Interpreter Training Courses, Workshops, & Testing

We offer all interpreters professional development, accredited qualifications, and continuing education units (CEUs). Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your interpreting career, we have interpreter courses, workshops, and testing that suit your professional development needs.
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Our training programs are designed to be accessible and flexible, catering to the needs of professionals at all levels of experience. Our programs cover a wide range oftopics, including language proficiency, cultural competence, and industry-specific knowledge.

What's New

NEW COURSE

Interpreting in Educational Settings

A Comprehensive 24-Hour Course for Language Professionals instructed by Mireya Pérez.

Understand what it's like to interpret with students, parents, and school district admins in diverse, educational settings such as special education meetings, parent teacher conferences, and individualized education program (IEP) meetings.

Learn more about this course

Featured Course

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Training

The Professional Medical Interpreter®

Earn the title of Qualified Medical Interpreter (QMI) in this self-paced online course.

CE Hour

Online, Self-Paced

40 hours

All Courses

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Training

CEU

The Professional Medical Interpreter®

Earn the title of Qualified Medical Interpreter (QMI) in this self-paced online course.

Interpreting in Educational Settings

Further your interpreting career and skills in Educational settings with this self-paced online training course.

Conveniently assess oral language proficiency with this online language proficiency test for general settings.

CE Hour

Workshop

CEU

Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Medical Interpreters

Get your required training on bloodborne pathogens today.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Medical Interpreting

Improve your clarity and accuracy in medical interpreting.

Medical Terminology for Interpreters

Stay prepared with this medical terminology course.

CE Hour

Online, Self-Paced

Our Instructors

Sameh Abdelkader

Sameh Abdelkader is the Director of our Education Department and is the lead instructor for two medical interpreter training courses: the nationally recognized 40-hour Bridging the Gap (BTG) course and the 48-hour The Community Interpreter: Medical Edition course. In 2012, he delivered the BTG course to over 120 students.

Mr. Abdelkader has over 22 years of experience in education and has brought his skills in management, teaching, training, recruitment, and cultural competency to the Academy of Interpretation. Mr. Abdelkader holds a B.A. in English from Zagzig University in Sharkya, Egypt. In addition to being a licensed trainer for BTG and The Community Interpreter: Medical Edition, he is also a licensed trainer for the legal interpreter training course, The Language of Justice. As an educator and member of the IMIA, he adheres to the IMIA Educators Code of Ethics.

Professional Certifications

40-Hour Interpreting in Health and Community Settings (NVAHEC)
40-Hour Bridging the Gap Medical Interpreter Training Course
The Community Interpreter Training of Trainers (TOT)
3-day Language of Justice Legal Interpreter Training
40-Hour Bridging the Gap TOT
The Language of Justice TOT
Awarded “Distinction in Interpreter Education” IMIA 2015
Completed a 16-Hour Online Training of Trainers: The Interpreter Trainer Online
24-Hour Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Interpreting TOT

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Maria Teresa Buendia

Maria Teresa Buendia is the Assistant Director of our Education Department and is an interpreter trainer and certified healthcare interpreter (CHI) for Spanish/English and has held CHI Spanish certification since 2013. Maria Teresa is a licensed instructor for Bridging the Gap and instructor for the training course Behavioral Health Interpreting developed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. She is an experienced video remote interpreter and, since 2020, has trained over 250 interpreters for remote video interpreting and telemedicine interpreting assignments.Additionally, she developed new and updated language proficiency tests, including specialized tests for public schools, behavioral health, and medical settings.

Maria Teresa has a degree in microbiology from Universidad de Los Andes Bogotá, Colombia. In April 2021, she was a presenter at the annual Virginia Language Access Conference.

Professional Certifications

CHI for Spanish and English
40-Hour Bridging the Gap TOT
Trained over 250 interpreters for remote video interpreting and telemedicine interpreting assignments
Instructor for Bridging the Gap
Instructor for the training course Behavioral Health Interpreting

Instructor Testimonials

“I felt that the instructors really love what they do and care for their students’ success. There was an “open door” for anyone with questions and concerns. All in all, I learned more than I expected as far as tools that will contribute to my success in the field of medical interpreting.”

-Jean Cyprien

“Mr. Sameh was very knowledgeable, passionate, and open-minded. He was there to help everyone. I believe he delivered in the best way possible.”

-Neji Amara

“I really admired the great connection that Mr. Drew and Maria Teresa had with the students. They were very helpful and understanding, and were willing to help in any possible way. Academy of Interpretation should be proud of having these two amazing people.”

-Magdalena Sosa

“I’d like to thank Mr. Sameh Abdelkader and the Education Team for their efforts in creating a wonderful medical interpreter training. The online course provided us with useful knowledge on how to succeed in this profession or just get started as it was in my case.”

-Lourdes Reyes

“I want to express my sincerest appreciation to Mr. Abdelkder and the staff of Academy of Interpretation for their tremendous efforts in putting together the Bridging the Gap training. Taking this class was truly an enjoyable experience and I look forward to the opportunity to be of service to others as a qualified medical interpreter.”

-Richard Yoshimachi

“It was an honor and pleasure to take class with Professor Sameh. During the Bridging the Gap training course, I learned not only about the important aspects of becoming a medical interpreter but also gained valuable tips on how I can improve my social life in our multicultural society.”

-Mohammad Raees

“What sets Mr. Sameh Abdelkader apart from his fellow instructors are his constant pleasant demeanor and genuine concern for making sure his trainees are happy and successfully trained. During my time taking the Bridging the Gap training course (for medical interpreters), I found Mr. Abdelkader to be courteous and conscientious, truly displaying excellence in his profession.”

-May Alsouz

“I enjoyed every minute of Mr. Abdalkader’s lectures; very informative and stimulating. The great professionalism, constant support, and generosity you showed are greatly appreciated. I am so glad that I got the chance to take Bridging the Gap with you.”

-Tasnim Naimi