Standards for Training  

The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care is developing National Standards for Healthcare Interpreter Training Programs. These standards will provide guidance on the development and characteristics of quality interpreter training programs at various levels.

Why do we need them?

Standards for training programs will help everyone involved with language access in healthcare – trainers, employers, interpreters, and ultimately, the patients and providers who depend on their services.

• They will help curriculum developers know what to include in an interpreter training and which instructional methodologies are most appropriate and effective.
• They will help interpreters know what level of training they are receiving, and give them confidence that the training they are receiving is actually preparing them for the work they will be asked to do.
• They will help employers know what to expect from interpreters who have completed different levels of training.
• They will inform the development of national certification.

Establishing standards for training programs is the fourth of five steps in the National Council’s strategy for advancing the field of healthcare interpreting.

        1. Agreement on the role of the healthcare interpreter

        2. National Code of Ethics

        3. National Standards of Practice

        4. National Standards for Training Programs

        5. National Certification

How will the standards be  developed?

The standards will be developed using a national consensus-building process similar to that used to develop the National Code of Ethics and the National Standards of Practice, with additional advice from experts in relevant fields. These Standards will be developed in concert and collaboration with NCIHC-supported national certification efforts.

Here are the steps:

1.  Find out what is already known

The process will start with a review of what is known about:

•  Setting standards for training in other fields.
•  Effective methods of training.
•  Healthcare interpreter competencies.

This will be done through a literature review to be completed by October 31, 2009, a review of existing healthcare interpreter training programs, an interpreter job analysis, and a series of focus groups held around the country.

2.  Form a Project Advisory Group

A Project Advisory Group will be convened, including experts with extensive experience in different fields relevant to the training of interpreters.

3.  Draft Standards
The NCIHC Standards, Training and Certification Committee (STC) will work with the Project Advisory Group to draft an initial version of the standards, based on the information gathered.

4.  Get feedback from interpreters, trainers and administrators
Two national on-line surveys – one for interpreters and one for trainers – will be used to obtain feedback on the draft standards.

5.  Revise and finalize the Standards
The STC will reconvene the Project Advisory Group to review, revise and finalize the standards, based on the survey results.

6.  Disseminate the Standards
The Standards will go out to interpreters, trainers, educational institutions, and employers via website, email and hard copy.

How long is this going to take? 

This development process is scheduled to take 18 months. The Standards are targeted for completion by the end of 2010.

How can I participate? 

The development of these standards is a national effort, and your input will be needed. You can help by responding to requests from the STC Committee for assistance with:

•  Identification of existing training programs
•  Locations for conducting an interpreter job analysis
•  Participation in focus groups
•  Identification of experts to participate in the Project Advisory Group
•  Feedback on the draft standards
•  Dissemination of the standards once they are complete

Where can I get more information? 

For updates on the development work, click here 

If you have questions, contact the Co-chairs of the NCIHC’s Standards,Training and Certification Committee:

Karin Ruschke at kruschke@ncihc.org

Shiva Bidar-Sielaff at sbidarsielaff@ncihc.org