Become a Spanish Interpreter

Clear communication is essential for effective healthcare. After Mexico, the United States has the largest population of Spanish speakers in the world. Many patients face language barriers that can hinder their access to quality healthcare. By serving as a Spanish interpreter, you’ll help break down these barriers and ensure that Spanish-speaking patients receive the care they deserve. Your work will make a direct impact on health equity in our surrounding communities.

As a Spanish interpreter, you will work primarily with Partners for Healing in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Partners for Healing provides free primary care for working, uninsured individuals. You will make appointments and interpret conversations between healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking patients. Your role ensures that patients fully understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and care instructions, leading to a better experience for the patient and better health outcomes.

You'll work closely with healthcare professionals, observe patient interactions, and gain a deeper understanding of rural medicine and health disparities. This experience is invaluable for anyone pursuing a career in healthcare, whether you’re aiming to be a physician, nurse, or any other healthcare professional.

Applicantion Information

Who Should Apply?

This position is ideal for students who speak Spanish and are interested in health careers. If you speak Spanish fluently, we hope you will share your talents and apply to become a Spanish interpreter. If you are not yet fluent, keep taking classes and take advantage of opportunities like the Spanish Immersion in Healthcare Settings program, and apply to be an interpreter once your Spanish is at the appropriate level.

We encourage applications from native speakers, heritage speakers, and fluent speakers who have studied in a Spanish-speaking country.

Not pre-health but speak Spanish and want to serve our surrounding communities? Please reach out to Prof. Cynthia Gray at cggray@sewanee.edu to see if we have an additional spot for an interpreter.

Application Process

  1. Submit Your Application: Spend time on your application. Provide detail and be thorough. Early applications are encouraged so we have plenty of time to reach out to your references.   

  2. Selection Process: Be available to respond to questions via email and to participate in an interview if needed.

  3. Training: Participate in a mandatory orientation and training to prepare for your role as an interpreter.

Application Resources

The following materials will need to be submitted via Handshake (incomplete applications will not be viewed):

    1. In lieu of a cover letter, the Google form will ask you a series of questions. Take this form seriously – give it the same time and consideration you would give to a cover letter.
    2. Resume or CV.  Click the Resume/CV How-To link below for the Career Center's guidelines on composing an effective resume and what a CV is and how to write one 
    3. Three References: At least 1 reference should be able to speak to your Spanish speaking ability.

    How will I know if I was accepted?

    You will be notified of your acceptance into the internship via email and are expected to be available for questions via email in a timely manner. Please note that previous interns with good reviews from medical site leaders will be given preference for sites. 

    Clinic Sites

    Partners for Healing
    Tullahoma, TN

    Partners for Healing medical clinic was established in 2001 to provide free primary healthcare to a population of low income, working uninsured. Started by area community leaders, the clinic was initiated to improve access to healthcare. Their mission is “to open our hearts and hands in love and understanding by providing compassionate health care and nurturing to the working uninsured of Coffee, Franklin, and Moore counties”. Sewanee intern volunteers work directly with clinic staff to take patient histories and vitals, while also shadowing. Interns will also work to help the clinic locate patients that might be eligible for care and to research about grants and ways to help support the clinic. 

    Distance from Sewanee: approx. 45 minutes
    Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic
    Beersheba Springs, TN

    Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic is a not-for-profit clinic that has served over 1000 people since it opened in 2010. Their mission is “to provide comprehensive ambulatory medical services for the community including diagnosis and treatment of acute episodic illness." Services include "on-going supervision of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and depression; minor wound management; stabilizing more serious injury patients, and arranging appropriate hospital and or specialist referral; prenatal care, well-child care, school physicals, and family planning; and health education including nutrition counseling, weight control and smoking cessation.” Sewanee interns work directly with clinic staff to take patient histories and vitals, while also shadowing nurses and physicians. Interns will help with patient files and medicines and may be asked to speak with patients for follow-up care. 

    Distance from Sewanee: approx. 45 minutes
    Winchester Clinic
    Winchester, TN

    This clinic is a nonprofit dedicated to building a network of sustainable free primary healthcare clinics for the uninsured in local communities. Their mission is “to promote and guide the development of a national network of free clinics emphasizing the use of retired medical and community volunteers within a culture of caring to improve access to health care for America’s underserved, particularly the uninsured.” Sewanee intern volunteers work directly with clinic staff to take patient histories and vitals, while also shadowing nurses and physicians. Interns will help with patient files and medicines and may be asked to speak with patients for follow-up care.

    Distance from Sewanee: 20 minutes