Welcome

The Oregon Health Care Interpreters Association, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, website. Looking to complete your interpreter training for qualification/certification? Or to complete Continuing Education Classes?

Utilize the options below to find out more info and register all at once.

Continuing Education Units

DELIVERED: Online only

BEST FOR: Interpreters looking to fulfill their CEU requirements to maintain certification/qualification

FALL 2024 TRAINING

60-hour Health Care Interpreter Training

WHEN:

  • Thursday class: September 26 - December 5, from 4-6pm

  • Saturday class: September 28 - December 7, from 9-11am

DELIVERED: Instruction will be 2 hours online plus 4 additional hours per week minimum study time.

BEST FOR: Interpreters looking to complete the 60-hour Health Care Interpreter Training for qualification/certification in Oregon

Full scholarships are available for interpreters that speak the languages spoken in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Also for Mayan and Mesoamerican interpreters. Send an email to training@ohcia.org to obtain more information.

CCHI/NBCMI Exam Preparation Workshop

Three-hour workshop (not eligible for CE credit)

Interactive and informative • Language-neutral • Limited capacity class

Cost: $49

DELIVERED: Online via Zoom

This workshop is designed to prepare interpreters of select languages for the written and oral exams by the Certification Commission for Health Interpreters (CCHI) and the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). As a nationally certified interpreting having proved their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, terminology, and ethics as well as interpreting skills will open doors to interpreting opportunities. We will provide an overview of exam content, help decide which board is best for you, and give tips and strategies for passing the national board exams to help you earn your maximum potential.

PROVIDER TRAININGS

Are you a provider who works with interpreters? Would you like to provide training for your staff? OHCIA offers customized training for providers on best practices in working with interpreters. Whether you are looking for a brief 1-hour training on language access laws and recent legislation in Oregon, or an 8-hour review of human anatomy and medical terminology, we will create a training class based on your specialized needs.

Please email susy@ohcia.org for additional information.

Enrollment Requirements for 60-hour Health Care Interpreter Training

OHCIA's Requirements to enter the 60-hour training program:

  • Be 18 years of age

  • Have a high school diploma or GED minimum (some exceptions approved directly by The Equity and Inclusion Division in exceptional cases)

  • Have proof of English proficiency and target language proficiency

  • Commit to attending the full 60-hour training.

  • You have to have access to Wi-Fi/internet and to a computer or smart device such as an iPad. If you need a PC, let us know.

  • Be actively working as an interpreter or you can be new to the industry (in-house or as an independent contractor) in good standing

  • Note: You don't need 15 hours of interpreting experience to take the training

State of Oregon Health Care Interpreter Credentialling Requirements:

  • Pass the 60-Hour Health Care Interpreter training above.

  • Provide documentation:
    (1) Valid passport or driver’s license
    (2) Must not be on Medicaid Exclusion list (print out search results)
    (3) Have 15 hours of interpreter experience at the time of application (volunteer hours OK)
    (4) Meet proof of proficiency level in the target language. State of Oregon requirements list here

Our training is fully accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing interpreters in compliance with ADA law

Frequently Asked Topics

Is OHCIA the same as OHA/Equity and Inclusion Division?

OHCIA is not the Equity and Inclusion Division and DOES NOT process credentials. You must reach out to OHA/Equity and Inclusion Division for information on credentials.

OHCIA is a non-profit meant to help interpreters complete the 60-hour Health Care Interpreter Training and we provide Continuing Education Unit classes online.

What is the OHA/Equity and Inclusion Division?

The Equity and Inclusion Division is the part of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) that oversees and regulates the certification and qualification process for Health Care interpreters (HCIs).

You can contact the Health Care Interpreter (HCI) Program at HCI.Program@dhsoha.state.or.us

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CERTIFICATION AND QUALIFICATION?

See the video explaining, in simple terms, the process for certification or qualification of Health Care interpreters in Oregon

If you need information about Qualification vs Certification process, please email the Oregon Health Care Interpreter Program at HCI.Program@dhsoha.state.or.us or call 971-673-3378