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
- 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 community.
- Once students have completed the IEP, they will be eligible to apply to EIPA for an assessment of their skill levels.
- This assessment enables students to work in the K-12 school system.
- The K-12 school system WILL require a background check and fingerprinting.
- Drug use is strongly discouraged
- Criminal convictions will come up for review
- After completion of a Bachelor’s degree (or NIC alternate pathway), hearing ASL/English interpreters will be eligible to get their National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
- 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! However, for the Interpreter Education Program at Blue Ridge candidates must be able to hear and speak.
- 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 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 an 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.
- Once students have completed the IEP, they will be eligible to apply to EIPA for an assessment of their skill levels.
- This assessment enables graduates to work in the K-12 school system.
- After completion of a Bachelor’s degree (or NIC alternate pathway) Hearing ASL/English Interpreters will be eligible to get their National Interpreter Certification (NIC).
- 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
Hope Turpin
Video Phone: (828) 233-5411
h.turpin@blueridge.edu
