Deaf Studies: Sign Language Interpreter Certificate (available only to students who already have a 4-year degree)
student practices with ASL tutor
No new students being accepted
There’s a high demand for interpreters for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in just about all areas of life. Interpreters are required when Deaf and Hard of Hearing people see their doctor, when they go to school, when they attend meetings at their place of employment, when they go to court, and more. If you love learning languages and studying different cultures, have strong people skills, and have an ability to empathize with people in all kinds of settings, you have the qualities essential for a successful career in interpreting.
After passing state-level exams, interpreters typically work for another year or two prior to applying to take the national credentialing examination administered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. National Interpreter Certification is the highest level credential available to interpreters. Holders of this credential are qualified to work in a variety of settings anywhere in the country. Interpreters who wish to specialize in medical, mental health and legal interpreting are qualified to do so after additional specialized training.
Please note: the certificate option will be undergoing changes in the coming year. Prospective students should be aware that the course of study will take four years to complete. For details, contact Luce Aubry, program coordinator at laubry@necc.mas.edu.
Students pursuing fall 2012 enrollment must have completed Elementary ASL 101 and Elementary ASL 102 with a grade of “B” or better before applying to the program.
Prospective students who have acquired American Sign Language outside of NECC must have an ASL assessment before May 1, 2012. To schedule an ASL assessment, please email deafstudies@necc.mass.edu.
| U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Title | Interpreters & Translators | ||
| U.S. Dept. of Labor’s SOC Code | 27-3091 | ||
| U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Profile Website | http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-3091.00 | ||
| Typical Costs ofr Books & Supplies | $1,236.00 | ||
| On-time Graduation Rate | 100% | ||
| Job Placement Rate** | 100% | ||
| Median Student Loan Dept Incurred | $2038.00 | ||
| Tuition & Fees* | In State: $7,542.00 | New England: $8,218.00 | Out of State: $20,074.00 |
*Average cost for a student completing the program within normal time.
**Reporting from the 2009-2010 Academic Year
