Applying and training to become a Medic Interpreter involves a three step process:

Step 1 – Register online at www.medic-interpreters.co.uk

Step 2 – If your application is successful, you will be contacted and invited for an assessment.

Step 3 – If you are successful at the assessment, you will then be provided with training and activated on the website. You are then able to accept appointments and able to work for Medic Interpreters.

Being an interpreter requires you to possess certain qualities. This includes being culturally sensitive, approachable and the ability to think on your feet. You will be trained in different methods of interpreting and provided solutions with the most common problems that our interpreters face.

You will also be provided with a training pack containing all the information you need to know and people you can contact if you have any questions or problems.

Interpreting appointments with Medic Interpreters work on an ad-hoc basis. This means you will be notified when there is an appointment available. It is up to you whether you chose to accept the appointment.

The appointments we offer range from 1.5 hours to the whole day – you can be flexible in which appointments you chose to accept. For example, if you have assignments, you can decide not to accept an appointment for the next two weeks and this will not affect your working with us. If for any reason you are unavailable on a particular day or for a period of time, you can notify us and we will be sure not to disturb you.

As we work with a variety of different clients, there is no one most popular language. At the moment Medic Interpreters covers over 100 different languages and dialects and we are constantly expanding. Whatever language you speak, we welcome.

To be able to interpret for a patient you should be confident in your second/mother language. We understand there may be certain terms that you do not come across in everyday context (such as cancer, pain etc). Therefore we do not mind if our interpreters have a dictionary present to look up certain terms.

Health professionals use layman terms when speaking to patients. If you feel you are confident enough to translate a conversation with a health professional then you will be unlikely to have any problems. If you are still unsure whether the standard of your second language is good enough – you can ask to be language tested. This will confirm whether your standard meets what is expected by Medic Interpreters.

No. If you notify us of this, we will be sure not to contact you if we require the translation of documents.

There are many qualities we look for in a Medic Interpreter, the main qualities include;

Approachability- this is essential when interpreting as the patient needs to feel comfortable to be able to explain to you any medical problems.

Culturally sensitive- the patient needs to feel that any cultural issues, such as examination in front of male doctors, will be understood and respected. This will also help health professionals become aware of cultural issues they may not usually take into consideration at that point.

A natural communicator- as an interpreter, you are the patients and the health professionals microphone; therefore we have to be able to communicate their concerns accurately.

Yes. However you must have a valid visa and are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week. You will need to apply for a National Insurance number at your local Job Centre. Medic Interpreters is able to provide you with the correct documentation for this.

You must first register online and notify us you are an international student in the extra information box.

Medic Interpreters work with a variety of clients. This includes; hospitals, GP practices, charities and housing associations. Working with a variety of clients means that you will be able to network with broad range of organisations and professionals which could prove useful for your future career.

As Medic Interpreters work with a wide range of clients, you could be expected to travel anywhere in London to attend an appointment.

Students who study health related subjects tend to have a wider knowledge of a medical vocabulary. In addition to this, they have a better awareness of the medical setting and they have a keen interest in gaining clinical experience.

You may have not completed all three stages. Only once you have successfully completed all the three stages of the interview will you be activated and able to accept appointments online.