How to Register for Bridging the Gap Medical Interpreter or Mental Health Training

Follow the steps below to complete your registration. Please note that steps 1-3 must be completed before the course begins.

We’re now offering day, evening and weekend classes to fit your busy lifestyle.

Step 1:Submit Proof of Language Proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate fluency in English and a second language.

  • If you’ve already taken a recognized language proficiency assessment (e.g., TOEFL, ACTFL, etc.), you may submit your score report for review.

  • Email documentation to info@epmlanguage.com for verification.

  • If approved, we will notify you via email with next steps.

Step 2:Schedule Your Language Proficiency Assessment (LPA)

If you have not taken a proficiency exam, you’ll need to take the Language Proficiency Assessment (LPA). We offer it through Alta Language Services.

  • This fee is not included in the course tuition.

  • The assessment must be completed at least two weeks before the course start date.

  • The exam will be scheduled based on your availability.

Step 3:Pass the Language Proficiency Assessment

To be eligible for enrollment:

  • Applicants must score at least 9 out of 12 on Alta’s scale.

  • Once a favorable score is received, EPM will send you a registration link via email.

Step 4:Complete Application & Submit Fees for the 40-Hour or 64-HourTraining

40-Hour Training
Submit your application form and pay the $150 non-refundable application fee to confirm your seat in the course.

  1. The remaining balance of $525 must be paid before the course begins.

  2. Payments will not be accepted once the course has started.

64-Hour Training
Submit your application form and pay the $200 non-refundable application fee to confirm your seat in the course.

  1. The remaining balance of $595 must be paid before the course begins.

  2. Payments will not be accepted once the course has started.

Step 5:Attend All Classes & Pass Final Exam

To receive your Certificate of Completion, participants must:

  • Attend 100% of the course sessions

  • Score 70% or higher on the final exam

  • For virtual students: Use a computer or tablet with working camera, microphone, and access to Zoom or Microsoft Teams

If you are unable to attend due to a valid emergency or schedule conflict, we’ll work with you to reschedule for a future training session. Please notify us before your scheduled start date.

Missed course due to emergency?

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are exempt from the oral exam requirement.
To register:

  • Submit proof of RID Certification along with the $150 application fee.

Special note for ASL Interpreters

Interpreter Training Tuition and Fees

Fluency Assessment:

  • A language fluency exam is required for non-English language proficiency and costs $70 per scheduled test. If you do not meet the passing threshold, you may retest at your discretion for the same fee.

Training Cost:

  • 40-Hour Bridging the Gap: Medical Interpreter Training – $675
    This fee includes your full training, official textbook, and all course materials.

All fees are non-refundable, except where otherwise noted in specific cancellation or refund policies.

Interpreter Training Class Format

At EPM, we offer flexible training options to meet your needs. Courses are available both online and in person, allowing you to choose the format that works best for your schedule and learning style.

Online Classes are conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. To participate, students must:

  • Attend all 40 or 64 hours of instruction (camera and video must remain on)

  • Use a working computer or tablet with a camera and microphone

  • Have Zoom or Teams downloaded and functioning prior to the start of class

  • Complete and pass the final exam to receive their training certificate

Students will receive a secure link and password to access the sessions. Please note: classes are not recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Bridging the Gap (BTG) was the first 40-hour training program, setting the standard on Medical Interpreter Training.

  • YES! You must attend all classes and receive a passing grade on the final. BTG will then issue you a certificate of completion and then you will be able to use it as soon as it is received. If seeking employment, some organizations or interpreting agencies require the certificate and some require you to be Nationally certified. Please check with the organization or agency you plan on applying to.

  • YES! This 40-to-64-hour professional development program is designed to prepare bilingual individuals to work as medical interpreters. We train on the tools needed. Novice and experienced medical interpreters are welcomed!

  • In order to attend the course, you have to be able to speak fluent English and the target language. If you do not pass, you can register again and try again.

  • If you are a native speaker, begin practicing your skills.

  • Sorry, not at this time but check back again periodically.

  • We do not provide job placement, but there are agencies and hospitals we can suggest. We recommend the following websites: Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, Monster.com, Linkedln.com

  • YES! According to INDEED, the average salary is $26 an hour. If you work in healthcare, check with your HR department to see what they offer.

  • Please check with your manager or HR department with regards to reimbursement and what do they offer.

  • Some hospitals allow volunteering of language interpreters. Please reach out to your local hospital’s Volunteer Department.

  • YES! As long as we have another candidate who speaks the language for practice. You will also have to pay for the language glossary in addition to the course fee. Please let us know.

  • Check with your state. We offer Medical Interpreter Training. There is training for the courts.

  • If your goal is National certification, this is where we come in. You need to complete a 40 hour Medical Interpreter Training course. We train on the tools needed to be successful and qualified interpreter. Our Bridging the Gap Medical Interpreter Training is a prerequisite for the National exam.

    The certificate received is proof of training along with the language proficiency. You can apply to the national certification exams of NBCMI or CCHI.  Passing the NBCMI or CCHI exam will make you a Nationally Certified Medical Interpreter.

  • YES! Let us know how we can help you.

  • YES! Joining an association can help you with resources, continuing education, and more.

    NCIHC (National Council on Interpreting in Health Care)

    IMIA (International Medical Interpreters Association)

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 certified medical interpreter.