Become a Qualified or Certified Health Care Interpreter
Becoming a certified or qualified Health Care interpreter in Oregon is essential to providing accurate and effective interpretation.
Important Note: We as the OHCIA are a non-profit that resources and supports Health Care interpreters. We are not the entity that oversees certification or qualification, nor do we accept applications for this process. This is the responsibility of the Oregon Health Authority’s Office of Equity and Inclusion.
If you have questions please contact Health Care Interpreter Program by email at HCI.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov or by phone at (971) 673-3378.
What Is OHA (Oregon Health Authority) - Division of Equity and Inclusion?
The Division of Equity and Inclusion 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 Certification and Qualification?
Certification and qualification are Oregon state standards for Health Care interpreters (HCIs) set by the Oregon Health Authority. They exist to ensure quality interpretation services for limited English proficient patients (LEP) and to secure recognition of the HCI as an integral part of the medical team.
How Much Does It Cost? Which Should I Choose? NBCMI or CCHI?
Both the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) and the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) offer comparable exam content and pricing, and each have their individual benefits in terms of languages offered, testing locations, etc. A good first step is to visit their websites:
Why Should I Get Certified or Qualified?
There are many great reasons for getting certified or qualified:
Getting properly training is key to providing accurate interpretation services
Many interpreter agencies will give a pay increase for certified or qualified interpreters
For those certified, you receive the status of a Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) or Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) , depending on which exam you take
You become an active part of bringing professionalism to the health care interpreter industry
Your high level of expertise benefits the limited English proficient (LEP) patients you interpret for
Oregon Health Authority - Division of Equity and Inclusion information on renewal requirements.
OHA RENEWAL: All Oregon State-approved HCI letters (Qualified and Certified are valid for 4 years from the date of issue.)
All Qualified and Certified HCI's must complete 24 hours of OHA approved continuing education (CEU):
Six Hours Health Care Interpreter Ethics
Six Hours Interpretation Skills
Twelve Hours of Any Topic Approved by the National Board for Certification of Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)
For further details check their website HERE.