Interpreter Training Program
Gainful Employment Disclosure

Summer 2026

Enrollment:

Fall

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Program Description

The Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) Interpreter Training Program (ITP) is an innovative program that offers the opportunity to acquire specialized skills needed to launch a career as an interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing using American Sign Language in the (P-21) Educational Interpreting field. Our goal is to give you access to the current ASL research and the profession of interpreting, practical trainings, mentorship and support that will promote your success as an interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
 
Currently, Spokane Falls Community College offers the only Interpreter Training Program in Washington state with all courses and coursework available either as, a fully on ground or fully on-line program; or with approval a combination of the two. We strive to provide high quality learning opportunities and best practices of the industry that develop professional and proficient skills in American Sign Language (receptively and expressively), so that each student can become competent in the field of educational interpreting.
 
Interpreter Training Program Certificate of Completion (for students who have completed an AA, BA/BS or higher degree prior to acceptance into the program): is a certificate providing comprehensive core Interpreter Training Program content aligned with the Boys Town National Research Hospital (BTNRH) Educational Interpreters Assessment (EIPA) Written portion: Content Knowledge Standards and Performance portion: Skills Development. The critical content coursework within the Certificate address all the Educational Interpreter competencies required by the State of Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (RCW 28a.410.271) as supported by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Approximately 35 coursework credits for this degree/certificate may be transferrable to a four-year institution.
 
The students, when accepted into the ITP are integral members of a cohort. Each cohort will begin in the fall quarter of each academic year. Students work closely on class assignments, providing peer support within their own cohort. There are opportunities to network with graduates of the ITP, Hearing and Deaf faculty and Deaf community for community-wide events and club projects. As a student, your individual career preparedness is a major priority for our program and faculty. Those who complete our coursework have the potential to provide valuable service and equal access for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people in the scope of (P-21) education.

Course of Study

The Interpreter Training Program (ITP) offers a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate is only available to those with an existing AA, BA/BS degree or higher degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to recognize and manage the linguistic needs of the consumer.
  2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in language skills, both in ASL to English and English to ASL.
  3. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the understanding of the 7 tenets within the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct and the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Codes of Professional Conduct.
  4. Students will demonstrate awareness of state and national laws that impact the Deaf and the interpreting profession.
  5. Students will demonstrate awareness of cultural norms, expectations, and media.