North
Associate of Science

This program provides the solid foundation necessary to lead to an interpreting career. The educational philosophy of the ASUEnglish Interpreting program at CCAC centers on providing students with the superior language skills and ethical competencies needed by today’s interpreters. Interpreting is a diverse career, offering a wide variety of settings in which to work. The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, predicts that job growth for interpreters and translators will increase 46% from 2012 through 2022 (much faster than average). Through foundational interpreting courses, observations in the field, and practicum placement, students become skilled professionals. Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared to sit for the Pennsylvania Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and/or the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) written exam. Students holding a Bachelor’s degree would be permitted to sit for the NIC performance exam.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Interpret a wide variety of content in the K-12 and community settings.
2. Apply interpreting skills to different professional settings including schools, businesses, medical offices, theatrical and community events.
3. Denote the wide variety of clients with special needs who are also D/deaf and how their services may differ.
4. Differentiate and investigate the legal and ethical aspects and responsibilities of the various requirements of interpreters in the varying settings.
5. Define the occupational challenges and legislative issues facing interpreters today.

Prior to the practicum requirement, students must be eligible for clearance through the Federal Criminal History Record (PA Act 114), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check (PA Act 34), Pennsylvania Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance Act (PA Act 151), sign a background check affidavit (PA Act 24), complete mandated reporter training (PA Act 126), and have a negative TB test. Practicum students will be required to meet local requirements of the practicum placement site.

Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to seek provisional registration with the state for employment as an interpreter in the community, or as an educational interpreter upon taking the EIPA and scoring 3.5 or higher.

Students may enter the program in three ways:

1. Complete CCAC’s 20-credit American Sign Language certificate program;
2. Earn a level 2+ or higher on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) or:
3. Pass a CCAC ASL proficiency exam, offered throughout the year.