OHCIA ONLINE CONTINUING EDUCATION

Course Information & Registration

Health Care Interpreters (HCI's) who are currently Certified or Qualified by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) or by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) 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, NBCMI, OHA or Washington DSHS.

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

Best Practices in Interpreting Oncology Appointments

This class is designed to assist interpreters to learn best practices while interpreting cancer-related appointments. From the first cancer diagnosis, during a succession of treatment methods, to possible end of life care, patients are often faced with uncertainty and fear. Interpreters should learn how best to support patients through clear language and good interpreting skills. The class looks at types of cancers, their progression, how culture may come into play, and how interpreters can take steps to best care for themselves throughout the process.

Mary Soots, BA, MA is an Anthropologist, social researcher and policy analyst, as well as a Certified Health Care Interpreter (Spanish). She is Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Portland State University, is the former Director of Education Programs for the Oregon Health Care Interpreters Association (OHCIA), and provides training to health professionals. Mary holds a M.A. and B.A. in Anthropology from Portland State University, a B.A. in International Studies, as well as Minor Degrees in Spanish and in Geography.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Skills, Ethics, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, August 10th

1 PM - 3 PM PST
Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, click below to get this CEU on demand.

Optimizing Online Research for Language Professionals

In today’s vast sea of information, navigating to the right resources can be a daunting task, whether you are gearing up for an interpreting assignment or tackling a translation project. While we all rely on search engines daily, mastering the art of efficient and prompt information retrieval is crucial for success. Whether you are a translator or an interpreter, this presentation offers practical tips and insights to streamline your internet searches, particularly for medical terminology. Participants will review various online research techniques with specific examples tailored for translators and interpreters and will walk away with new digital habits.

Olga Bogatova is a CoreCHI- and CMI-certified Russian interpreter and translator based in San Francisco, CA. She works as a medical interpreter and translator at Stanford Health Care. Addi- tionally, Olga trains medical interpreters at the Chicago-based non-profit organization Americans Against Language Barriers (AALB). Her daily commitment revolves around serving the medical and legal needs of the local Russian-speaking immigrant community.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA); suggested categories: Skills, Ethics, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, August 17th

1 PM - 3 PM PST
Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, click below to get this CEU on demand.

Exploring the Dynamic Roles of Interpreters in a Physical Therapy Setting

In this course, the instructor will review the physical therapy scope of practice and introduce different settings in which physical therapists (PTs) work, including inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation, pediatrics, neurodevelopment, cardiac, sports medicine, and more. We will discuss patient attributes that may affect our treatment sessions and what PTs need from medical interpreters. We will review concrete examples of how interpreters can support physical therapy sessions, describe etiquette, discuss best ways to clarify for understanding, and explore the unique challenges of video interpretation in a PT setting. We often use novel vocabulary that is specific to PT setting that may not be encountered in other health care settings; The instructor will provide an overview of commonly used words, specific exercises and equipment. The goal of this course is to empower interpreters to clarify the expectations for the interaction and install confidence when interpreting for a physical therapy session.

Elena Absalon, PT, DPT (she/her) is a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy. She works full time at Shriners Children’s in Portland. Elena enjoys working with children of all ages reach their functional goals. She received her undergraduate degree at University of Oregon studying both Human Physiology and Spanish Language and Literature. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University in Denver, CO in 2016. Elena enjoys cycling, walking her dog, and live music.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Suggested categories: Skills, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, September 28th

1 PM - 3 PM PST
Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, click below to get this CEU on demand.

Managing the False Hope of AI

With the promising age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the world is set to see a shift in how things are done in our daily lives, and the interpreting field is no exception. Daily discussions are posted about how AI can improve our productivity and how we do things. This presentation is intended to shed light on the nuances that AI will introduce the interpreting world and will discuss how we can change our mindset to better adapt to the impending invasion of AI into our profession.

Jiaporn Ann Huynh: Growing up in a bilingual household, I was able to use both Thai and English language in my day-to-day life. After living on four continents, the US became my home. Following the birth of my daughter in 2010, the chance to work in the language field offered an opportunity to change my career direction; what I thought to be a part-time job became a career that I am passionate about. I love the all-around aspecto of work that I do. Learning about different things that come with my work– the traveling, the challenges, the different subject matters, the experience and most definitely being in a booth! Currently I am a full-time US DOS conference level contract interpreter. I also work in both State and Federal Courts. While not working, I enjoy reading, traveling and being a mum at home in Monkton, MD.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Skills, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, October 12th

1 PM - 3 PM PST
Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, click below to get this CEU on demand.

Interpreting Mental Health Services Part 2

The first part of this training will address mental health diagnoses and treatment. Learners will gain a basic understanding of common mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and post-traumatic stress disorder. Learners will then get an overview of more complex diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and eating disorders, as well as tips and tricks for interpreting in sessions where people experience symptoms of any of the above mentioned diagnoses. The training will address importance of transparency when interpreting in these sessions, as well as ways to help mental health providers attune to concerns interpreters are picking up on. The second half of this training will educate around common substance use disorders, and elements of successful treatment for substance use. Learners will gain a basic understanding of dual diagnosis treatment and how interpreters can support clinicians doing this work.

