MAMI Offers Medical Interpreter Training in June June 1, 2006 -- A 17-day course for medical interpreters runs June 19 to July 13 at the Marley Education Center, 765 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, across from Crouse Hospital. Held weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the course provides 70 hours of medical interpreter training. This course, along with paid on-the-job experience and an oral exam, leads to agency certification by MAMI, the Multicultural Association of Medical Interpreters of Central New York. “The course is for anyone who is fluent in English and a second language, and who would like to earn money while providing a much-needed service to healthcare providers and patients lacking proficiency in English,” said MAMI Executive Director Cornelia Brown, PhD. In the Syracuse area, she noted, MAMI in particular is looking for people who speak Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese/Karen, Cambodian, Farsi, Hmong, Liberian/Krahn, Korean, Russian, Ukranian and Vietnamese. People who speak other languages are also welcome, she said. To register or for more information, contact MAMI at 315-732-2271 during business hours, or email MAMIofCNY@adelphia.net. The class is limited to 25 students. There is a tuition fee, with easy payment or installment plans available. Course materials include a training manual and a bilingual medical glossary. The course is taught by a team, including a licensed multi-cultural instructor, an interpreter trainer and a registered nurse/medical trainer. Training involves interpreting skills, ethics and procedures, medical basic anatomy, common illnesses and treatments, culture-brokering, communication skills, role playing, benchmark oral evaluations, and written exam. There also will be tours of several Syracuse medical facilities. Upon passing the written exam, participants will be eligible to work as paid MAMI interpreter-interns. MAMI is a community-based, non-profit organization that has been recognized state-wide and nationally for its groundbreaking advocacy, training and coordinating in providing trained interpreters for patients and the medical community. Back to Main News Page