Cross Cultural Health Care Program’s Bridging the Gap (BTG) Medical Interpreter Training

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a nationally recognized medical interpreter training program offered at EPM Interpreter Training & Language Services LLC under official license. This professional development course is available in two formats—40-hour and 64-hour options—and is designed to prepare bilingual and multilingual individuals to become qualified medical interpreters.

Whether you’re just starting out or already working in the field, this training will provide the essential skills and knowledge to interpret confidently and accurately in healthcare settings.

Who is this course for?

  • Bilingual or multilingual speakers of any language

  • Newcomers to interpretation with no prior experience

  • Working interpreters seeking professional training or national certification

  • Healthcare professionals, educators, and community workers looking to enhance language access skills

What you’ll learn:

  • Interpreter ethics and national standards of practice

  • Medical terminology and communication protocols

  • Cultural competency and managing interpreted encounters

  • How to begin the path to National Certification

The 40 hour program includes:

  • Anatomy and physiology

  • Code of Ethics

  • Culture and its impact on interpreting

  • Interpreting skills

  • Medical terminology

  • Memory development

  • Navigating the United States Healthcare System

  • Patient advocacy

  • Professional development

  • Roles of the interpreter

  • Role-play exercises in both English and target Languages

  • Standards of Practice, etc…

Ask us about the 64-hour BTG course that includes interpreting in mental health and considerations for interpreting for marginalized communities.

Our 64-hour course also addresses health disparities and has additional medical terminology.

Medical Interpreter Training Prerequisites

Applicants must:

  • Be age 18 or older or part of a workforce development program, High School seniors are welcomed.

  • Proof of fluency in English (HS Diploma, post-secondary level)

  • Pass language assessment exam from a reputable testing organization or schedule through us.

The course is delivered in English and open to speakers of all languages. Completion of Bridging the Gap fulfills the 40-hour training prerequisite required to apply for national certification through CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) and NBCMI (National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters).

This training meets three of the key requirements for becoming a Nationally Certified Medical Interpreter.