Interpreter Preparation

Interpreter Preparation

Offered at: Westminster

Do you want to focus your career on helping other people? Do you enjoy communicating using American Sign Language? If you are eager to take on the challenge of becoming fluent in a language and are dedicated to immersing yourself in the deaf community to become a skilled interpreter, the Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) might be right for you. IPP offers a student-centered learning environment and a broad-based curriculum that addresses the diverse communication needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Interpreter Preparation Degree

An A.A.S. Interpreter Preparation degree prepares students for entry-level employment as sign language interpreters. Students must apply to the program.

Admissions requirements for Interpreter Preparation Program

Students must apply for this program through the Interpreter Preparation Program. In order to be accepted into the program, students must demonstrate proficiency in ASL and English by:

• Receiving a grade of “B” or above in both ASL 121 and ASL 122, or by passing the ASL 121 and ASL 122 proficiency tests at 80% or higher, and
• Receiving a grade of “B” or above in either ENG 121 or ENG 122.

In addition, program requirements include demonstrated mastery of program skills. Therefore students must receive a "B" or above in all ASL and IPP courses and at least a “C” in all other general education coursework.

IPP accepts new students each fall semester. Students must attend classes on a full-time day schedule (no part-time enrollees). Learn more about admission requirements.  

Transfer to Regis University

Beginning in 2012, professionals seeking certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) must meet the RID’s updated educational requirements. All candidates for RID certification must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (in any field). To prepare students for the changing interpreting industry, FRCC has partnered with Regis University to offer a for-transfer degree that transfers students into Regis’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree program (Community Interpreting specialization). Details of this partnership are currently in transition—please check back to this page for updated information in the fall of 2011.

Dedicated facilities for Sign Language students

The IPP lab (Room C0208) is open to IPP students from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can practice their skills by viewing videos from the lab library that cover fingerspelling and specific interpreting settings (such as legal, health care, medical, children, or other settings). Students can use the Sony Language Learning Software suite of products to record themselves signing, upload the video to the server, and get feedback from their instructors (bookmarked throughout the video). Students can get help from the lab coordinator.

In 2010, the Interpreter Preparation Program received grants from the FRCC Student Learning Project and Teaching with Technology Grant. Thanks to these funds, the program has since expanded and improved student resources and technology.

RID certification

Most graduates from the FRCC Interpreter Preparation Program pursue certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Learn more about RID certification. Those interested in educational interpreting in the elementary and secondary school classroom settings pursue the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). School districts or interpreting agencies may require interpreters to submit their EIPA score prior to employment. Learn more about EIPA.

Sign Language Interpreter & Translators - a career in high demand

According to both the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for interpreters and translators is currently very high and expected to increase in the coming decade. Career opportunities are diverse, too. You may choose to be a freelance interpreter and work in a variety of community and professional settings, work for an interpreting agency, or work in the educational setting.

Annual Salary

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (2011)

Special Activities

• Future Interpreters of Colorado (FIC) – FIC is the student organization for students pursing and Interpreter Preparation degree. Upon acceptance into the program, students automatically become honorary members. FIC’s mission is to develop collaborations between the deaf community and FRCC students. FIC raises money for the deaf community and also raises money for the annual Silent Weekend retreat for first-year students.

• Silent Weekend – Every March, we hold a two-day Silent Weekend at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies in Estes Park. The purpose of the Silent Weekend is to immerse first-year Interpreter Preparation students in ASL and the deaf culture. Six deaf facilitators from the deaf community attend to coordinate and participate in the weekend’s activities. The Silent Weekend is mandatory for first-year students.