Sign Language Interpretation Diploma

Overview

Learn to become a sign language interpreter. Facilitate the communication between hearing and Deaf and hard of hearing communities using American Sign Language (ASL).

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Play

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.

John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

What you will learn

• Construct and convey meaning via the interpreting process by applying comprehensive linguistic, cultural, and functional analysis in various communication settings.
• Effectively monitor, assess and critique the quality of an interpretation, engaging with feedback and adjusting as needed.
• Make appropriate decisions regarding the use of simultaneous and/or consecutive interpreting modes and the use of interaction management strategies.
• Demonstrate fluency and versatility in American Sign Language across different topics, registers, and communication settings.
• Comprehend and effectively produce spoken and written English within a variety of contexts and types of discourse.
• Interact respectfully within the Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities, exhibiting cultural competence, reciprocity, and an understanding of Deaf identities and organizations.
• Demonstrate allyship and an awareness of positionality, power, and the systemic effects of audism.
• Use effective strategies and apply an awareness of self to managing stress and maintaining wellness.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication in diverse interpreting contexts, adhering to standards in the field.
• Apply ethical principles, professional guidelines, and critical thinking to uphold integrity and accountability in interpreting practice.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and active contribution to the interpreting community of practice.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The program is taught full-time over two years. The maximum time for completion is five years.

Job prospectives

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• Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
• Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
• Dental Materials Sales Representative
• Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
• CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
• Dental Laboratory Manager
• Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

Admission to the Sign Language Interpretation Diploma program is through a competitive selection process. Throughout the selection process, applicants are assessed for proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, an understanding of the Deaf community, Deaf culture, the field of Sign Language interpreting, and knowledge of social justice issues.

Admission Requirements

• ENGL 1100 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
• An ASL and Deaf Studies Certificate, or equivalent, or permission of the department
• Submission of a CASPer test score. CASPer test scores are valid for one admission cycle.
• Successful ASL panel interview including a faculty member, Deaf community member, and professional interpreter

Upon Acceptance to the Program

• Criminal Record Check
  Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.

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Program-specific

Admission to the Dental Technology Sciences program is on a competitive selection basis.

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
• English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
  • English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
    or
  • English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C+’ level
• Human Biology 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
• Knowledge of science and/or mathematics demonstrated through one of the following:
  • Chemistry 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Math 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Physics 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent

Selection Process

• All qualified candidates who meet the admissions requirements will submit a portfolio demonstrating their aptitude for the Dental Technology profession, per the Dental Tech portfolio submission guidelines.
• All qualified candidates whose portfolio submissions are approved by the department’s Applicant Review Panel, will then be required to take part in an interview with the department's Applicant Review Panel by means of face-to-face or videoconferencing.
• The top-ranked qualified applicants are offered seats.

Upon Acceptance

• Current Basic First Aid and CPR-Level C

General

• This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents . See program options for international students at VCC International.
• Applicants who self - identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation / completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services .
• Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school . (Some exceptions may apply . )
• Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program . Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date( except for programs with competitive admissions ) . A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre - requisites( e . g . transcripts ), any required supporting documents( e . g . language proficiency, audition video ), and the required deposit or fee payment . if you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.

Recommended Characteristics

1. Appropriate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
2. Ability to give close attention to detail for sustained periods of time.
3. Ability to work accurately and neatly, and manage time effectively.
4. High standards of personal integrity.
5. Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility.

Courses

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Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some activities may require a variance of these times to accommodate specific needs.

The program must be completed within 3.5 years.

Term 1

Term 2

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

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Application Process

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Contact us

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Program information

Program head name

janedoe@vcc.ca

Advising

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

For International students

study@vcc.ca