This 18-credit hour certificate program was established in 2003 in response to the growing Hispanic population in the area. The 18-credit-hour program is offered under the college’s Arts, Sciences, and University Transfer Department. Students learn translation and interpretation skills through role-playing techniques and use of customized software. While in the program, students put these new skills into practice working as volunteer facilitators in the community. Graduates are employed as full-time, part-time, or freelance translators and interpreters at local hospitals, clinics, and other agencies.

A prerequisite for the program is showing proficiency at the Intermediate SPA II level as determined by the program director, or completion of SPA 212.

After successfully completing the courses listed in the plan of study and passing an exit exam, graduates receive the Community Spanish Facilitator Certificate.

The Medical Spanish Facilitator certificate is a new program that is currently being offered under the college’s Arts, Sciences, and University Transfer Department. It is an advanced 15-credit-hour certificate that prepares students to serve as paraprofessional medical interpreters.

After successfully completing the courses listed in the plan of study and passing an exit exam, graduates receive the Medical Spanish Facilitator Certificate.

Interpreters and translators can expect much faster than average employment growth according to the Bueau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects vary by specialty and language, but is expected to grow 22% over the 2008–18 decade. Read more in their report.

Learn more at an information session. Prior to attending the information session, please view the enrollment steps and other requirements and information about the spanish certificate programs.