By Christian Reed, Talent Pipeline Manager, WorkForce Central and Angenette Pickett Call, Program Manager for Continuing Education, Pacific Lutheran University

Medical interpreters serve as essential bridges in healthcare, playing a pivotal role in ensuring clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication between medical staff and patients who are limited in English proficiency.

Their presence goes beyond mere interpreting; they are crucial in avoiding misunderstandings that can lead to inappropriate treatment, thereby significantly impacting patient safety and outcomes. By conveying complex medical terminology in the patient’s native language and respecting cultural nuances, medical interpreters help maintain the dignity and autonomy of patients. They not only facilitate a more inclusive and equitable healthcare experience but also foster trust and understanding between healthcare providers and diverse patient populations. In essence, medical interpreters are not just language experts; they are vital advocates for patient-centered care, ensuring that every patient’s voice is heard and understood regardless of language barriers.

In recent years, Pacific Lutheran University recognized this growing challenge in our local area. With an increasing population of Spanish speakers in Pierce County and beyond, the need for effective communication in healthcare settings has never been more critical. They saw an opportunity not only to enhance the quality of healthcare services but also to empower bilingual individuals in our community by turning their language skills into a professional asset. The Medical Interpreter (Spanish/English) training program was thus born out of a commitment to:

Bridge the Communication Gap: Ensuring that all patients, regardless of their primary language, have access to clear and accurate medical information.
Improve Patient Care: Enhancing the patient experience and outcomes by facilitating effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Create Career Opportunities: Providing a pathway for bilingual individuals to build a rewarding career that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Promote Cultural Sensitivity: Equipping medical interpreters with the skills to not only interpret and translate languages but also to understand and respect cultural nuances in healthcare settings.

By launching this program, PLU is taking a stand for equitable healthcare and contributing to a more inclusive community. They believe that every individual, regardless of their language, deserves the highest standard of medical care, and through this training, they are making that belief a reality.

Training Details:

Course Name: Medical Interpreter I, (Spanish / English)
Start Date: March 4th, 2024
Format: 6-week online, self-paced, instructor-led training
Requirements: Minimum age of 18, Pierce County residency, access to a computer with reliable internet, and proficiency in English and Spanish.