There are four items required to become a medical translator: excellent command of English, oral and writing skills in another language, health industry training, and certification. A medical translator is responsible for actively participating in confidential patient discussions and providing both parties with clear, direct communication. A medical translator is a more challenging role than a standard language translator, as there is both a language and cultural barrier that must be crossed.

As a medical translator, you are expected to do more that provide a technical translation. Any communication must be completely understood by both the medical staff and the client. There are nuances and assumptions in medical discussions that must be reviewed and translated with care. In some circumstances, the translator may need to act in a patient advocacy role, providing the context, consequences and risks in multiple communications to ensure that the impact of the information is completely understood.

In order to become a medical translator, you must have a higher than average level of skill in both written and oral communication. There are several post-secondary educational level programs available on a part-time basis to sharpen and enhance English communication skills. When looking at this type of program, make sure that the class size in small and the instructor experienced in training translators. Many employers will ask candidates to complete an English language proficiency examination as part of the application process to become a medical translator.

The other language skills must also be maintained at the highest level. Native speakers may benefit from a formal training program in correct diction, formal language, and grammar rules. The vast majority of languages have local dialects, commonly used phrases, and informal language. It is best not to assume that the local dialect you are familiar with is the only one that you will encounter as a medical translator. Formal language training can help identify the variations in tone and phrasing that will enhance communication with a larger community.

Skills and training in the health industry are invaluable when you want to become a medical translator. At minimum, the translator must be familiar with medical terminology and work environment. Any experience in a hospital environment will allow the translator to work comfortably with health care staff and ensure that the client is receiving the appropriate level of care. Many translators have a background in social work or nursing, which allows them to be familiar with common patient concerns and how to work with people who are in pain or ill.

Some hospitals and health services firms require medical translators to pass a certification examination. Material on this exam includes language translation, medical terminology, and personal ethics. The translator must balance the exact translation of the information with ensuring that both parties have understood the entire communication.