Sign Language/Basic Communication - Southwestern Illinois College

Sign Language/Basic Communication from Southwestern Illinois College is a Campus Certificate Sign Language degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. This is an 18-credit hour, two-semester certificate program consisting of sign language courses only. Those who want a concentrated program of study in only Sign Language courses may enroll in the certificate program. Upon successful completion of the required courses, the student is awarded a certificate of program proficiency. Job Description Sign Language Interpreters: Understand the cultures in which they work Promote effective cross-cultural communications Recognize and adapt to the variations in language usage that exist between the deaf and non-deaf communities Clearly relay concepts and ideas between deaf and non-deaf groups and individuals Are flexible, outgoing and feel comfortable in front of a group Relate effectively to the public and have a command of the English language Career Opportunities Sign language interpreters are employed in a wide variety of areas, including: Education Religious events Medical facilities Social Services Government Court systems Video Relay Interpreting services Private businesses Performing arts events Legal offices Career Outlook There is a wealth of employment opportunities in the field of interpreting. There is high demand for interpreters in various settings, both locally and nationally. Interpreters may work for an agency or be self-employed. Sign Language interpreting is a rapidly expanding field, with employment of interpreters and translators projected to increase 22 percent over the 2008-2018 decade. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. A shortage of interpreters and translators meeting the desired skill level of employers means that interpreters for the deaf will continue to have favorable employment prospects. The settings an interpreter may work in are based on the skill level attained on the national certification exam and/or state regulations regarding practice as an interpreter. Graduates of the Associate in Applied Science degree will be prepared for entry-level, paraprofessional interpreting positions. View more details on Southwestern Illinois College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Sign Language courses.