AVONDALE, Arizona – Communicating with your doctor or medical personnel is often difficult when you’re not feeling well, or worse, in a trauma situation. Imagine if you couldn’t communicate due to language barriers. It could be a matter of life or death.
In the healthcare system, complex medical terminology leaves many non-English speakers confused or misinformed. Language barriers not only increase miscommunication but open the door for misdiagnosis, non-compliance and unnecessary or redundant medical tests, all leading to the potential of increased medical costs and a lesser quality of care.
The Spanish Medical Interpreter Program (SMIP) at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) trains and prepares Healthcare Interpreters for careers in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, treatment and care facilities, laboratories and testing services, and many other medical-related fields. Students learn body systems, medical terminology and code of ethics, both in English and Spanish.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interpreters and translators is projected to increase 22% between 2008 and 2018.
The Spanish Medical Interpreter program at EMCC is a 130-hour introduction to medical interpreting followed by a 40 hour externship. Interpreting is a value-added skill set for bilingual health care workers, and interpreter training is a requirement for anyone applying to the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) for national certification.
The SouthWest Skill Center at EMCC is the only testing center in Arizona administering the oral exam (CHI) through the CCHI. Monies received from administering these exams are deposited into a scholarship fund for SWSC students.
One of the national standards of practice for interpreters in health care is professional development to attain the highest possible level of competence and service. The EMCC SMIP provides training that exceeds the national training standards and prepares students for national certification.
“Our health care partners provide externships with their experienced interpreters to support and mentor the professional development of our students, and potentially their future colleagues,” said Karee Peigné Manager of the SMIP.
A new externship partnership was recently established with Banner Estrella and Banner Desert Medical Centers where students apply classroom learning. But beyond that, they have the opportunity to work with real patients alongside healthcare professionals. This is where the requirement for professional certification becomes critically apparent. Banner joins existing Maricopa Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare and St. Joseph’s Hospital as externship partners.
“Banner Health is fortunate to have built this unique partnership with EMCC to support appropriate communication for our Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients," said Dina Miranda, Banner Estrella Language and Cultural Services Manager. "It solidifies our mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care.”
Another partnership is with sister Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) college, Rio Salado. Students who successfully complete SPA205 and SPA206 (online interpreting courses) through Rio Salado have the opportunity to attend the 40-hour externship through EMCC. This partnership for a practicum provides Rio students real life interpreting experiences at one of the various hospitals the SWSC partners with for externships.
The EMCC SMIP articulates to 12 credits within the MCCCD. Students can apply these credits towards electives or to specific Spanish courses (SPA205/206, SPA117/118) and towards Academic Certificates at Rio Salado for Language Studies or Spanish and Spanish Culture.
The next cohort of Spanish Medical Interpreters at EMCC begins May 12, 2014. Students must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. The classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Enrollment information can be found at estrellamountain.edu or at 623-935-8964.