Credential(s) Offered
Bachelor's degree and above
Method of Delivery
Hybrid or blended
When offered
Other
Instructional Program (CIP)
Description
The ASL/English Interpreting Concentration is intended for students who wish to become nationally certified ASL/English interpreters. The goal of this concentration is to provide students with the academic preparation needed for the two-step national credentialing exam offered by the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI). Students are required to pass the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Knowledge Exam as a prerequisite to entering Practicum, which serves as a Capstone to their concentration. We project that within two years of consistent work experience while working under a “Conditional Interpreter License” from the State of Maine or working within their home states, students should be ready to stand for and pass the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Interview and Performance Exam.
Our interpreting program is unique in offering a full curriculum that is equally geared to both hearing and Deaf interpreting students at all levels of study. The ASL/English Interpreting Program also provides a variety of in-service training opportunities for working educational interpreters throughout Maine. The program has ongoing efforts to provide training opportunities every year for working educational interpreters throughout the state. Students are strongly encouraged to also take the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Test prior to graduation as well as the EIPA Performance Test shortly after graduation.
Finally, our concentration offers an optional three-course series in medical interpreting designed for both advanced students and working medical interpreters, in both signed and spoken languages, with language coaches assigned in each student’s language area. The first two medical interpreting courses involve 72 hours of coursework designed to meet training standards established by the International Medical Interpreter Association (IMIA) and the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC). For advanced students in the program, we offer a hands-on Simulation Lab Peer Professional Training jointly for medical interpreters and medical professionals, i.e., medical students, nursing students, residents and health care professionals.
This interpreter training program has been nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE) since 2009.
Details
Program Length (Weeks)
99999
Hours
120
Entrance Requirements
Combination of Education and Course(s)
School
WIOA Approved Program
Yes
Training Location(s)
PORTLAND
Local WIB
4 - Coastal Counties Local Area 4
Type of Attainment:
Bachelor's Degree
Type of financial aid offered or have access to
See Student Financial Services for additional information: https://usm.maine.edu/student-financial-services
Refund Policy
Is the proposed curriculum currently certified by an accrediting agency or similar national standardization program?
No
Is this proposed curriculum considered a nontraditional program of training services for women?
No
Is this proposed curriculum considered a nontraditional program of training services for men?
No
Cost Items
Total In-State Program Cost
$0.00
