role(s) of the interpreter; pre-session preparation; positioning; and the role of culture in interpreting. The series includes extensive discussion and practice, and is supplemented by related handouts.

Class Specifics:

• Participants’ fluency in two languages is required and presumed.
• Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.
• Participants are not considered “certified interpreters” after completion of any component.
• Class is taught in English with opportunity for language-specific practice.
• The following topics are covered over the course of 16 hours:
  • Code of ethics for interpreters
  • Methods of interpreting
  • Role(s) of the interpreter
  • Pre-session preparation
  • The role of culture in interpreting
• The series includes extensive discussion and practice, and is supplemented by related handouts.

Class registration is limited and required. For more information about BIT training, a current class schedule and costs, please contact (515) 247-8255 or e-mail interpreter@mercydesmoines.org.