국내 의료 통역인 교육 현황 고찰

Abstract

This study investigated institutions offering medical interpreter training programs in South Korea and analyzed their curricular content to offer suggestions for improvement. Data was collected mainly from online sources, including the website of the Korea Human Resource Development Institute for Health and Welfare (KOHI), focusing on training courses and qualification examinations. The analysis found that the training programs were predominantly offered by KOHI or local governments, and local government programs were operated by various institutions such as colleges and private agencies, resulting in inconsistencies with their duration and content. KOHI’s programs demonstrated a strong structural framework and well-defined objectives; however, their limited availability and lack of meaningful incentives diminished their overall impact. Local government programs placed a heavy emphasis on medical tourism while providing relatively few opportunities for interpreter training. Certification examinations related to medical interpreting had limited practical relevance in clinical settings. These findings underscore the importance of reinforcing curricula in areas such as interpreting techniques, ethics, and professional development. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the current training landscape and highlights the need for further research that includes a broader range of programs and the perspectives of interpreters, healthcare professionals and foreign patients.