OHCIA ONLINE CONTINUING EDUCATION

Course Information & Registration

Health Care Interpreters (HCI's) who are currently Certified or Qualified by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are required to take Continuing Education classes over the 4-year period in order to renew their credentials. For further information on renewal requirements, scroll down to the bottom of this page. 

The OHCIA offers interactive and relevant classes designed to expand your interpreter knowledge in the areas of Interpreter Skills, Ethics, or Other Skills.  Please check individual class information below for accreditation details. Classes may be approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by CCHI, IMIA/NBCMI, or OHA.

In addition, some classes are accredited for certification renewal by the CCHI or IMIA/NBCMI.

Some classes may be eligible for Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) Continuing Education credit.

Non-accredited interpreters are encouraged to take our 60-hour Health Care Interpreter training.

REFUNDS: No cash refunds.  Individuals who pay for a continuing education class and cannot attend may request a credit towards a future class if available. In the event a class is canceled, you will receive a voucher for a future CEU/class. NO EXCEPTIONS. If a refund is approved- it will be done through a check at the end of the month, if OHCIA received the request by the 20th of the month.

Current CEU Offerings

We are pleased to announce that OHCIA will offer online CEUs from our 11th Annual Conference, as well as some amazing training sessions that we were unable to include due to time, space, and instructor availability constraints. This is the first in a series of twelve CEUs that we will offer in 2026.

CEU Course: Avoid Getting Strung Out About Addiction Appointments
When: Saturday, June 20th, 2026
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Instructor: Mary Soots

Course Description: Interpreters are often requested for appointments dealing with different types of addictions. It's high time interpreters learn about substance use disorder, classified as a disease, and other types of addictions that are classified as mental health disorders. If you are craving a fix for delving into this topic, satisfy your craving as we explore the types of appointments such as outpatient and inpatient screenings, intake evaluations, treatment, or discharge from inpatient facilities. We explore genetic, environmental, and psycological factors which can lead to addiction, effects of addiction, co-occurring conditions, and treatment modalities. If you are Jonesing to learn clinical and recovery terminology, as well as street names for substances and behaviors, this class is for you. We will apply the principles of Interpreter Ethics in relation to interpreting addiction appointments, as well as interpreter self-care.

CEU approved by OHA, CCHI and NBCMI
Suggested OHA Categories: Skills, Ethics, Other

Cost: Only $39 for 2 hours of continuing education credit

CEU Course: The Human Side of Accuracy: Empathy as a Professional Skill
When: Tuesday, July 7th, 2026
Time: TBD
Instructor: Sonia Hernandez

Course Description: Accuracy in interpreting extends beyond words, it includes how meaning, emotion, and intent are delivered. In high-stakes healthcare and community settings, we as interpreters are often present at moments of vulnerability, stress, and uncertainty. This presentation explores empathy not as emotional involvement, but as a professional competency that supports accuracy, ethical practice, and trust. We will examine how tone, pacing, register, and delivery choices communicate emotion and meaning, and how overly mechanical or “robotic” interpreting can unintentionally distort messages or impact rapport. The session will also address cultural humility as an essential lens for empathetic practice, helping interpreters navigate differences without overstepping professional boundaries. With real-world scenarios, this presentation connects empathy-informed interpreting to CCHI core competencies and OHA ethical standards, emphasizing professionalism, impartiality, accuracy, and respect. After this presentation, attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate empathy into their work while maintaining ethical boundaries and interpreter role clarity.

CEU approved by OHA, CCHI and NBCMI
Suggested OHA Categories: Skills, Ethics, Other

Heath Care Interpreter (HCl) Qualified and Certified Continuing Education Requirements

The HCl credential expires 4 years from the date you have been approved as a Qualified or Certified health care interpreter (HCl), as indicated on your determination Letter.

All renewing Qualified and Certified HCl's MUST complete 24 hours of OHA approved continuing education (CEU).

Renewing applicants must indicate the CEUs that fulfill the following requirements:

• Six hours of health care interpreter ethics

• Six hours of health care interpreter skills

• An additional 12 hours that cover any topics accepted for continuing education by interpreter certification testing centers on the Authority maintained list provided for in OAR 950-050-0070

If you are planning to renew your credentials early, before the credential expiration date as indicated on your determination letter, moving from qualified to certified, you must still provide the required CEU hours on a proportional basis.

Moving from qualified to certified before expiration date:

The hours are calculated as follows:

The total number of CEUs needed is 24 CEUs; 6 skills, 6 ethics, and 12 other accepted topics. Dividing the 24 CEUs by 4 years:

1 year before your expiration date = 18 CEUs needed

2 years before your expiration date = 12 CEUs needed

3 years before your expiration date = 6 CEUs needed