Katie Azarow is a licensed clinical social worker in Oregon and Washington, and a certified alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Oregon. Katie has providing mental health services to children, teens and adults for the past 15 years. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings and has supervised new clinicians entering the field for the past six years. Katie’s career began in Omaha, Nebraska, where she spent five years working in dual-diagnosis treatment with teenagers, before moving to Oregon. In the variety of settings she has worked and trained, Katie has been privileged to work alongside interpreters of multiple different languages. It is only through these lived experiences (the successes and the failures) with other helpers in the room, that she has developed strategies for successful use of interpreter services within mental health sessions.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Skills, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, October 26th

1 PM - 3 PM PST
Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, click below to get this CEU on demand.

Participatory Medicine: Medical Interpretation for the Optometric Eye Exam

"Which is better, one or two?" This course will cover what to expect when a patient receives an eye and vision examination with optometry or ophthalmology. Included is pertinent family history, patient medications, and systemic diseases that affect the eyes and vision. The course will also detail refraction, or the determination of the eyeglass prescription, binocular vision, and the ocular health exam. Introduction to the multiple special instruments used uniquely in eye care will round out the course.

James Kundart, OD, PhD: After five years in private practice, I've been teaching optometry at Pacific University since 2005. I teach three core courses, three electives, and two vision science courses, in addition to running our 3D Vision Service at Pacific Eye Clinic, Beaverton, since we opened that clinic over a decade ago. More information about me is here: https://www.pacificu.edu/about/directory/people/james-kundart-od-phd-med-faao-fcovd

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Suggested categories: Skills, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, November 9th

2 PM - 4 PM PST
Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, click below to get this CEU on demand.

Introduction to Orthotics and Prosthetics

In this course you will learn common devices and practices associated with the field of orthotics and prosthetics. These terms and practices are reasonably unique to the rehabilitation segment of healthcare and may not be familiar to the audience. Exposure to and familiarity with the presented concepts will improve communication through the interpreter, resulting in better patient care.

Todd DeWees, MHA, L/CPO is a certified orthotist and prosthetist with over 20 years of experience focusing primarily in pediatrics. He is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in orthotics and prosthetics. He also holds a bachelor’s in human biology and a master’s in Healthcare administration. He is currently the manager of O&P and residency director at Shriners Children’s in Portland, Oregon. He is passionate about and is a lecturer at three local universities additionally, he has authored multiple book chapters and presented at several national conferences, including AAOP and ACPOC. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and serves on the content review committee for The Academy Today. His professional interests include interest include pediatric O&P, education and leadership development.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Suggested categories: Skills, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, November 16th

Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, click below to get this CEU on demand.

Interpreting for Speech Language Pathology

This CEU is designed to equip interpreters with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively work in speech therapy sessions. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of speech language pathologists (SLPs) and the broad scope of their practice, from diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders to supporting patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. Interpreters will learn strategies to navigate the unique challenges of speech therapy appointments, including understanding key terminology, managing complex linguistic and cultural dyna- mics, and fostering successful communication between therapists, patients, and families. The course will also emphasize the importance of collaboration between interpreters and SLPs to ensure optimal patient care.

Eva Vázquez began her interpreting career in 2004 as a staff interpreter at Salem Health, where she worked until 2011, then transitioned to a part-time position to focus on raising her children. Her passion for language services remained and, in 2017, she returned to school to pursue a career as a Speech Language Pathologist. While earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, she continued to interpret on a contract basis and as an unscheduled interpreter at Salem Health. In 2022, she became licensed Speech Therapist, working with outpatient clients at Salem Health, where her caseload is approximately 60% Spanish-speaking. She is passionate about bridging language gaps in healthcare and working with her local Spanish-speaking community.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Suggested categories: Ethics, Skills, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, November 23rd

Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, this CEU will be available on demand soon!

