CT State Community College Middlesex, through the Workforce Development and Continuing Education office, will offer a Community Interpreter course beginning October 7, 2025. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30–8:30 p.m. meeting LRON (live/remote and online) through the Middletown campus.
A critical need exists for trained medical interpreters to facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers, conveying diagnoses, treatments and patient concerns. This 10-week, 60-hour program prepares aspiring community interpreters for roles in medical, educational and social service settings. The curriculum blends theoretical learning with hands-on practice, adheres to national standards and ethics, and fulfills the training requirement for national certification.
“Individuals who speak English and at least one other language, or those who are looking for a career where their language skills can help others, can benefit from this course,” said Heather Hodge, interim director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Middlesex. “Instruction for this program will be led by Cross-Cultural Communications, a leading international training agency in the U.S.”
According to Cross-Cultural Communications, about 7,500 job openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year over the next decade.
This curriculum is structured into four comprehensive modules designed to build both foundational knowledge and advanced skills in community interpreting. Module 1 introduces the profession, covering interpreting in healthcare, education and social services, with a focus on credentials, certification, ethics and self-assessment. Module 2 develops core interpreting skills, including how to conduct interpreted encounters, apply standard protocols, enhance memory and accuracy, and practice note-taking and interpreting modes. Module 3 focuses on cultural competence, addressing unconscious bias, appropriate intervention and advanced strategies for cultural mediation. Module 4 emphasizes professional conduct, exploring role boundaries, advocacy, standards of practice, interpreter safety, legal interpreting, and the responsibilities of being a professional interpreter.
Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to meet the requirements for national medical interpreter certification exams CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) and National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI).
This proposed program aligns with CLAS standards, complies with language access laws including Title VI and California regulations, and follows national best practices for serving diverse communities.
Prospective students must be at least 18 years of age, received a high school diploma or GED and proficient in two languages, including English.
Cost for the program is $1,600. The National Certification Exam is not included in price.
Prospective students can find out more by visiting the website https://ctstate.edu/programs/community-interpreter , by calling 860-343-5865 or email MX-WDCE@ctstate.edu.