The MedStart program is designed to give interpreters a baseline of skills through structured sessions, independent homework, clinical and consultation hours, and post-program assessment when working in medical settings. This program utilizes the “Body Language” curriculum developed by the CATIE Center and structured group learning to help novice interpreters establish competency in healthcare settings.
This program is offered for FREE to interpreters who reside in Greater MN!
Participants will be required to complete the weekly readings, contribute to the online discussions, submit recorded interactive interpreting videos, and pass weekly quizzes. These assignments must be complete prior to continuing to the next set of modules.
Each week, participants will be required to join the virtual training session; during this time each participant will present a case study to the group. Weeks where participants are not presenting to the group, they will be required to either post a written case or dialogue with other participants in the group learning platform. *CONFIDENTIALITY AND STRICT RULES WILL APPLY WHEN SHARING AND POSTING CASE STUDIES*
The goal of this program is to provide interpreters with baseline skills to work in the healthcare settings and to do so will require clinical interpreting experience. Therefore, participants will be required to interpret a minimum of 4 healthcare interpreting assignments throughout the program. Medical credentials are not required to be completed prior to registering for the program, however, medical credentials are required to be completed before any clinical hours will be approved. Visit aslis.com/medicalapproval/ to read more. Participants will be paid for interpreting assignments, therefore, no CEUs will be awarded for clinical hours.
Consulting with mentors and colleagues is a crucial part of being a successful healthcare interpreter. Because of this, participants will be required to do a pre and post consultation briefing with either the MedStart Program facilitator or ASLIS Staff interpreter for each clinical assignment they accept. The consultation hours are separate from the case study participants are required to complete for their assignments.
Show us your skills and what you’ve learned! Each participant will be required to complete a post-program assessment. This will include one healthcare interactive interpreting video and one ethical dilemma. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate your competency in decision making and your skill for interpreting healthcare content.
It is anticipated that participants will spend an average of seven (7) hours per week with assigned readings and completing the required activities.
Participants must complete 85% of the program to receive a Certificate of Completion and CEUs.
| Weekly Activity | Due Date | Points Possible |
| Week 1 – Welcome to MedStart & Introduction to Healthcare Discourse | ||
| Virtual Session | Tuesday | 50 points |
| Article – original post | Tuesday | 20 points |
| Article – response to other participants’ postings | Thursday | 30 points |
| Quiz | Saturday | 10 points |
| Interactive interpreting assignment | Saturday | 30 points |
| Total Weekly Points | 14 points | |
| Week 2 – It’s All in the Lungs | ||
| Virtual Session | Tuesday | 50 points |
| Case Study – present / post | Tuesday/Thursday | 30 points |
| Quiz | Saturday | 8 points |
| Interactive interpreting assignment | Saturday | 30 points |
| Submit all required medical credentials to ASLIS | Saturday | |
| Total Weekly Points | 118 points | |
| Week 3 – Dealing with Diabetes | ||
| Virtual Session | Tuesday | 50 points |
| Case Study – present / post | Tuesday/Thursday | 30 points |
| Article – original post | Thursday | 20 points |
| Article – response to other participants’ postings | Saturday | 30 points |
| Total Weekly Points | 130 points | |
| Week 4 – Put Some Meat on Your Bones | ||
| Virtual Session | Tuesday | 50 points |
| Case Study – present / post | Tuesday/Thursday | 30 points |
| Quiz | Saturday | 12 points |
| Interactive interpreting assignment | Saturday | 30 points |
| Total Weekly Points | 122 points | |
| Week 5 – No More Digestive Distress | ||
| Virtual Session | Tuesday | 50 points |
| Case Study – present / post | Tuesday/Thursday | 30 points |
| Quiz | Saturday | 10 points |
| Interactive interpreting assignment | Saturday | 30 points |
| Total Weekly Points | 120 points | |
| Week 6 – Cardio Workout | ||
| Virtual Session | Tuesday | 50 points |
| Case Study – present or post | Tuesday/Thursday | 30 points |
| Quiz | Saturday | 10 points |
| Interactive interpreting assignment | Saturday | 30 points |
| Total Weekly Points | 120 points | |
| Consultation & Clinical Hours | ||
| Assignment 1 | 250 points | |
| Assignment 2 | 250 points | |
| Assignment 3 | 250 points | |
| Assignment 4 | 250 points | |
| Total Points | 1000 points | |
| Post-Program Assessment | ||
| Interpreting Assessment | Saturday | 100 points |
| Ethical Scenario | Saturday | 100 points |
| Evaluation | Saturday | 50 points |
| Total Points | 250 points | |
| Total Possible Points | 2000 points | |
Adeline Riley
NIC, QMHI
Adeline Riley is a seasoned interpreter with a focus in healthcare settings. Ever since completing a healthcare interpreting fellowship in 2015 she has worked as a healthcare interpreter in community, VRI, correctional, and emergency settings. She has a foundation of working with individuals with mental illness and therefore finds herself most drawn to places where medical and mental health intersect. In 2019 she achieved the Quality Mental Health Interpreter certification through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Adeline is passionate about developing novice interpreters and has been working as a professional mentor since 2016. She believes perpetual curiosity and having a strong network are the keys to a successful interpreting career.