State of Oregon approves new web-based interpreting training program

A new web-based interpreting training program developed by LanguageLine Academy has met the standards to train healthcare interpreters in Oregon. The state requires interpreters be qualified and certified to work at the 15 newly created Coordinated Care Organizations (CCO’s) serving people on the Oregon Health Plan. The Academy is the external testing and training arm of the global leader in language access, LanguageLine Solutions^SM.
Oregon is one of only a handful of states with qualification and certification exams for medical interpreters. The state recognizes three tiers of interpreters: registered (the basic level), qualified (tested in the language) and certified (tested in medical terminology.) At a minimum, interpreters must be at the qualified level to work at Oregon hospitals.
“There are only an estimated 16 qualified and 25 certified medical interpreters in Oregon out of an approximate 3,500 interpreters who work in the state, according to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, so the demand is extremely high for this new course,” said Winnie Heh, Senior Vice President, Global Operations of LanguageLine Solutions. “LanguageLine Academy provides a timely and meaningful solution. The web-format enables participants to conveniently complete 60-hours of training, at their own pace, from any location with high speed internet. Organizations looking to cut costs should find this format appealing as it also reduces down-time and the need for travel.”
Registration will open on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. The price for the program is $620.