ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the professional practice of healthcare interpreting. It discusses the work performed by professional and non-professional healthcare interpreters. By acknowledging the realities of the field, we explore a continuum of aptitude, knowledge and professionalism. In addition, we study the practice and the existing tension between supply and demand. We review other terms that are used to refer to professional and non-professional interpreters working in healthcare. The chapter discusses definitions that are used to refer to healthcare interpreters and focuses on the educational opportunities and training possibilities available to them. We then focus on the problematization of the term training and education. This chapter also looks at the certification/accreditation opportunities and the professionalism of healthcare interpreters as well as their opportunities for professional development/continuing education.
