Turn your language skills into a healthcare career that helps patients be heard and understood.
Why become a medical interpreter?
Medical interpreters make sure patients and providers understand each other. Clear communication leads to safer care, and your language skills make it possible.
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Haitian Creole
- Arabic
You'll practice interpreting with others in your language group. Anatomy and physiology, ethics, and other core topics are taught in a shared classroom with students from every language group.
You'll learn how to:
- Interpret accurately in medical settings
- Follow the interpreter code of ethics
- Protect patient confidentiality
- Bridge cultural and language gaps
- Use medical terminology with confidence
Program overview
| Credential | Prepares you for national medical interpreter certification exams |
|---|---|
| Hours | 60 hours of instruction |
| Length | 10 weeks |
| Format | Remote (live online classes), with required in-person dates. Attendance on in-person dates is mandatory. |
| Class schedule | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m. |
| Admission | You must pass the Medical Interpreting language assessment to be considered for the course |
| Next cohort | Spring 2027 |
| Cost | Contact the R3 team for current tuition and funding options. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. |
What you'll learn
Interpreting skills
- Consecutive interpreting
- Sight translation
- Note-taking
- Medical terminology
Ethics and role
- Interpreter code of ethics
- Confidentiality
- Role boundaries
- Cultural awareness
Healthcare knowledge
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common conditions
- Patient care processes
- How the healthcare system works
Career opportunities
Graduates may work in:
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Behavioral health settings
- Interpreting agencies, including remote and telehealth
How to get started
Spring 2027 cohorts
What to expect after you apply
There's no application deadline. After you apply, our team contacts students as seats become available. None of our programs offer rolling admissions, and seats are limited, so applying doesn't guarantee a seat in the next cohort. Plan for time between applying and your first class, and apply early. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding.
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Submit your application. Apply online at www.bhcc.edu/training.
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Complete intake. Meet with our team to confirm the program is a good fit. Medical Interpreter applicants must pass the language assessment to be considered for the course.
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Attend orientation. R3 orientation for all programs is Tuesday, January 19, 2027, in person.
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Start class. Phlebotomy and EKG begin Monday, January 25. CNA and Medical Interpreter begin Tuesday, January 26.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start?
None of our programs offer rolling admissions. The next Medical Interpreter cohort starts Tuesday, January 26, 2027. There's no application deadline. Seats are offered as they become available. You must pass the language assessment and complete intake before classes begin, so apply early.
Is the program fully online?
No. Classes meet remotely, but there are required in-person dates. You must attend every in-person date to complete the program.
Which languages do you offer?
Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Arabic.
Do I need prior experience?
You don't need healthcare experience, but you must be fluent in English and in one of the program languages.
Is there an entrance assessment?
Yes. You must pass the Medical Interpreting language assessment to be considered for the course. You take it during intake
Is funding available?
Funding may be available for eligible students. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. Contact the R3 team to learn more.
What can I do after completing the program?
You'll be prepared to sit for national certification exams and apply for interpreter roles. R3 career workshops support your job search.