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Healthcare Interpreter Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of ... Provide interpreter services, and convey the exact message as opposed to summarizing the ...

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Healthcare Interpreter information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$23.3K

$62.2K

$101.6K

How much do healthcare interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for healthcare interpreter in Raleigh, NC is $62,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges healthcare interpreters face when facilitating communication between patients and medical staff?

Healthcare Interpreters often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical terminology accurately, navigating cultural differences between patients and providers, and maintaining impartiality during emotionally charged situations. They must quickly adapt to new medical settings and manage stress while ensuring patient confidentiality. Effective collaboration with healthcare teams is essential, as interpreters help bridge communication gaps to support patient care and understanding.

What is the difference between Healthcare Interpreter vs Medical Translator?

AspectHealthcare InterpreterMedical Translator
CredentialsCertification in medical interpreting (e.g., CMI, NRIC)Translation certifications (e.g., ATA certification)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare settingsDocuments, manuals, patient education materials
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, hospitals, clinicsPublishing, healthcare companies, legal documents
Search & Comparison IntentHealthcare Interpreter vs Medical Translator

Healthcare interpreters facilitate real-time communication between patients and healthcare providers, focusing on spoken language. Medical translators work with written medical documents, translating texts accurately. Both roles require specialized medical language knowledge, but they differ mainly in the medium (spoken vs written) and work environment.

What is a healthcare interpreter?

Healthcare interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers when they do not share a common language. They interpret spoken or signed language to ensure accurate understanding of medical information, instructions, and patient concerns. Their role is critical for ensuring quality care, patient safety, and adherence to medical ethics and privacy regulations. Healthcare interpreters often work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings, serving patients with limited English proficiency or those who use sign language.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a healthcare interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Healthcare Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of medical terminology, and typically a certification such as CCHI or NBCMI. Familiarity with video remote interpreting (VRI) systems and interpreting software is often required. Outstanding listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, confidential, and empathetic communication between patients and healthcare providers, directly impacting patient care and safety.

What qualifications do you need to be a healthcare interpreter?

Healthcare interpreters typically need fluency in at least two languages and often require certification such as the Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) or similar credentials. Strong communication skills, cultural competence, and knowledge of medical terminology are also important for effective interpretation in healthcare settings.
What are popular job titles related to Healthcare Interpreter jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Healthcare Interpreter jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Healthcare Interpreter jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Healthcare Interpreter jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Healthcare Interpreter jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Healthcare Interpreter job openings:
Infographic showing various Healthcare Interpreter job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,233 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Medical Interpreter- Duke Raleigh

Duke Health

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Duke Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke Raleigh Hospital, A Campus of Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with the Duke Raleigh Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 204-beds, it is the third largest of the four Duke Health hospitals and offers a comprehensive array of services, including cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, advanced gastrointestinal, and wound healing care.


Job Summary


Perform a variety of interpretation and translation services to assist patients receiving care within the Duke Health System.

Department strongly prefers: Spanish medical interpreter knowledge/experience

Hours:

Full-time Monday-Friday

8a - 4:30p

Work Performed

Provide interpreter services, and convey the exact message as opposed to summarizing the information in a way that is subjective. Provide documentation as required. Ensure that information pertaining to the patient's outpatient services, hospitalization, (i.e. advanced directives, consents from treatment, diagnosis and prognosis, treatment plan, follow-up appointments and health care education) are accurately communicated. Participate as a neutral party as a conduit of information that flows between Duke staff and the patient/visitor. The patient's questions/concerns regarding this information are to be appropriately addressed and documented by Risk Management Directives. Ensure all encounters are recorded in Service Hub. Maintain accurate and timely electronic documentation of all service requests and provisions. Promote customer satisfaction related to Duke services; notify the Supervisor of any issues that may be problematic for patients or Duke staff. Participate in continuing education programs and competency training to enhance professional role. Ensure all policies and procedures related to process, service, and employee work rules are followed. Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to patient care and visitors. Participate in on-call coverage to provide interpretation services during non-business hours and business hours as assigned. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work with diverse populations from various economicalbackgrounds and age groups. Ability to work as an effective member of a dedicated team. Ability to work in a fast paced Health Care environment with a variety of customer service needs. Accurate and appropriate interpretation skills always. Current N.C. Driver's License with driving record suitable to Duke Van operations and corporate risk management, if applicable.

Level Characteristics

N/A

Minimum QualificationsEducation

High-School Diploma or equivalent. Successful completion of conversation competency testing in secondary language (not applicable to ASL). Knowledge of Medical Terminology.

Experience

Previous experience in a Health Care setting preferred.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

For ASL positions: Current North Carolina Interpreter and Transliterator License required. RID National Certification (NIC, CDI, or equivalent) upon date of hire or within 6 months.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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