Occupational Therapy: Preparing Interpreters for Encounters Across the Continuum of Care

Occupational therapy involves the use of daily occupations as a therapeutic means for enhancing or enabling participation of persons, groups, or populations in everyday life. This course will outline the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework for health care interpreters assisting occupational therapists across the continuum of health care. Special attention will be given to therapeutic contexts, interventions and populations within the health care setting. Specific vocabulary will be defined and assessments will be illustrated. The latter half of the presentation will offer sample patient-provider encounters so that course participants may apply their learning to real-world interpretation scenarios.

Anne Murphy-Hagan, OTD, OTR/L,BCP is an AOTA board-certified specialist in pediatrics. She works full-time as a bilingual (Spanish-English speaking) Senior Occupational Therapist at Shriners Children’s Portland. Anne received a Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She is passionate about pushing kids to realize their full potential. As a former college athlete, she especially enjoys working on rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity. She has several published articles in peer-reviewed journals on peer mentorship and educational innovations in occupational therapy.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• 2.0 CEUs approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Suggested categories: Skills, Other

• 2.0 CEUs approved by CCHI

• 0.2 CEUs approved by NBCMI/IMIA

Saturday, December 14th

Cost: $39

Did you miss it? Don't worry, this CEU will be available on demand soon!

CCHI/NBCMI Exam Preparation Workshop

Three-hour workshop (not eligible for CE credit) 

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

Mary Soots, BA, MA is an Anthropologist, social researcher and policy analyst, as well as a Certified Health Care Interpreter (Spanish). She is Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Portland State University, is the former Director of Education Programs for the Oregon Health Care Interpreters Association (OHCIA), and provides training to health professionals. Mary holds a M.A. and B.A. in Anthropology from Portland State University, a B.A. in International Studies, as well as Minor Degrees in Spanish and in Geography.

Saturday, January 11th, 2025

1 PM - 4 PM PST
Cost: $55

Obstetric Care and Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is a crucial period in which positive effects can be generated for the health of women, families and the entire community. Many women access the healthcare system when they learn of their pregnancy, a time when the desire to make significant changes in overall health arises. This desire to improve family health is very strong during pregnancy. Prenatal care offers the opportunity to get to know our patients in depth and sometimes allows us to detect health problems that generate fear and stress, both in women and their families. It is essential to sensitively address the risks, complications, and difficulties during this process to keep patients involved in their care. The birth of a baby is one of the most special moments for everyone, but many have no previous experience and some have stayed away from the process due to cultural aspects related to social forces, such as machismo, paternalism and colonialism. As a result, many women have had traumatic experiences during their previous pregnancies and births, and often their first experiences in U.S. hospitals are with us. At the time of delivery, we have the opportunity to offer many families experiences that can heal past wounds caused by negative experiences in previous births. We can provide a beautiful, healing, and respectful experience that opens doors to mental health and improves family relationships, helping to prevent the repetition of cycles of violence and abuse learned in families of origin. In the end, our goal is to build a healthier community, with more respectful relationships and children who grow up in healthy homes, both physically and emotionally. When families receiving this care need an interpreter, these delicate moments can present barriers that hinder not only the understanding of delicate situations and conditions, but can also affect the health of the baby, the mother and the family. It is crucial that the interpreter feels comfortable in these situations and conversations, so that the family feels safe and confident in their health team and in the hospital system they go to for delivery.

Monica Arce grew up in Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States to begin her undergraduate studies in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1990. After graduating from Tulane University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Composition and Music Theory, she moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1994, where she worked as a medical interpreter from 1994 to 2004. In her last seven years as an interpreter, she worked at the OHSU Center for Women’s Health, interpreting for numerous pregnant patients who required care with multiple specialists due to high-risk pregnancies. During this time, Monica developed a strong desire to serve her Latino community, not only as an interpreter, but also as a direct health care provider. She enrolled in the OHSU program to train as a midwife, and after three years, she graduated in 2007. Her goal was to find a placewhere the majority of clients were Latino and Spanish-speaking, and she found the perfect location at Clinica Virginia Garcia. She began working as a midwife at Virginia Garcia’s primary care clinic in Hillsboro. In 2010, she was appointed head of the obstetric care providers group. In 2017, she led the opening of the Virginia Garcia Reproductive Clinic, where all of the clinic ́s pregnancy care was centralized. Monica has been working with the Latino community for 24 years, first as an interpreter, and then as a midwife and has participated in the birth of more than 2000 babies.

2 Hours of Continuing Education Credit

• CEUs are waiting for approval. This section will be updated when CEUs are approved.

Saturday, January 18th, 2025

More information and registration coming soon

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

Washington department of social & Health Services RENEWAL:

Please follow the link to their website for information about all the requirements.

Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS):

NOTE:  Renewal requirements must be met before the expiration date.

To maintain Certification, HCI's must complete the following CEU's: 

• 16 general credits

• 4 ethics training