Interpreter Training Program
Employment Opportunities
- K-12
- Postsecondary Interpreting
Community
- Medical
- Mental Health
- Legal
- Business
- Performing Arts
Federal legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that interpreters be provided to Deaf and hard of hearing people for public events, federally-funded institutions, and privately-owned businesses. As a result, there is a nation wide demand for qualified interpreters.
Interpreter Training Program
Prepares students to pursue employment as American Sign Language/English
interpreters.
Courses required for a Certificate or an A.A. degree major:
Preparation Courses
| ASL 100 | American Sign Language I | 4 Units |
| ASL 101 | American Sign Language II | 4 Units |
| ASL 205 | American Sign Language III | 4 Units |
| ASL 206 | American Sign Language IV | 4 Units |
| ASL 105 | Fingerspelling | 3 Units |
Required Courses
| ASL 110 | Awareness of Deaf Culture | 3 Units (Offered Day/night fall and Day only spring) |
| ASL 115 | Perspectives on Deafness | 3 Units (Offered spring semester only) |
| ASL 210 | Interpreting I | 4 Units (Offered fall semester only) |
| ASL 211 | Interpreting II | 4 Units (Offered spring semester only) |
| ASL 215 | Interpreting III | 4 Units (Offered fall semester only) |
| ASL 216 | Interpreting IV | 4 Units (Offered spring semester only) |
| ASL 208 | Interpreting as a Profession | 3 Units (Offered fall semester only) |
| ASL 220 | Specialized Settings of Interpreting | 3 Units (Offered spring semester only) |
| ASL 298 | Fieldwork in Interpreting | 1.5 Units (Offered spring semester only) |
| ENG 100 | English Composition | 4 Units |
| Total Units | 52.5 |
All students desiring admission to the American Sign Language/English Interpreter Training Program must show proficiency in American Sign Language by examination or completion of ASL IV with a "C" or better.
Certification and Licensing: Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be ready to take local evaluations and obtain entry-level employment. Shortly after graduation, students should take the National Association of the Deaf's interpreter assessment. Most students who continue to develop their interpreting skills will be prepared to seek national certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf within three to five years after graduation.
Melissa Smith, Director of Interpreter Training
Program
(760) 744-1150 Ext. 3520
email: mbsmith@palomar.edu
Office: IT-7D