Index

What do interpreters do?

Sign Language Interpreters facilitate communication between people who use sign language to communicate and hearing people. Interpreters make it possible for users of ASL to access education, social services and employment. Through the use of sign language, interpreters facilitate communication between the hearing impaired and others.

Interpreters are employed anywhere people need to communicate. Interpreters work in a variety of settings and situations, as well as communication modes. Interpreters must be competent in a vast array of skills and knowledge to be able to work competitively in a bicultural/bilingual world.

Because of this variety, the work is intense and draining. Interpreters need excellent interpersonal skills. They must enjoy working constantly with people. And they must be mentally and physically ready to go from one job to another.

What is this field like?

The fastest growing area for employment is education. All levels now provide interpreters. In addition, mental health offices, hospitals and doctors' offices offer interpreters when needed. The field is also growing and expanding as new research is done and new developments enter the field. The work is challenging. Interpreters must stay abreast of innovations in the field.

Graduates are employed in Educational and Private Practice Settings. Opportunities include: Pre-school thru 12th Grade, Post-Secondary ( Vocational training, Community College, University, and Graduate levels), Mental Health, Social Services, Training Programs, Medical and Legal fields, Video Relay, and many more. You may find employment locally or choose to relocate within the state, region, or nation.

In the Spokane area, the entry-level pay range is from $15.00 an hour in educational settings to $17-30 an hour for private practice, depending on experience. Potential employment opportunities are made by contacting interpreter agencies, school districts, and state agencies.

Program Purpose, Values, and Degrees Offered.

The Interpreter Training Program (ITP) is an accessible program providing high quality learning opportunites in sign language and the field of interpreting.

• We serve a diverse multi-cultural community and foster respect for other cultures.
• We actively contribute to the local communities.
• We offer a professional and technical certificate as a sign language interpreter.
• Students are prepared for immediate employment (thereby allowing graduates the opportunity to contribute to the economic well being of the community).
• Students can transfer to a four year degree program.
• We also offer course work for continuing education, professional development, and personal interest.

Degrees Offered

• Associate of Arts
• Associate of Applied Sciences
• Cetificate - (Contingent upon having a prior 2 or 4 year degree)

Program courses are offered via on campus, distance learning, and online. For a complete course list please call (509) 533-3618 or (509) 533-3730. At SFCC, the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) is unique in our ability to meet your educational needs. We will provide you with the basic coursework and skills to launch a new career in the sign language interpreting field.

What classes will I take?

Students in both the A.A.S. degree and certificate programs take courses in American Sign Language, deaf culture, education of the hearing impaired, voicing and interpreting. Because freelance work is a big part of this field, a class in recordkeeping for small businesses is also required.

Students enrolled in the A.A.S. degree program will also take classes in humanities, science, first aid, health and wellness, speech, social sciences, study skills, and interpersonal communication.

Location, Facilities, Socializing Opportunities

SFCC is one of two community colleges located within Spokane’s city limits; public transportation is available to and from campus.

The metropolitan area of Spokane and surrounding communities offer a variety of monthly activities within the Deaf communities. These activities are social, informative, and often provide potential practicum sites.

The Interpreter Training Program is located on campus utilizing classrooms and a language lab containing state of the art equipment to be used by faculty and students.

Imagine yourself interpreting!

Faculty

Our Faculty is multi-faceted with experience in both cultures and has interpreting expertise in many venues locally, regionally, and nationally.

Each faculty member has a long-term commitment to ITP students, graduates, and the interpreting profession.

American Sign Language (Foreign Language option)

What can you do with ASL?

• Fulfill your foreign language requirement by learning a second language that is visual and gestural.
• Communicate with family, friends, classmates, and community members.
• Use ASL as a tactile study aid for other classes.
• Improve your memory.

Program courses are offered via on campus, distance learning, and online. At SFCC, the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) is unique in our ability to meet your educational needs, by providing you with a full year's basic ASL coursework and skills to communicate successfully with people who use sign language as a mode of communication. You can begin your foreign language requirement as soon as next quarter. Each course offered is transferable to other Washington state colleges and unviersites.

How do I get started?

Begin your studies into American Sign Language and Interpreting by visiting the Getting Started page in our New Student Entry Center site.

For more information contact:

Human Services Office (509) 533-3615
or Interpreter Training Program (509) 533-3730 or (509) 533-3618

or Spokane Falls Community College
Counseling Center MS 3011
3410 West Fort George Wright Drive
Spokane, Washington 99204-5288