Home > Services > Specialist Translation > Medical Translation

Medical Translation

Medical translation is a very sensitive translation field. It is very important that you know the difference between a medical translator and a medical interpreter. An interpreter does exactly that, if a patient does not speak the native language, the medical team may call on someone who in turn can bridge the language barrier between the patient and the medical team. The interpreter will translate the conversation for the patient. It allows for questions and answers to be accurately understood which ensures proper care of the patient. A medical translator, however, translates written text and medical material from one language to another. This type of work is usually performed in an office or in a home based business.

In general, a medical translator translates brochures, patient instructions, or questionnaires for patients into their native language. Sometimes, translating the literature can be quite a chore; this is in part due to commonly understood medical expressions that will not have the same meaning if translated exactly into another language. It may be difficult to translate the expressions so that the person on the other end can detect humor or a light tone. The phrase may come across as cruel or insensitive. It is very important for the translator to be able to translate these phrases while still remaining true to his profession.

Additional training may be necessary to extend terminology skills. If a translator has the ability to translate in multiple languages, he needs to be very familiar with the terms as they extend to those languages. Medical translators hold at least a bachelors degree in a minimum of one foreign language, but that is not always enough to achieve a fluency level. If this is your intent for a lifelong profession then it may be a good idea to take some time to reside in your country of choice and get to know the language further. If you can harmonize your language skills with strong writing skills, you may want to choose medical translation.

Accuracy and speed are the key factors when it comes to medical translation. It is not always ideal as a full time, home based job, so you may want to consider working in a college setting or hospital. Public schools and state or federal government agencies offer employment as well. Working as an interpreter may also be a career choice; the US Bureau of Labor indicates a rapidly growing demand for both translators and interpreters.