Author: David Sánchez-Jiménez

In response to the growing linguistic diversity in New York City, where approximately 25% of the population was limited English proficient (LEP) by 2022, City Tech/CUNY has recognized the urgent need for enhanced language access services in healthcare. With recent increases in migration, the demand for skilled medical interpreters has never been more critical.

To address this need, an interdisciplinary team of faculty and students from the Humanities and Health Sciences Departments has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative: the development of a Medical Interpretation course and minor. This initiative aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to bridge communication gaps in healthcare settings, ensuring that language barriers do not impede access to quality care.

A pilot survey conducted in April 2024 among a convenience sample of 105 undergraduate students highlighted the significant interest in this field. With a response rate of 28.6% (n=30), the survey revealed that nearly all respondents had either encountered or knew someone who had faced language barriers in a healthcare setting. The overwhelming consensus was that medical interpretation should be universally available across all health services.

Furthermore, 70% of respondents expressed a high interest in pursuing a medical interpretation certificate, and 60% were keen on obtaining a job in this rapidly expanding field.

This new course and minor will not only prepare students for a vital role in the healthcare system but also contribute to workforce development in an area of increasing demand. We invite you to join this pioneering program and become part of a solution that ensures equitable healthcare access for all, regardless of language.