JCCC's interpreter training program is one of seven in the United States to receive accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education. JCCC is one of only two community colleges to be accredited at this time.

Accreditation represents a distinguished accomplishment for the JCCC program and for Kansas. The college has the only interpreter training program in the state. JCCC's program was one of the first in the country when it was established in 1980 with funding from a federal grant. The college accepts up to 30 students into its interpreter training program by selective admission each year. JCCC's American Sign Language/English program is known for its high caliber of training, including a practicum of 270 field hours.

 "We teach junior and senior university-level equivalency courses," said Stacey Storme, associate professor and co-program chair, interpreter training.

Accreditation by the CCIE was formalized in 2006. As of now, students with an associate's degree can sit for the National Interpreter Certification. As of 2012, students will be required to have a bachelor's degree to sit for the exam.

"Interpreter training has been an emerging field," Storme said. "The CCIE is a major part of advancing standard competencies for students, faculty and curriculum developers."

Storme said there is a definite need for qualified interpreters in both metro and rural areas.

"There is a real misconception about interpreter education," Storme said. "There is more to it than teaching sign language. Professionals have to be able to serve a diverse population in a variety of settings across a broad range of fields."

For more information, contact Storme at 913-469-8500, ext. 4103, or sstorme@jccc.edu.