Female student signing to another student

Sign Language Interpreter Training

El Camino’s sign language/interpreter training degree and certificate programs put you on the right track for a career in entry-level sign language interpreting. Whether your passion is to work as an interpreter in a medical, vocational, or other setting, you’ll be ready to start a career following graduation or to continue your education at another college or university. It’s an accessible, affordable path to a rewarding, in-demand career.

20%

Projected growth in employment for sign language interpreters through 2029

425

Annual job openings for interpreters and translators

Top 5

Los Angeles is among the metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels in interpreting and translating

Our Sign Language/Interpreter Training Associate of Arts (AA) degree typically takes up to two years. Sign language/interpreter training at El Camino will challenge you to be your best. We’ll be here to help.

Choose a Degree Designed for Sign Language/Interpreter Training or Transfer

Some El Camino sign language/interpreter training students want to start their careers as soon as possible. Others aim to continue their studies at a four-year college or university. We offer options perfect for either goal.

Degree

Drawing upon concepts that include vocabulary and grammar of American Sign Language (ASL), interpreting, and deaf culture and more, this degree prepares you for a career as a sign language interpreter.

Develop proficiency in ASL/English cross-cultural communication styles in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.
Learn the ethics and practical approaches required of a practicing interpreter.
Master the vocabulary, structure, and narrative techniques that will help you develop ASL fluency.
Explore the anthropologic, political, and linguistic aspects of the culture of the deaf.
Prepare to take local evaluations and/or transfer to a four-year program.

Catalog Program Mapper

Certificate

Drawing upon concepts that include vocabulary and grammar of American Sign Language (ASL), interpreting, and deaf culture and more, this certificate prepares you for a career as a sign language interpreter.

Develop proficiency in ASL/English cross-cultural communication styles in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.
Learn the ethics and practical approaches required of a practicing interpreter.
Master the vocabulary, structure, and narrative techniques that will help you develop ASL fluency.
Explore the anthropologic, political, and linguistic aspects of the culture of the deaf.
Prepare to take local evaluations and/or transfer to a four-year program.

Catalog Program Mapper

I highly recommend El Camino College to others because El Camino truly follows its motto of ‘Where you belong. Where you succeed.’”

Victoria Aguilar, Sign Language Interpreting Major
Meet a Student

Pursue an Entry-Level Sign Language/Interpreter Job or Further Education

As an El Camino sign language/interpreter training graduate, you’ll be ready to start work in an entry-level sign language interpreter position or to pursue a bachelor’s degree at another school. We’ll help you build the practical knowledge and hands-on skills for any career you choose.

Develop the language and interpreting skills you’ll need for sign language interpreting positions in a variety of community settings, such as medical, vocational, and post-secondary.
Master the general communication skills required to interact and work successfully with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Median salary for a sign language interpreter with a bachelor’s degree is $51,000.

Build Your Sign Language/Interpreter Network Beyond the Classroom

As an El Camino sign language/interpreter student, you become part of a professional community. The perspectives and connections you develop here will prove valuable throughout your nursing career.

Continue to develop your interpreting skills and prepare to seek national certification within two to five years.
Build a comprehensive portfolio of job-seeking tools such as a resume, videos demonstrating interpreting and transliterating skills, and 42 hours of documented supervised work experience.
Learn to follow the Code of Professional Conduct for interpreters.
Prepare for National Interpreter Certification (NIC), a test administered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).