Bridging the Gap

Trained medical interpreters who can convey critical medical information and navigate cultural nuances are vital in healthcare. Bridging the Gap is a 40-hour course designed to train medical interpreters in the skills they need to advance their careers and make a difference. 


The Interpreter Network by Spring Institute is licensed by the Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP) to offer BTG based in Denver, Colorado. Successful completion of the course and 90-minute final exam earns participants a nationally-recognized certificate that does not expire and is widely accepted across the country as the gold standard for medical interpreter training. Not only that, this resum
e-builder will help your application stand out if your goals include joining The Interpreter Network. BTG also serves as a prerequisite for the national certifications provided by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) and the Certification Commission for Health Care Interpreters (CCHI).

Jump Start or Refresh Your Career

BTG is excellent for both new and experienced interpreters. If you’re brand new to interpreting or your experience is limited, BTG will fully prepare you with necessary skills and best practices for the field. It is also great for seasoned interpreters who have never had formal training or who are interested in taking their expertise–and job prospects–to a whole new level.

The Fundamentals You Need to Succeed

We will equip you with what you need to succeed as a qualified medical interpreter. Through a dynamic mix of lecture-based lessons, interactive role plays, case studies, and group discussions, you’ll develop specialized knowledge and learn to apply key skills including:

Basic Interpreting Skills

  • Identifying the roles of the medical interpreter, mastering interpreting techniques and sight translation
  • Understanding the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters
    in Health Care
  • Managing the flow of an interpreted session and recognizing when and how to intervene to clarify meaning and confirm understanding

Healthcare 101

  • Utilizing a working knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system, anatomy and physiology, common medical problems and procedures, specialty medical fields, and the culture of biomedical institutions

Communication Skills for Advocacy

  • Improving listening skills
  • Becoming cognizant of different communication styles 
  • Anticipating how doctors think
  • Advocating appropriately and constructively in healthcare settings

Culture of Interpreting

  • Developing self-awareness and cultural insights including the characteristics of specific cultures, traditional healing practices, and effective cultural brokering

Participants Receive:

  • 450-page manual
  • Bilingual medical glossary (available in 26 languages)
  • Guide to common medications
  • Certificate of completion

Join An Upcoming BTG Training:

Format2024 Class DateTimesDeadline to Apply
OnlineMarch 6-8 & 11-159am-2pmFebruary 2, 2024
In PersonApril 18-20 & 26-279am-5pmMarch 15, 2024
OnlineJune 3-7 & 10-144pm-8pmMay 3, 2024
In PersonAugust 5-99am-5pmJuly 5, 2024

Online classes will be held over Zoom in MST. A working camera and microphone are required to participate. In person classes will be held at the First Baptist Church of Denver. All classes are in real-time and interactive. 

Participants interested in attending either online or in person must reside in Colorado, Arizona or New Mexico. Participants must attend all hours of the training and pass the final exam to earn a Certificate of Successful Completion.

 

Admission Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (US or foreign)
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Completed application (link below)
  • Participants must be fluent in English and at least one other language. Proof of proficiency in both languages is required to enroll in the class. Options for demonstrating proficiency will be offered upon completion of your application.

Cost:

The total fee for the course is $645. A non-refundable deposit of $150 (paid by the application deadline) is required to reserve your spot. The remainder of the course fee ($495) is due on the first day of class.

*If you are receiving funding from an employer or an outside source please submit your application one month prior to the deadline in order to ensure the funds are processed on time. 

An additional Bilingual Fluency Assessment fee ($90) may apply. See proof of language proficiency requirements for more information.

Still have questions? Submit the Contact form below or call (303) 831-4151.

"I'm very grateful to Spring Institute for the professional and extensive Bridging the Gap (BTG) training. Being bilingual and always wanting to help people who don’t speak English, I was able to master my skills through BTG and apply them as a qualified interpreter. The training was not only strong professional development, it was a happy experience! " -Lynda P.
"I highly recommend the Bridging the Gap (BTG) medical interpreter training offered by Spring Institute. The skills I gained are invaluable in my day-to-day work as a bilingual healthcare worker in a public health setting. The textbooks are also great resources for everyday reference." -Beth C.
"Bridging the Gap (BTG) is the gold standard experience for anyone contemplating a very rewarding career in interpretation, as well as for those who've been doing it for a little while without any formal training." -Mario F.
"In addition to medical terminology and interpretation techniques, Bridging the Gap (BTG) students learn about professional ethics. All the instructional material is valuable as it prepares you well to handle real life situations. " -Pablo M.
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Still have questions? Submit the Contact form below or call (303) 831-4151.

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