Bridging the Gap: Medical Interpreter Training
The Bridging the Gap (BTG) medical interpreter training program was developed by the Cross Cultural Health Care Program in the 1990s. Since its inception, BTG has come to be globally recognized for its dependability and excellence in preparing bilingual individuals to work as effective, competent, and professional medical interpreters.
The training covers essential topics, such as:
- interpreter roles and ethics
- interpreting skills
- medical terminology
- the impact of culture
- overview of the health care system.
Aspiring interpreters can feel confident that the training will adequately prepare them to interpret in health care settings. The signed and individually numbered certificate they receive will be recognized by nearly all potential employers. In addition to program recognition, the BTG course fulfills the necessary 40-hour training pre-requisite for those interpreters pursuing a national medical interpreter certification.
Upcoming BTG Trainings! (Online via WebEx Training)
Online classes will be held for 4 hours a day for 10 days (Mon-Wed-Fri). The 11th day will consist of a 1-hour final exam. Participants must attend all 40 hours and successfully pass the final exam in order to receive their 40-hour certificate of training. Tuition is non-refundable.
Online Learning Requirements
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bridging the Gap Training has been moved from an in-person class to an online class. To achieve the same dynamic classroom environment, all participants must have a computer, camera, and microphone in order to virtually attend. The class will be delivered via WebEx Training. Instructions on how to download the WebEx Training app will appear when you join your first class. All registered participants will be given a URL link and password to attend class each day. All trainings will be recorded and participants must agree to have their image recorded before registration. Video recordings are for training purposes only and will not be shared with any entity outside of Grady Health System or the Cross Cultural Healthcare System.
To learn more about WebEx Training, please click here. https://launch.webex.com/launch/lsr.php?RCID=2655c5a915dd48c1ab5d2cf3f9dda3a4
To learn more about joining a Zoom meeting, please click here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193
Upcoming Training Dates: Spring 2023
March 29, 31, April 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, and the final exam on April 24, 2023.
All classes held between 8 a.m. to Noon
The deadline to register is March 17, 2023.
Upcoming Training Dates: Fall 2023
September 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, October 2, 4, and the final exam on October 9, 2023.
All classes held between 8 a.m. to Noon
The deadline to register is September 1, 2023.
BTG Prerequisites
Every applicant must be 18 years of age and provide proof of fluency in both English and their working language before training admittance. All documented proof of fluency should be submitted to [email protected]. Documents will be individually reviewed for approval. If you would like for Grady staff to assist you in scheduling a fluency exam, please register for a fluency exam.
Examples of sufficient proof of fluency include:
- A high school or post-secondary level diploma with the classes conducted in either English or the language of service
- Successfully passing fluency exams from a reputable testing organization in English and the language of service
Tuition and Fees
Pre-admission cost: Candidates that require fluency exams will be charged a non-refundable fee of $75 per exam. Candidates who do not pass their fluency exams will be required to wait a minimum of 6 months before retaking the exam.
Training Cost: The 40-hour Bridging the Gap: Medical Interpreter Training training is a non-refundable cost of $550, which includes the trainer, a textbook, and supplementary coursework materials.
Registration
Training space is limited and enrollment is not guaranteed. All participants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
STEP 1: Submit Proof of Fluency to [email protected] and wait for your official Grady Proof of Fluency approval letter. If you currently don’t have proof of fluency, please register for an exam. Candidates that require fluency exams will be charged a non-refundable fee of $75 per exam.
STEP 2: Once you receive your Proof of Fluency approval letter, submit your full $550 tuition payment for the Bridging The Gap course online.
STEP 3: Receive your email confirmation letter as proof of enrollment
Pay Fees
FLUENCY EXAMS
Please skip this step if you have already submitted other methods of proof of fluency and have received your proof of fluency approval letter. Candidates that require fluency exams will be charged a non-refundable fee of $75 per exam.
BRIDGING THE GAP COURSE
Before clicking on the payment link below please make sure that you have received your Official Grady Proof of Fluency approval letter. All payments are non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
View AllAfter the successful completion of BTG you will receive a 40-hour signed and numbered certificate of medical interpreter training. This will allow you to start your path as a medical interpreter. Your BTG certificate fulfills the necessary 40-hour training pre-requisite for those interpreters pursuing their National Medical Interpreter Certification. For more information about National Medical Interpreter Certification and their pre-requisites, please visit each accrediting organization’s respective website:
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)
National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)
Candidates who are not able to provide proof of fluency and who do not pass all or a portion of the fluency exams will not be allowed admittance into the course and will be required to wait a minimum of 6 months before retaking the exam to participate in future trainings.
All participants must attend all 40 hours of the training in order to receive a certificate of completion. Participants are encouraged to arrange backup care for children or family members in case of emergencies.
Participants who don’t pass the written final exam will be given another opportunity to retake the exam. If after retaking the exam, the participant does not pass again, then they will be required to re-take the course at no additional cost.
Instructions for how to take the fluency exam(s) will be sent to your email within 5 business days. Please take your exam within one week of receiving your email instructions. If after 5 business days you have not received your instructions, please check your spam or junk mail to see if it’s there. You may also contact us at [email protected] if you do not receive your instructions.