The Bridging the Gap (BTG) course is a nationally recognized 40-hour medical interpreter training program developed by the Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP) over 25 years ago. The Academy of Interpretation is a licensed trainer for the Washington, D.C. metro area. Engage with a live instructor. This classroom-based learning experience is taught by a dedicated, live instructor. After taking the course, you’ll be able to work as a Qualified Medical Interpreter (QMI) for hospitals, medical offices, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings.
Each class will be held from 8 AM to 4 PM Eastern Time*:
*2026 dates and location are subject to change.
You’re now a qualified medical interpreter! You can now apply with Language Services Providers to become an interpreter. Many of our interpreters also seek their national certification. Completing BTG (or another 40-hour medical interpreter course) is required to take the national certification exam. More helpful tips can be found here.
The minimum passing score for the BTG final exam is 70%.
We allow one re-take per student. It’s the student's responsibility to contact our trainer to schedule a retake.
The final exam is held over Zoom on the last day of the course. The exam should be taken on a computer with both a working camera and microphone.
We receive certificates from CCHCP two to three weeks after class completion. Once our team receives them, we send them to you within three to five business days.
Currently, all BTG classes are held over Zoom with live instructors.
Yes, you can change your BTG course date to another upcoming date or even switch to our online, self-paced course, the Professional Medical Interpreter ® (another 40-hour medical interpreter course).
Textbooks will be sent to the provided address one week before the class starts.
Enrollment typically closes three weeks before the set course dates. Language Proficiency Tests need to be completed within 48 hours of enrollment.
Students are required to attend all five days and be available between 8 am and 4 pm EST.
Students who fail the LPTs will not be able to attend their scheduled BTG course. Students can request a refund for BTG enrollment; the cost of the LPTs ($100) will be deducted from the total tuition.
