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ASL-English Interpreter Preparation
ASL-English Interpreter Preparation
Prepare for entry-level interpreting work while building skills in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, and communication access. Blue Ridge Community College’s ASL-English Interpreter Preparation program combines language study, cultural understanding, and hands-on interpreting practice for students who want to serve Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing communities.
Choose Your Path
Blue Ridge Community College offers multiple options for students interested in American Sign Language, Deaf culture studies, and interpreting. Students can choose the pathway that best fits their goals, from introductory ASL study to full interpreter preparation.
High School Students
Currently enrolled North Carolina high school students may be eligible to begin Interpreter Education coursework through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program.
Why Interpreter Preparation?
ASL-English interpreters help make communication possible in classrooms, medical settings, workplaces, community events, religious services, and everyday life. This program prepares students to support communication access with skill, professionalism, and respect for Deaf culture.
Blue Ridge Community College is one of only six Interpreter Education programs in North Carolina and one of only four offered at a community college.
Program Highlights
Build ASL Communication Skills
Develop vocabulary, grammar, structure, syntax, and expressive and receptive communication skills in American Sign Language.
Study Deaf culture and community
Study Deaf history, culture, sociolinguistics, and the role interpreters play within the Deaf community.
Practice ASL-English interpreting
Build interpreting skills for consecutive and simultaneous settings through guided practice and applied learning.
Prepare for professional practice
Develop the ethical awareness, judgment, and communication habits needed for entry-level interpreting work.
Career & Transfer Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for entry-level work as paraprofessional interpreters in educational systems and a variety of community settings. Students may pursue part-time, full-time, freelance, or self-employment opportunities, or use their language skills in related human service fields.
After completing the Associate in Applied Science degree, students may also continue their education in ASL, interpreting, deaf studies, or related programs at four-year colleges and universities.
Plan Your Program Pathway
View a pathway overview for Interpreter Preparation, including certificates, diploma, associate degree, transfer options, and career opportunities.
Technical Standards
Students enrolling in these programs must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in Technical Standards. Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact Student Accessibility Services at (828) 694-1813 for more information.
Out-of-Class Requirements
Students should plan for required learning experiences outside of regular class meetings. ASL-English Interpreter Preparation students participate in Deaf community events and activities. Interpreting students will be required to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in the interpreting community. They will also be provided a calendar of events to choose from.
Interpreter Preparation FAQs
Getting Started
I want to become an interpreter. How do I get started?
The pathway depends on the type of interpreter you want to become. Our Interpreter Education Program (IEP) prepares students for American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreting. Review our program flowchart to see how Blue Ridge Community College can support your journey from beginner to educational and/or community interpreter.
I want to be a Spanish/English interpreter. Is this the right program for me?
No. The IEP is exclusively for ASL-English interpreting. North Carolina Community Colleges do offer Community Spanish Interpreter programs; however, Blue Ridge Community College does not currently offer that option.
How can I learn more about interpreting as a career?
We recommend exploring:
These resources provide career outlook, certification requirements, and job information.
About the Profession
What do interpreters do?
Interpreters facilitate communication between people who use different languages. This requires strong language skills, cultural competence, and professional ethics. We recommend this short video that explains interpreting skills and what the work looks like in practice.
Where do interpreters work?
Interpreters work wherever communication access is needed, including schools, healthcare settings, community agencies, and more. Work settings vary by community needs and state licensure laws.
Program Eligibility & Requirements
What do I need to enter the program?
After you:
- Apply to Blue Ridge Community College
- Select Interpreter Education as your program of study
- Meet with your IEP advisor and register for classes
You should then contact the Campus Store to obtain required books and supplies.
You will also need:
- A computer
- An HD camera
- Reliable high-speed internet
- A quiet, distraction-free space
Many assignments require video submissions; therefore, a strong internet connection and HD camera are essential.
Are there physical or communication requirements?
Hearing ASL/English interpreter candidates must be able to hear and produce clear spoken English, either unassisted or with appropriate devices. Candidates who cannot do so will not be successful in ASL-English interpreting (NIC Job Task Analysis, p. 21).
Credentials, Certificates, and Degrees
What is the difference between the certificate, diploma, and degree?
- The certificate and diploma alone do not qualify graduates to work as ASL/English interpreters.
- These credentials are stackable and allow students to continue toward the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Interpreter Education.
- The AAS degree prepares students for employment as K–12 educational interpreters and, with additional credentials, community interpreters.
Employment & Certification Pathways
What is required to work as a K-12 educational interpreter?
- Students take the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) during their final IPP course.
- Passing the EIPA allows graduates to work in K-12 school settings.
- School systems require background checks and fingerprinting.
- Drug use is strongly discouraged, and criminal convictions are subject to review.
What is required to work as a community interpreter (non-school settings)?
Community interpreters typically pursue:
- National Interpreter Certification (NIC) through RID, or
- Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification (accepted in some states)
NIC eligibility:
- Requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or
- Eligibility through the NIC Alternate Pathway for candidates with prior degrees or interpreting experience
Deaf Interpreter candidates:
- May pursue Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) certification after earning a Bachelor’s degree or through the alternate pathway
- CDI skill requirements are outlined in the CDI Job Task Analysis (p. 13)
Licensure:
- North Carolina requires interpreter licensure.
- Licensure requirements vary by state; students should review the requirements in the state where they plan to work.
- Some states accept BEI certification—check with local agencies for current information.
Teaching ASL
Can I teach ASL after graduating from the IEP?
Graduating from the IEP does not automatically qualify someone to teach ASL. Those interested in teaching should consult:
- ASLTA.org for national guidance
- Gardner-Webb University, which offers an ASL teaching program and is located approximately one hour away
Course Sequencing & Advising
Does it matter what order I take my classes?
Yes. There is a recommended course sequence, especially for full-time students. Students should consult their IEP advisor before making adjustments.
We strongly recommend beginning with ASL and general education courses through the Fundamentals of ASL Certificate. Developing strong language skills first leads to greater success in interpreting coursework. As we often say: “You can’t interpret what you don’t understand.”
For personalized guidance, please contact an Interpreter Education advisor.
Contact Us
Faculty Contacts
Rey Castillo
(828) 233-5403
r_castillo@blueridge.edu
Rose Fichera-Lening
(828) 694-1874
rfl@blueridge.edu