Interpreter Education Program (IEP) Frequently Asked Questions
- This depends on what kind of an interpreter you want to become. Look at this flowchart for an idea of how Blue Ridge Community College can get you from novice to being an educational interpreter and/or community interpreter.
- No, this Interpreter Education Program (IEP) is for American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreting only. NC Community Colleges do offer a Community Spanish Interpreter degree. However, Blue Ridge Community College does not offer it at this time.
- Those that are interested in teaching ASL can find out more about how to become an instructor at ASLTA.org . Also, Gardner-Webb University offers a program in teaching ASL, and they are only an hour away.
- Here is a great video that explains the skills interpreters need and what the job of interpreting looks like.
- Interpreters work wherever people need to communicate. Interpreting can take you anywhere, and can vary based on each unique community’s needs and each state’s licensure laws.
- The certificate/diploma will not enable you to work as an ASL/English interpreter. However, after you complete the certificate you can then continue to take courses and complete the associates degree — they are “stackable.” If you want to become an ASL/English Interpreter, the Interpreter Education Program (IEP) Associates degree will help you get credentials to work in the school system and eventually the community (anything not K-12).
- To work in K-12 as an interpreter with or in the school system:
- Students will take the EIPA during their IPP 221 class as assessment of their skills level.
- This assessment enables students to work in the K-12 school system.
- The K-12 school system WILL require a background check and fingerprinting.
- This means drug use is strongly discouraged.
- Conviction of crimes will come up for review.
- To work in the community as an interpreter (anything not school related) candidates should take the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) or the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)
- More on the NIC: After completion of a Bachelor’s degree
- Hearing ASL/English Interpreter candidates will be eligible to get their National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
- OR if you already have a bachelor’s degree OR experience as an interpreter consider applying for the NIC alternate pathway
- Candidates must be able to hear and speak: if a candidate is unable to produce clear speech either unassisted or with the use of some sort of device, then that candidate will not be successful in the field of ASL-English Interpreting (NIC Job Task Analysis, page 21).
- Deaf Interpreters candidates will be eligible to apply to become a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) after getting their Bachelor’s degree
- Interpreters in North Carolina are also required to have an interpreting license.
- Please consider your state requirements for licensure.
- States that accept BEI (list may not be up to date); check with your local agencies for more information.
- This is the recommended order of your classes for full-time students. Students should contact their advisor if they would like to make adjustments.
- It is recommended to take your ASL and general education classes first, you can do this by enrolling in our Fundamentals of ASL Certificate. This is the best place for all of our students to begin their journey with us. It is better for our students to understand the language(s) first and then dive into the interpreting courses. “You can’t interpret what you don’t understand.” If you have further questions please contact an Interpreter Education advisor.
- Working full time and attending classes can be difficult, but it is very doable. Remember that our ASL and IPP classes are only eight weeks and that you will not be taking the full course load at the same time. Consult with your academic advisor about any concerns and together we will figure out your best education plan.
- If you are only able to be a part-time student, our IEP department suggests that you view the schedules listed here. First you take ASL courses along with the general education requirements.
- The ASL courses are designed as eight-week mini-mesters and will take you a total of four semesters to complete.
- Being part time means your schedule will be extended from the five semester full time model to a total of eight semesters.
- Please note that summer classes are required for both full time and part time education plans.
- See here for alternate schedules.
- The ASL courses are designed as eight-week mini-mesters and will take you a total of four semesters to complete.
- Please note that summer classes are required for both full-time and part-time education plans.
- Our Interpreter Education Program is well designed to get students to work after five short semesters, when attending full time. The classes that we offer in the summer are only available during those dates.
- Summer classes are required for both full time and part time education plans.
- Yes! Our Interpreter Education Program (IEP) is working diligently to develop an inclusive Deaf interpreting program alongside our hearing interpreting program.
- Please see this Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) website for more information on becoming a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI).
- Hearing interpreter candidates must be able to hear and speak: if a candidate is unable to produce clear speech either unassisted or with the use of some sort of device, then that candidate will not be successful in the field of ASL-English Interpreting (NIC Job Task Analysis, page 21).
- If it has been several years since you have attended an ASL course, it is recommended that you take an assessment with our ASL instructors. The assessment is an informal conversation interview, and should take around 20 minutes. We will guide you through the next steps on a case-by-case basis. Please consult with a Blue Ridge Interpreter Education Program advisor.
- If you have previous experience or ASL coursework it is recommended that you take an assessment with our ASL instructors. The assessment is an informal conversation interview and should take around 20 minutes. We will guide you through the next steps on a case by case basis. Please consult with a Blue Ridge Interpreter Education Program advisor.
- Our IEP faculty will work with your needs. Please contact our IEP advisors for your next steps. We will guide you through the next steps on a case-by-case basis.
- Yes! Our Interpreter Education Program (IEP) offers classes via Zoom synchronously with your instructor and classmates, though it is highly recommended that students attend in person. ASL is a 3D language and attending in person will better prepare students for a career in interpreting.
- Yes! Our Interpreter Education Program offers classes via Zoom synchronously with your instructor and classmates. Please visit this resource (SARA Agreement) for additional information about your state.
- We recommend that you contact our Student Services at (828) 694-1800 and speak with one of our Career Coaches for local resources.
- This is not necessary for attending our courses. However, there are many online course options that may help get you prepared for class.
- Online courses with fees: Language First
This basic class focuses on signing for at home purposes, and can be helpful for parents of Deaf children.
- Not a problem: the Blue Ridge library does have resources to loan to students. Just ask!
- These items are required for each class in the IEP.
- Each of our courses do require out of class responsibilities. A variety of activities could be required, including, but not limited to: attending Deaf events, interpreting workshops, internship hours with an interpreting agency, etc.
- Learning in a full immersion classroom can be intimidating at first, however, research shows that students learn faster and have better retention by using this model of instruction. Watch this video to see for yourself what students are saying.
- Blue Ridge Community College hires Deaf instructors/native language speakers to teach ASL classes. The instructors will work with you to keep communication flowing.
- Research shows that the best way to learn ASL is to jump in!
Faculty Contacts
Rey Castillo
Video Phone: (828) 233-5403
r_castillo@blueridge.edu
Rose Fichera-Lening
(828) 694-1874
rfl@blueridge.edu
