To enroll in an online interpreting program, such as the one offered by The Medical Interpreting and Translating Institute Online, candidates must be bilingual as demonstrated on a language test. They also must be at least 16 years of age.
Beginning interpreter training covers topics, such as confidentiality guidelines, ethics, cultural competency and medical terminology. Intermediate and advanced courses prepare students to work in specialty departments, such as neurology or emergency medicine. Students typically will need at least one year of interpreting experience to take an intermediate or advanced course.
Graduates of online medical interpreter programs find employment in hospitals, community health clinics and doctors' offices. The BLS notes that the median wage for interpreters in 2008 was $38,850. Employment for interpreters is expected to increase approximately 22 percent through the year 2018.