University of Southern Maine

Linguistics, ASL/English Interpreting Concentration, B.A.

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. In addition to 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), a third course prepares students to take national written exams in healthcare interpreting. We offer, upon passing these tests, 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.