Frequently asked questions
Why should I do my 60 hour training with the Oregon Health Care Interpreters Association (OHCIA)?
Over the past four years, OHCIA has established itself as a leader in serving and training health care interpreters, successfully training hundreds of interpreters. Through a diverse, qualified staff who know the health care interpreting industry inside and out, you can be sure you are getting the training necessary to succeed as a health care interpreter.
Do I need any prior training/certification/experience to take this 60 hour training?
Our training is set up so the 60 required hours are broken down into eight modules(from 8-5 PM) on eight consecutive weekends. We want to accommodate your potentially full schedule, which is why we only host trainings on a Saturday or Sunday. Additionally, if you have taken some of the modules in the past, you can simply enroll in the remaining modules you have not taken. See our registration webpage for details
What form of payment should I bring if I selected ‘pay at the door?
The only form of payment accepted at the door is debit or credit card.
How can I learn more about the qualification or certification process?
For information on becoming qualified or certified as a health care interpreter, including details on costs and necessary requirements, visit the links below.
For general information, visit:
To learn how to finalize your application for certification/qualification, visit:
When is online training going to be available through OHCIA?
Right now, OHCIA has a partnership with Language Line, an online provider of the 60 hour training course for health care interpreters.
What type of classes of education is required in order to omit taking the medical terminology and anatomy/ physiology classes of the training?
As long as you have a transcript from a university or college in the United States that specifically states "medical terminology" and/or "anatomy and physiology" then you can use the education in place of our modules regarding those subjects. For further questions on which previous education credits count, contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI).
What are all the interpreter training facilities that offer the 60 hour training course?
The Oregon Health Authority has authorized nine different organizations to offer the 60 hour training course.
Do you get a refund if you need to miss a day of training you have already paid for?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for previously paid classes.