Medical Interpreter Training Module
Newly updated in 2024 to include telehealth considerations, virtual interpreters, and working with individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. In this self-paced online module, students and practitioners learn to understand the basics of interpreting, comprehend the ethics of interpreting, and understand the guidelines and pitfalls of interpreting.
The newly updated version of this training is provided free of cost through the University of Minnesota's Canvas Learning Management System.
To complete the training:
1. Apply for a UMN guest ID (if you do not already have a UMN account)
2. Log in to Canvas using your new guest ID. If you are not able to log in, please contact the Help Desk at canvas@umn.edu and ask them to add your account to the Canvas database so that you can proceed.
3. After successfully logging in, click here to self-enroll.
Archived videos
This training was previously limited to a set of videos with a summative quiz. For your convenience, the previously-used videos are still available below for the rest of the calendar year 2024.
- Introduction to Medical Interpreting (11 minutes)
- Medical Interpreter Examples (10 minutes)
- Guidelines for Healthcare Workers and Interpreters (15 minutes)
- Pitfalls for Healthcare Workers and Interpreters (20 minutes)
Want to get certified?
Our free interpreter training does not provide credits or certification.
For medical interpreter certification, we recommend:
Module Developer
This module was originally developed in 2015, and substantially updated in 2024, by Hope Pogemiller, MD, MPH. Please contact her with questions or comments at poge0008@umn.edu.
Contact Us
Email: globalhealth@umn.edu
Phone: 612-626-3526