BRIDGING THE GAP/BTG COURSE

Bridging the Gap, created by the Cross Cultural Health Care Program, is a professional development program that prepares bilingual individuals to work as medical interpreters.  40-hour or 64-hour class is used to train novice and experienced medical interpreters, and it is accepted by both accredited national certifying bodies, the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) and the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). No interpreting experience is required to take the class. 

The 40-hour training covers:

• Basic interpreting skills: Roles, ethics, conduit and clarifier, managing the flow of the session · Codes of ethics: Codes of ethics and decision-making for interpreters in healthcare 
• Integrated medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology: Introduction to common terms, procedures, and specialties related to human physiology and health 
• Interpreting in mental health: Specialized strategies and skills that apply to the unique demands of mental health settings 
• Information on health care systems: Introduction to the healthcare systems and types of healthcare providers 
• Culture in interpreting: Self-awareness, basic characteristics of specific cultures, traditional healthcare in specific communities, cultural brokering 
• Communication skills for advocacy: Listening skills, communication styles, how doctors think, appropriate advocacy 
• Professional development: Effective communication, professional conduct, self-care, resources for professional growth 

The 64-hour training covers the foundation skills above and includes:

• Health disparities
• Considerations for interpreting for LGBTQIA communities and in mental health settings
• Additional medical terminology

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum age and education:

• Participants must be 18 or older. 
• Have a high school degree or GED, or equivalent is required.

Language Proficiency:

• Participants must be bilingual in English and at least one other language
• Proof of proficiency in both languages is required to enroll in the class
• Proof can be established by providing any one of the following criteria for each language:

          English 

• High school diploma or equivalent, or university/college degree from a school using the English language
• Successfully passing any English language proficiency test from a reputable testing organization  (such as from ALTA, LanguageLine); Oral language exam results with scores equivalent to ACTFL Advanced Mid-level or ILR Level 2; Through ALTA, the score must be a 9 or higher is required for admission.
• 5 or more years of verified professional experience working in English
• State or Federal court interpreter certification

           Other Language

• High school diploma or equivalent, or university/college degree from a school using non-English/Native language
• Successfully passing the non-English/Native language proficiency test from a reputable testing organization (such as from ALTA,  LanguageLine); Oral language exam results with scores equivalent to ACTFL Advanced Mid-level or ILR Level 2; Through ALTA, the score must be a 9 or higher is required for admission.
• 5 or more years of verified professional experience working in non-English/Native language
• State or Federal court interpreter certification

If applicants do not have any prior proof of language proficiency

The registration process will include a speaking and listening assessment conducted over the phone. These are scheduled through ALTA Language Services on a weekday at a time that is convenient for the applicant. Once a language assessment is scheduled, the applicant will receive a phone number to call and instructions to begin the assessment, which is approximately 20-25 minutes long. The maximum possible score is 12; a 9 or higher is required for admission. 

The fee for the language proficiency test is $100. This fee is not included in the cost of training and applicant must complete the test prior to registering for the class. 

Communication challenges, and how the interpreter can best navigate in his/her role through the differing roles through the linguistic, cultural, confusing and systemic obstacles and challenges properly, utilizing the code of ethics for medical interpreters, as the standards of practice required and recognized to perform as a professional medical interpreter. 

This is done through daily study, discussion and true-to-life exercises that employ theory into real- life practice. The BTG course has a working foundation of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology of the different body systems. Included are common procedures, testing and specialists specific for each body system the interpreter may come across in their work. Videos are utilized to facilitate learning, in addition to the 445 page book, that includes excellent study guide tools and tips to aid in learning the medical word roots and general information. 

Professional interpreting concepts are also taught and practiced routinely in class: basic professional habits, practices and critical core skills like how to manage the flow of an interpretation session, culture, cultural “bumps” and cultural competency. There is more information about the profession in general. The 64 hour course includes information about the Health Care disparities in the United States: it delves deeper into the Cultural Disparities for the LGTBQIA populations. 

For the first time; there are several in-depth sections to support the interpreter in working in behavioral health settings; with extensive resource information for a lifetime of reference. Coursework will be assigned and completed in the classroom across all days of instruction. Homework will be assigned, and participants should plan on spending 1- 2 hours per class day completing homework and reviewing outside of the class 

Where is the class held? 

Most of the time it will be held in North Denver locations such as in Thornton, Westminster, or Lafayette, Colorado. We also offer in South/Central Denver and occasionally in locations such as the Western Slope and Colorado Springs upon demand. 

Our default location of North Denver is convenient to DIA, and accessible from many gateways. If you prefer to be on-site – to allow for more study and relaxing time instead from a distance, you can book at a discounted price.