Medication Translator Job Description
Medication translators are language specialists who translate written instructions from English to a target language. They work for hospitals, medical clinics, medical supply manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and social services organizations. Attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, precision and technical writing skills are key qualities.
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Duties
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They translate written materials. Medication translators translate written drug product inserts, brochures and physician instructions. They work in language pairs such as English to Spanish. Medication translators may also interpret verbal instructions from doctors to patients.
Job Requirements
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Knowledge of at least two languages is integral. Medication translators must have native fluency in the source tongue and near-native-level proficiency in the target language. A bachelor's degree with a foreign language concentration is a usual entry-level requirement.
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Certification
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The American Translators Association credential is integral. The American Translators Association (ATA) provides a three-hour certification examination that evaluates three text passages in a variety of language pairs. Successful applicants may use the ATA professional credential on job applications, resumes and personal websites.
Anticipated Salaries
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The mean yearly salary was $43,130 in 2008. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, translators earned a mean hourly wage of $20.74 and a median annual salary of $43,130, as of May 2008. Translators earned salaries ranging from $22,170 for the lowest 10 percent to $69,190 for the highest 10 percent.
Prospects
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The future is very bright for translators. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 22 percent for translators between 2008 and 2018. This figure represents a faster-than-average rate compared to other occupations.
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References
Resources
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