After two years of preparation, all students in the medical interpretation course passed the exam and some were even offered jobs on May 18. 

The exam was split into two parts, the first being written questions and the second being a role play where the student is the interpreter.

“We started doing the role play where I needed to interpret everything that was said in the room from English to Portuguese and from Portuguese to English using proper medical vocabulary,” said senior Luiza Brum.

The written part of the exam consisted of many different questions, including multiple choice, open response, a diagram, and vocabulary.

“The written exam was harder than I thought,” said senior Gabriella Nunes.

To study for this exam, students spent time learning vocabulary on different topics that would be necessary while translating.

“We practiced for many hours and there’s a lot of time and effort put into this test and as a result I’m incredibly happy that I passed,” said senior Arthur Jardim.

Studying anatomy, diseases and medical terminology both in school and for hours at home was the recipe for success for these students.

“Being responsible and knowing what you want makes a big difference when preparing yourself for a life changing exam such as this one,” said Brum.

This school year was the first fully in person school year with this three year old course.

“The first time was three years ago right when the pandemic started when we all went home,” said medical interpretation teacher Anibal Serra.

“In high school level this is the only course I know that is still running nowadays,” said Serra.

All of the student’s hard work finally paid off after countless hours and classes during the two year course to prepare for this exam. 

“The feeling of passing was the most amazing feeling of dreams coming true. We all worked very hard during two years to prepare ourselves for the final Medical Interpretation exam,” said Brum.

“I personally felt really accomplished and I was really proud of myself and all my classmates,” said senior Elena Krasteva.

Passing the medical interpretation exam gave students a new opportunity to pursue medical interpretation as a job in their future.

“…especially as soon to be college students, being certified interpreters is going to be super helpful,” said Krasteva.

“I can get a very good job while in college and maybe keep working with that for a while,” said Nunes.

Some students were already offered jobs after passing the exam and becoming certified medical interpreters.

“The interpreting company that makes the exam already offered some jobs to a few people after passing the exam which was amazing!” said Krasteva. She continued, “Interpreting is actually a really well-paying job, especially if you’re doing it as a side hustle.”

Some students also mentioned how the medical interpretation course is something they recommend to others.

“The course is something everyone who has the chance and or ability to do it should because I know for me personally will be using this as a job through college,” said Jardim.

“I’d definitely recommend the course to anyone who might be interested. It’s a lot of hard work but it is incredibly rewarding and it opens up some really great opportunities,” said Krasteva.

Passing the medical interpretation exam also gave students the opportunity to help others and make a difference.

Brum concluded, “This certificate will allow me not only to work in the field of Medical Interpretation but also will allow me to help people that don’t speak English to understand and be understood by the providers and receive a proper healthcare.”