Register for a noncredit class following these instructions to obtain a K-number (Chemeketa ID number) and Chemeketa email by following these steps:

• Go to chemeketa.edu
• On top menu bar click “Admissions” and scroll to “How to Enroll” and click
• Scroll down to “Non-Credit Personal Enrichment” heading and click on “Personal Enrichment/Fun”
• Complete the form

Languages offered:

• Spanish
• Russian
• Chuukese

English Language Proficiency

• Degree from a U.S. institution of higher education.
• Graduation from a high school or GED in an English-speaking country.
• Graduation from a higher education institution abroad where English is the primary language of instruction.
• Approved English proficiency test results (valid within 4 years): TOEFL 570+/230+/90+, CAE Level 4 (B), CPE Level 5 (B), IELTS 7.0+, ILR 2+, CEFR B2, ACTFL OPI Advanced Mid-Level or above.

Target Language Proficiency

• Degree from an institution where instruction was primarily in the target language (native speaker).
• Graduation from a high school in a country where instruction was primarily in the target language (native speaker).
• Approved test results (valid within 4 years): ILR 2+, CEFR B2, ACTFL OPI Advanced Mid-Level or above.

Language Proficiency Testing (if needed)

Applicants will select their preferred test type and submit payment when turning in their application. Chemeketa will then assign the test, and applicants will have 7–14 days to complete it. If you do not already have approved test results, Chemeketa will assign a listening and speaking test through ALTA Language Services.

Test Options and Costs

Additional Fees (depending on test type)
Candidate called by ALTA (live person): $11/test
IVR (automated) test, candidate called by ALTA: $10/test

This is a sixteen-week (90 hour), healthcare interpreter training program. Classes will meet on Saturdays from 9 am-1pm (4 hours) at the Chemeketa's Salem Campus. The class schedule dates are January 10- April 25, 2026.

Students must attend all classes to complete the program.

You can expect in this training to participate in group projects and interactive role play as well as more traditional coursework, online and in-person. This will include homework assignments and individual study as well.

Healthcare Interpreter Training Program Costs

• Total Tuition/fee Program Cost: $500 
• Program cost $500
• CPR Certification $80 fee (approximate)
• Textbooks 
• Certification/application fees with OHA $30
• Participants will be responsible for a $37 fee associated with the criminal background check. The price of the background check may vary. Please note that if you have lived in more than one state within the last seven years, the cost of the background check will be increased. 
• Participants will be responsible for $50 fee associated with the drug screen. 

Possible assistance available for students accepted into the program. Please visit the STEP Program page

Background and Drug Screen: 

Once accepted into the Healthcare Interpreter program, students must pass a drug screen to meet clinical site requirements. Students who do not pass will not be able to continue in the program.

Instructions for completing the background check will be included with the acceptance notification. Applicants on a waiting list will receive this information only after being accepted from the list.

Background checks will be initiated once the acceptance form is submitted. After receiving the email from Advanced Reporting, students have seven (7) days to complete the background check. Failure to complete it within this timeframe, or results showing a disqualifying criminal history, will make the student ineligible to participate in the HCI course.

For details about disqualifying crimes, please review both links below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BXbdJsUJHceKJhz5JqiimL5-82hqqxuy/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W5nAOyF2SPLBYS_CKRSM7qxU3Stphvg2/view?usp=drive_lin

Immunization Requirements:

This program concedes with a practicum placement. To be in compliance with requirements from practicum placements sites, entry into the program requires the following vaccinations to be up to date.

TB Screening

You will be required to submit one of the following:

• 2 step skin test (2 steps)
  • Test must be read after 48-72 hours
  • Second test must be received at least 1 week and no later that 3 weeks after the first test
• Blood Draw
  • A QuantiFERON Gold blood draw showing a negative test result can be used to fulfill this requirement

Notes:

• If there is a history of positive TB, documentation of recent medical evaluation to certify you do not have active infectious tuberculosis will be required
• If you need the Varicella and/ or MMR immunization(s), please have them done with or after the second skin test TB screening

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)  

You will be required to submit one of the following

• Proof of two doses of MMR (injection) or
• Proof of positive titer (blood draw)

Notes:

• If the MMR vaccine is needed, you can receive this with and/or after your second skin test TB screening.
• This Vaccine can be provided at the same time as the Varicella vaccine if needed.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

You will need to submit one of the following

• Proof of two doses of varicella (injection) or
• Proof of one dose prior to age of 13 or
• Proof of positive titer (blood draw)

            Notes:

• Documentation of having the disease is not accepted
• If the vaccine is needed, it should be received with and/or after the second skin test of TB screening

Hepatitis B (HBV)

You will be required to submit one of the following:

• Proof of 3 dose vaccine (injection)
• Proof of positive titer (blood draw)

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)

You will be required to submit the following

• Proof of vaccine within the last 10 years (cannot expire during program)

Flu

You will be required to submit one of the following

• Proof of seasonal flu vaccine
  • Vaccine documentation must include
    • Location/facility received
    • Date of injection
    • Site of injection
    • Lot# and VIS#
    • Expiration date

Declination form (click here)

Notes:

• The flu vaccine is required during flu season and is usually due by October 1st of each year.
• If a declination form is submitted, a mask must be worn while at a clinical facility

Covid -19

You will be required to submit one of the following

• Proof of vaccine
• Declination form (click here)
• Medical Exemption(click here)
• Religious Exemption (click here)

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR)- Clinical Requirements

The OARs that Chemeketa’s Healthcare Interpreter program follows can be found by following the link below

https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=1662

• Quick & Easy Medical Terminology, 10th Edition, Peggy C. Leonard 
  • $83.50 paper. $48 digital first lifetime access.
• Healthcare Interpreting In Small Bites: 50 Nourishing Selections from the “Pacific
  Interpreters Newsletter, “2002-2010, Cynthia E. Roat
  • $35 paper
• Note-Taking Manual, A study Guide for Interpreters and Everyone Who Takes
  Notes, Virginia Valencia
  • $51.50 paper

Please note costs are subject to change.

Upon completion of the Chemeketa Community College HCI Program, you will be able to apply for certification as a Healthcare Interpreter through the Oregon Health Authority.

Oregon Health Authority requirements for certification:

Please review the above link for requirements for certification.