Jeffery York
Coordinator of
Interpreter Education
(828) 448-6028 (office)
(828) 475-0750 (VP)
yorkjb@wpcc.edu
Carr Hall [map]
A Career That Makes A Difference
Through coursework and internships, you will gain skills in American Sign Language/English interpreting for this high-demand career through Western Piedmont Community College’s Interpreter Education program. We prepare you for an entry-level position as a sign language interpreter. The program also offers working interpreters with opportunities to upgrade their skills through in-service training.
Interpreter Education includes significant work with American Sign Language (ASL), exposure to the structure and character of the deaf community, and developing effective interpreting skills.
So where can I work?
The WPCC Interpreter Education program prepares you for entry-level jobs with educational systems or in a variety of community settings, including work with industry. Interpreters can also be self-employed on a part-time or full-time schedule.
Statistics from ONET Online suggest that the full-time salary (median to high) range for interpreters in North Carolina is from $38,310 to $80,000 per year.
Meet Kay Smith
It could have been a disaster. Kay Smith had her job outsourced and sent overseas. Years of mill work was gone. What would she do? Kay found her calling when she returned to school at WPCC, enrolling in the Interpreter Education program. Read her story, and her new and exciting career helping others.
Articulation Agreement with
Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University President Roberta Cordano joins WPCC President Michael Helmick in signing the articulation agreement between the two colleges.
Western Piedmont Community College and Gallaudet University have established an articulation agreement that allows WPCC students the opportunity to transfer to Gallaudet, the world’s only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
This agreement gives WPCC students the opportunity to study in the world’s only interpretation program that offers bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees.
Articulation Agreement with
Appalachian State University
Western Piedmont Community College and Appalachian State University (ASU) have an articulation agreement that allows students to transfer to ASU and receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with the possibility of also working on campus as a student interpreter.
For More Information on Transfer Opportunities
For more information on the transfer opportunities available to WPCC students, please contact Jeffery York, Coordinator of Interpreter Education at 828.448.6028 or by e-mail at yorkjb@wpcc.edu.
See An Interpreter In Action
Here’s a short video of an interaction featuring a WPCC student at Lady Fair 2017 in Morganton, North Carolina.
Program Costs, Graduation & Job Placement
Estimated Total Cost
for A.A.S. Degree
Approximately $5,500 Tuition and Fees
$76 per credit hour / 68 total credit hours
Books & Materials: $871.00 (estimated)
Graduation Rates
100%
Job Placement
N/A
Additional Requirements for Licensure,
Certification or Approval
N/A
What You Will Study
The Interpreter Education program at WPCC offers you three options:
Associate in Applied Science
WPCC’s two-year Interpreter Education program has 68 hours of coursework leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree.
American Sign Language Certificate
The ASL Certificate is a 17 credit-hour program that focuses on American Sign Language and is a job-enhancement for other careers and fields of study.
Introduction to the American Deaf Community Certificate
The American Deaf Community certificate program introduces you to the American Deaf Community and is a job-enhancement opportunity for other careers and fields of study.
Get More Information
Like more information about WPCC’s Interpreter Education program? Tell us more about yourself and we’ll be in touch.