Designed to provide English and Spanish speaking individuals knowledge and skills to be entry-level interpreters and translators in healthcare settings.
Bilingual JCCC graduates help patients and doctors understand each other. Read about some of their career and education experiences, and see what you can do as a health care interpreter.
Fall 2025 program
Fall 2024 candidates have been selected for the Health Care Interpreting program.
Email Christina Wolff at cdecasqu@jccc.edu to set up testing.
Convert and clarify messages and be a cultural advocate
Serve as a key component of a care team by facilitating communication between patients who do not speak English and care professionals. During the 20-credit hour program training, you learn:
- Cultural concepts, usage and expressions
- Spanish language varieties, dialects, and accents
- Common medical conditions, treatments, protocols and procedures
- Medical terminology in both English and Spanish
- The importance of providers’ and clients’ cultural beliefs and values
- Intercultural communication, cross-cultural mediation and conflict resolution
- A code of ethics and professional standards of practice for interpreters
- Application of interpreting and translating skills in English and Spanish
- Legal aspects of interpreting and potential legal liabilities of interpreters
According to recent figures, about 40,000 people of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity reside in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City metro area, many of whom speak little to no English.
Why JCCC for Health Care Interpreting?
You can complete the program in 3 semesters, or longer, depending on your schedule and personal needs.
The coursework includes 5 classes developed specifically for the program and 2 noninterpreting classes:
- Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals (HC 130)
- Introduction to Health Care Delivery (HC 101)
Comprehensive training will teach you:
- Cultural concepts, usage and expressions
- Spanish language varieties, dialects, and accents
- Common medical conditions, treatments, protocols and procedures
- Medical terminology in both English and Spanish
- The importance of providers’ and clients’ cultural beliefs and values
- Intercultural communication, cross-cultural mediation and conflict resolution
- A code of ethics and professional standards of practice for interpreters
- Application of interpreting and translating skills in English and Spanish
- Legal aspects of interpreting and potential legal liabilities of interpreters
JCCC’s Health Care Interpreting program has had nearly 100% completion rates.
- Our reputation is so respected, many students are recruited before they complete the program
- Our instructors have worked directly within the healthcare system and bring direct experience and knowledge to the classroom
- JCCC hosts a yearly Mid-America Chapter of the American Translators Association conference where students can network and learn from others
Find your future in Health Care Interpreting
Jobs and salaries vary for careers in Health Care Interpreting depending on region and specialty.
Some possible career options are:
- Spanish Medical Interpreter
- Certified Medical Interpreter
- Hospital Interpreter
- Emergency Room Interpreter
- International Spanish Interpreter
- Healthcare Office Interpreter
- Interpreter Freelance Services
- Customer Service Interpreter
- Billing Service Interpreter
Find employment projections and salary information at the Power BI Post Graduate Report.
In compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations, JCCC provides information pertaining to professional licensure and certification for all relevant programs. Visit our Professional Licensure page for more information.
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Want to continue your education at a 4-year college or university? You can transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Arrange an appointment with a Counselor to discuss your plans and ensure a smooth transfer experience.
Need help with career decisions? Visit the Career Development Center
Contact Info
Christina Wolff, Chair
Phone: 913-469-8500, ext. 3513
Location: LIB 342D
Email: cdecasqu@jccc.edu
