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English Spanish Interpreter Trainings Frequent Questions

  1. When are the next Wake AHEC Interpreter Courses and is there a fee?

     When the next set of courses are scheduled, they will be listed in the Wake AHEC Program Listings.  Wake AHEC’s courses are usually held in August and there is a fee.  The NC Immigrant Health website lists the interpreter courses that are scheduled for all of the AHEC’s throughout North Carolina.
     
  1. Who should take Interpreter I?

This program is for persons providing interpreter services or desiring to provide interpreter services in a health and human services setting (hospital, health department, doctors’ offices, clinics).  Participants Must be able to read, write and speak English and Spanish fluently.

At the conclusion of Interpreter I, participants should be able to:

a. State the primary roles and functions of an interpreter in a health or human service setting;
b. Describe the importance of ethical and confidential interpreter services; and
c. Recognize the effective use of interpreter tools, techniques, and resources.

  1. Do I need to take Level II?  This session is a continuation of Level I Interpreter Training
    with additional emphasis on interactive skills-building sessions. 

At the conclusion of this program, the participant should be able to:

a.      Demonstrate skills for consecutive interpretation;
b.      Apply the Interpreters’ Code of Ethics;
c.      Discuss challenging interpreting situations in health and human services; and
d.      Describe resources for professional development.

  1. I want to register for Level II or III and I have taken Level I and/or II at another AHEC. 

Ask the participant at what AHEC they took the previous level(s) and what date.  Please note this information on their registration form.

  1. Can I just take Level III? 

Approval to enroll in Level III only is given by the NC Statewide Health and Human Services Interpreter Training Coordinator, Marie Miranda-Robles, (919) 431-1613.

  1. I am coming from out of town.  Do you have any hotels near by that can be recommended?

We do not recommend any specific hotels but can provide a list of nearby hotels.

  1. Once I complete the AHEC Courses, will I be a “Certified Medical Interpreter? 

At this time, North Carolina has neither a certification requirement nor a certification
program. Wake AHEC will provide you with a certificate after each course showing that
you completed that course.    

  1. How can I find out about resources for Spanish language or AHEC courses?

    A listing is available online at the Wake AHEC website: Resources for Spanish Language and Cultural Competency or  www.hhcc.arealahec.dst.nc.us.
     
  2. Are there any organizations that may provide additional information on being an interpreter in North Carolina?

The Carolina Association of Translators and Interpreters (CATI) serves North and South Carolina as a Chapter of the American Translators Association (ATA) and membership is open to anyone interested in translation or interpretation.  As a Chapter of the American Translators Association, CATI abides by the ATA Code of Professional Conduct and Business Practices.  CATI may be contacted via web at www.catiweb.org, e-mail: catiweb@pobox.com, phone: (919) 577-0840, and they are located at 318 Bandock Drive, Durham, NC 27703.

  1. Who can help me with further information about becoming an interpreter, the AHEC courses, or about validating the skills of potential translators and interpreters? 

    NC Statewide Health and Human Services Interpreter Training Coordinator, Marie Miranda-Robles, (919) 431-1613, is available to assist healthcare agencies and providers in validating the skills of potential translators and interpreters.  She can also answer questions from interpreters or those interested in becoming an interpreter regarding training in North Carolina. 
     
  2. Where can I find Spanish courses?

Many of the community colleges offer interpreter courses.  Contact your local community college or call the North Carolina Community College System office at 919-807-7100.  The NC Community College System web address is www.ncccs.cc.nc.us.