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. 

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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 resume-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:

Format Class Dates Times Deadline to Apply
Online December 4-6, 12 & 13 9am-5pm November 1, 2024
In Person February 5-7, 13 & 14 9am-5pm January 3, 2025
       

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 $695. A non-refundable deposit of $150 (paid by the application deadline) is required to reserve your spot. The remainder of the course fee ($545) 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 ($60) may apply. See proof of language proficiency requirements for more information.

Apply Online

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.

Contact:

  • 1373 Grant St. Denver, CO 80203
  • (303) 831-4151

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for hosting a wonderful training, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in interpreting.”
- Beth, Bridging the Gap trainee
"The Interpreter Network is a great place to work. They are respectful with the interpreters, reliable and dependable with the clients."
- Interpreter for The Interpreter Network
"I've taken two classes at Spring Institute that I've thoroughly enjoyed and work as a Spanish interpreter for them. They have very personable and supportive staff. "
- Interpreter for The Interpreter Network
"We are so thankful for the interpreter each time that he comes to help. He is excellent with the patients, always has a great attitude, and is able to interpret VERY accurately and quickly. He makes doing our jobs easy, even with a language barrier. Thank you to him and your office!”
- Interpretation services client
“The instructor was knowledgeable and helpful and the training has shaped me to be a great interpreter and good person.”
- Ephirem, Bridging the Gap trainee
"The staff of The Interpreter Network are extra helpful, thoughtful, and practical."
- Translation services client
"I worked very closely with two interpreters over the past year and really felt like we were a team and we were working together in support of my clients. I also felt that my clients trusted and enjoyed working with the interpreters."
- Interpretation services client
“If I haven’t told you before, I really love this work. And I really enjoy working with you and everyone at The Interpreter Network!”
- Interpreter for The Interpreter Network
"I learned a lot from this class about mental health issues."
- Mahvash, Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Interpreting trainee
"Our interpreter was great to work with and his expertise made our event much more inclusive."
- Interpretation services client
"Our interpreter was great to work with and his expertise made our event much more inclusive."
- Interpretation services client
"The training is neatly organized and taught by an experienced, caring instructor. All the material is valuable as it prepares you well to handle real life situations. "
- Pablo, Bridging the Gap trainee
"I have let my colleagues know how lovely it is to work with all of you at The Interpreter Network. I appreciate your proactive communication and prompt responsiveness whenever there might be glitches or a need to quickly touch base on a request.”
- Interpretation services client
"The interpreter [providing services in a behavioral health setting] is wonderful in every way. The family and I are grateful for her!"
- Interpretation services client
“You guys were a massive help and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your help and support.”
- Bridging the Gap trainee
"The Interpreter Network by Spring Institute did a wonderful job partnering with us to prepare materials for family outreach events. Their dedication to meeting our needs was consistent and prompt."
- Translation services client
“I was nervous we wouldn’t be able to find an in-person interpreter on such short notice. You all have a group of GREAT interpreters and we’re thrilled. Thank you for your work and THANK YOU to your interpreters!”
- Interpretation services client
"Thanks so much to The Interpreter Network for making our event materials accessible to the audience we really needed to reach!"
- Translation services client
"Engaging the interpreter was a really smooth process and we truly appreciate the value that interpretation services added to our training."
- Interpretation services client
"I love this class and I believe this is a good opportunity for everyone."
- Bridging the Gap trainee
"The interpreter we engaged for a 3-day conference did a great job!"
- Interpretation services client
"The Interpreter Network is amazing and gave me the best experience."
- Interpreter for The Interpreter Network
"Our interpreter from The Interpreter Network made a huge difference in welcoming and including a new member in our group. That's truly invaluable."
- Interpretation services client
"I’ve worked with an Arabic interpreter from The Interpreter Network for almost two years to support my communication with a client during therapy sessions. I would highly recommend her services to anyone who needs an Arabic interpreter as a capable, honest, reliable and friendly person to work with."
- Interpretation services client
“I love to work with The Interpreter Network because of all the beautiful work that you guys do in the community and for refugees.”
- Interpreter for The Interpreter Network
“I love to work with The Interpreter Network because of all the beautiful work that you guys do in the community and for refugees.” -
- Interpreter for The Interpreter Network
"The Bridging the Gap medical interpreter training was an incredible experience - super efficient and effective training. Our lead instructor was very responsive before and after the training, and I’m still periodically in contact with her as I start my work as a medical interpreter. She has a wealth of experience in, and knowledge of, the field. I cannot recommend Spring Institute enough."
- Jennifer, Bridging the Gap trainee
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