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.

CMIT™

Freelance Interpreting

Webinars

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.

How is this class set up?

What is the cost of the program?

What is the passing score of the language exams?

How will the language assessment be set up?

What happens after I pass the language assessment?

What happens if I miss a class?

What materials do I need to complete the class?

Will I be a certified interpreter after passing?

Will I be able to interpret in other venues after receiving this training?

Can I be put on a waiting list for future CMITs?

Why get medical interpreter training?

What kind of work can I expect to do as a qualified interpreter?

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.

What if I need a refund?

Am I qualified to take the CMIT?

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.

Expand to find links to help you on your journey

Become A Court Interpreter in Kentucky
The Community Interpreter Program is a 40-hour online self-paced medical/community interpreter certificate course
Third-party ACTFL/ILR-based $37 language testing for Spanish, Mandarin, and English provided by Parrot.
Additional third-party language testing is available at a higher cost through Parrot. Email Lynn@AccessLanguageSolutions.org for more information
Additional ACTFL/ILR-based language testing: ALTA Language Services, Inc.
Email Lynn@AccessLanguageSolutions.org if you’d like to take one of their tests. Note: ALTA only schedules exams through corporate accounts.
National Medical Interpreter Certification: Core Certification Healthcare Interpreter™
National Medical Interpreter Certification: The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
National interpreter companies to explore: AMN, Boostlingo, CyraCom, Globo, Language Line

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).