This study addresses the need for trained medical interpreters in various local/ethnic languages especially at public health institutions in Turkey, and argues that distance learning would be an effective tool for medical interpreting training, given the particular constraints of the situation. Designed to meet the respective needs of different target groups, two certificate programmes are proposed: a three-month programme for health professionals and a one-year programme for prospective medical interpreters. These certificate programmes involve delivery of the theoretical content by distance mode in addition to face-to-face interpreting practice guided by professional interpreter trainers and experts of the local/ethnic languages concerned.