"Bridging the Gap" Medical Interpreter Training
Multi-cultural communities create the need for specialized interpreters in today’s highly-technical, information-dense and time-driven health care settings. Locally, trained medical interpreters have become important members of the health care delivery system in Harrisonburg-Rockingham and surrounding areas as well as across the Commonwealth of Virginia. “Bridging the Gap” is a nationally recognized curriculum that trains interpreters to the high standards today’s health care industry requires and equips them with the skills and knowledge to professionally and ethically serve patients and practitioners alike.
Language Proficiency Testing
To participate in the “Bridging the Gap” training, applicants must first take a rigorous oral and written exam to test their language proficiency in both English and their target language. The exam also tests the applicant’s knowledge of medical terminology. Most applicants require about 90 minutes to complete the exam. Applicants will be notified of their test results by email, usually three to four weeks after the test.
Proficiency testing is offered one to two times per month. Applicants should call or email to schedule the testing.
Applicants must score at least 80% on both the written and oral sections of the Language Proficiency exam in English and their target language to qualify for the “Bridging the Gap” training course.
Training
Community Health Interpreting, Testing & Training Service (CHITTS) offers "Bridging the Gap" training three to four times per year, in the fall, summer, and spring for those who have passed the proficiency testing. Spring and fall trainings are typically held on five consecutive weekends and summer training is typically held Monday-Friday. All trainings are in English. (See calendar for details.)
Health care providers or other organizations can also contact CHITTS to discuss scheduling trainings in other areas of the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia.
During the course of the training, each candidate learns how to best serve as a conduit, clarifier, cultural broker and advocate to the patient and the provider. The motto of the graduates of the "Bridging the Gap" training is "interpret everything that is said, exactly as it is said; add nothing, omit nothing, change nothing."
Overview of "Bridging the Gap" Training
Application and Fees
To schedule a proficiency test and to enroll in the "Bridging the Gap" Medical Interpreter Training program, complete the application form and return it to: Community Health Interpreting, Testing & Training Service (CHITTS), MSC 9009, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. The completed application can also be scanned and emailed to: BTGTraining@JMU.edu.
Proficiency Test Fee: $75.00. Bring a check or money order made out to James Madison University on the day of the test.
Interpreter Training Fee: $600.00. All in-person training classes will have a minimum of 16 participants and a maximum of 20 participants. All online training classes will have a minimum of 22 participants and a maximum of 24 participants. To reserve a spot, send a $100.00 nonrefundable deposit. This deposit will hold your spot in the class of your choosing. Available spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The full amount of the fee (installments are allowed) must be paid at least two weeks prior to the first day of the course or your spot will be released and you will be moved to the next available session. The fee covers the "Bridging the Gap" textbook, Guide to Common Medications, course handouts, and a bilingual medical glossary.
Discounts offered for Bridging the Gap training:
Only one discount may be used.
Full-time College Students: Available for full-time college students enrolled in 2- or 4-year programs with a letter from their college or university confirming their status as full-time students. Full-time student applicants that provide proper documentation will receive a 40% discount on the course fee and participate in the training for only $360. There will be up to 8 discounted student spots available per course and they will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
JMU Employee Discount: Available for all JMU employees (full or part-time). JMU faculty and staff are eligible to receive a 30% discount on the course fee and participate in the training for only $420. There will be up to 2 discounted JMU employee spots available per course and they will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Employment Opportunities
Around Harrisonburg-Rockingham: Completion of "Bridging the Gap" training qualifies interpreters to apply for job openings with Community Health Interpreting, Testing & Training Service (CHITTS) which may occur from time to time.
Outside Harrisonburg-Rockingham: Interpreters are qualified to seek employment with health care providers such as hospitals, clinics, and health departments that utilize professional medical interpreters.
Forms
Contact Information
Phone: 540.568.2576
Fax: 540.568.3172
Email: BTGTraining@JMU.edu
