In the ASL/English interpretation program, you'll learn new language skills, especially American Sign Language and fingerspelling.

JCCC's ASL/English interpretation program is the beginning of a lifelong learning process. The sequence of courses provides instruction and experience needed to interpret between visual American Sign Language and auditory English. Comparisons are drawn between English and ASL, with emphasis on the development of interpretation skills.

You can earn an associate of applied science degree in interpreter training at JCCC. The 69-credit-hour program prepares you to provide entry-level interpretation and transliteration for the deaf, hard of hearing and non-deaf communities. During the last semester, you'll participate in a practicum class in which you interpret under supervision in a variety of situations.

JCCC also offers an American Sign Language (ASL) studies postsecondary certificate that has been developed based on the need for professionals and community members to be skilled in ASL. This 36-credit-hour program is intended as supplementary and does not prepare the learner to work as an interpreter.

The health care interpreting certificate is designed to give bilingual (English and Spanish) students the awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to serve as entry-level interpreters and translators in health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, medical offices and similar environments. Those who complete the 20-credit-hour program should be eligible for employment as salaried or on-call staff interpreters, or as self-employed freelance interpreters.

A 27-credit-hour health care interpreting entrepreneurship certificate prepares you to open your own business providing health care interpreting services.

For more information, contact Dr. Larry Reynolds, dean, communications, 913-469-8500, ext. 3765, or lreynolds@jccc.edu. For information about health care interpreting, contact Christina Wolff de Casquino, 913-469-8500, ext. 5347, or cdecasqu@jccc.edu.