Sign Language Interpreter Preparation, AAS

Additional information available on the Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Department website.

Recommended basic skills courses are

• CCR 092  
• MAT 050  

The Sign Language Interpreter program will provide you with exceptional knowledge and a skill set that will prepare you to partner with the Deaf community. When you complete the AAS Degree in Sign Language Interpretation you will be prepared for entry-level, pre-certified interpreter/translator employment.

Students must submit a Letter of Intent to the Interpreter Preparation Program. In order to be accepted into the program, students must demonstrate proficiency in American Sign Language by:

1. passing the proficiency test at 80%, or
2. receiving a grade of “B” or above in both ASL 121  and ASL 122 .

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

To progress to the Interpreting Internship, students must:

1. satisfy all program requirements with a grade of “B” or better,
2. have completed all general education courses and
3. have an overall G.P.A of a 3.0 or higher.

As of July 2012, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) requires a Bachelor’s degree for national certification. PPCC has partnered with Regis University and Sienna Heights for full transfer of the AAS degree for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. This BAS degree satisfies the RID educational standards for certification.

Contact the Interpreter Preparation Office at 719-502-3200 for more information.

Program prerequisite: CCR 092 , MAT 050  or placement scores of ENG 121 .

Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have instructor permission to enroll.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Sign Language Interpreter Preparation program, students should be able to:

• Identify tenets of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct and apply professional practice to various scenarios
• Analyze situation to determine modality most appropriate to client language need (interpret/transliterate)
• Interpret/transliterate for a diverse population (with native and non-native speakers of varying ages, race, gender, education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity)
• Demonstrate preparation and brainstorming skills in preparing for assignments and demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changes that arise during an assignment
• Adjust to the interpreting/transliterating needs of the consumer based on consumer signing style and/or feedback
• Identify and apply team interpreting practices during interactive interpreting scenarios

Content criteria, competencies, and student learning outcomes associated with the general education courses required for this degree can be found on the Colorado Department of Higher Education website.