Training

Training is the cornerstone of every professional interpreter. Without it, we have no guidelines for ethics, we don’t know how to support the patient/client – provider relationship, or about such things as transparency, accuracy and completeness. We hear it again and again:  once providers work with professionally trained interpreters, the difference is clear. Speaking two languages does not automatically make someone an interpreter (or translator).

If you wish to distinguish yourself as a trained, qualified and professional interpreter, KITA can help. We offer local entry-level training for the medical interpreter. This same training can be used to interpret in social services and educational settings.

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Core Medical Interpreter Training™ - NOT OFFERED IN 2025

While this training won't be available in 2025, we encourage you to explore our trusted training partner offering upcoming medical interpreter training programs. For more details and available courses, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/alma-enright-32582833373

 

KITA provides a 64-hour class called Core Medical Interpreter Training™ (CMIT). The current version of CMIT is a total of sixty-four (64) hours. You will do thirty-two (32) hours of that on your own through an online platform to which you will have access for approximately three (3) weeks. The other thirty-two (32) hours will be taught in an instructor-led class, depending on the circumstances either in person or through video conference.

This training is offered 2-3 times per year in Lexington, KY. Please check our current schedule for upcoming classes. You can take the language assessment in more than one target language, but there is a fee for each language tested.

Language testing costs range from $35 to $145 depending on the language. The cost of the class is $600 and includes the textbook, workbook, a certificate upon completion and access to the CMIT online modules.

KITA currently does not offer payment plans at this time, however, sometimes KITA is able to offer partial scholarships when funds/grants allow. Please contact us if you have any questions not answered below.

You can expect to spend 4 days in class (on the weekends) and to spend 32 hours on an online component. You will have access to the online component for approximately 2-3 weeks. You must commit to this schedule in order to earn the certificate. Should unforeseen circumstances occur, you can complete the requirements during our next class.

KITA/CMIT requires language proficiency in English and one target language. This can be proven through diplomas and third-party language testing. Language testing costs range from $35 to $145 depending on the language. The cost of the class is $600 and includes the textbook, workbook, a certificate upon completion and access to the CMIT online modules.

If you haven’t earned diplomas that can prove your language proficiency in English and that one target language you will be asked to take a third-party language exam. Depending on the exam, a passing score is ILR 2+ or 75%. 

Depending on the language to be tested, we will either send you a link to set up your own test or send you an invoice so that we can schedule the test for you. 

If you have set up your own language test, send the results to kitavista@gmail.com. If we set up the test for you we will email you the results. As long as you have a passing score as explained above we will send you a link to pay for the CMIT.

It is important that you attend each class. However, we realize that there may be a valid reason for you to miss some class time. You can still earn the CMIT certificate should you miss a total of no more than four (4) hours. The time missed must be approved by your instructor.

You will need a recording device, which could be an app on your phone. You will also need a working computer/tablet with webcam and microphone and a strong Internet signal. You will need to know how to operate your computer and recording device.

No. Through the CMIT (and all other such courses 40 hours or more) you will earn a CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE. This, along with the language assessment/diplomas, will make you a minimally qualified medical interpreter in the language(s) in which you were assessed. During this training you will learn the process of becoming a nationally certified medical interpreter.

This training will prepare you to interpret in medical settings. You will also be able to use this training in social services and educational settings. You will NOT be qualified to interpret in legal/court settings.

Yes. Send us an email with your name, email and phone number and we will contact you.

For the safety of patients and to comply with federal law requiring that medical interpreters be qualified, it is for the benefit of all, if you provide interpreter services, that you are a trained and qualified professional. Also, in many cases, you can get paid more for your services.

Full time interpreter jobs with benefits are still rare, but should one become available you will have the minimum training required to apply for the position. In the meantime, you can most likely work for various agencies as well as for the public schools as a contractor. In order to be successful you will need reliable transportation and good availability. You might also be able to find contract work in the evenings and weekends.

Should you drop out of the class after paying, you can choose to take the next class or get a refund.

Your total refund will depend on:

  1. Any fees KITA paid in order to accept a credit card payment
  2. The cost of mailing the books to you (approximately $20)
  3. The cost of the books if you have already written in them ($150)

Before you complete the CMIT, you must prove language proficiency through diplomas or formal testing. For more information, please email us at help@kitanonprofit.org.

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Lynn Fors, MA, CHI™

Executive Director,
Access Language Solutions

Freelance Interpreting

I transitioned from coordinating language services in a hospital setting to the Executive Director of a non-profit language service agency I founded in 2017. I have rarely needed to rely on freelance interpreting for my primary income; however, I value interpreting as a rewarding profession. I'm excited when someone wants to become a qualified interpreter, whether in community, medical, legal, or conference settings, as it shows a commitment to facilitating communication and making a difference. Interpreting is mission-driven rather than a path to wealth.

For those considering interpreting as a career, starting with an entry-level certificate in medical/community interpreting is essential. Training programs, which have adapted to offer more online and hybrid options since the pandemic, typically require a minimum of 40 hours. Proficiency in English and any other languages you wish to interpret in is crucial, with ratings like ACTFL or ILR indicating adequate proficiency levels.

Becoming a qualified interpreter also involves understanding that many interpreters work as 1099 contractors without steady work or benefits, though some find part- or full-time employment, especially in larger hospitals with dedicated language access departments. Earning an interpreter certificate can significantly enhance your resume if you're aiming for a bilingual role.

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Webinars

Various times throughout the year, we host webinars from distinguished presenters. These webinars are to provide individuals with more specialized training. They cover various topics that an interpreter may encounter. Some examples of the webinars we have offered are “Interpreting Bad News: How Much Do You Want To Know?” and “Vicarious Trauma: Interpreting for Domestic Violence Victims.” Those webinars that are approved for continuing education units (CEUs) will be clearly identified along with the accrediting organization(s).