The Community Interpreter Certificate at Viterbo University trains bilingual professionals to become qualified interpreters. Our goal is to provide Limited English Proficient individuals language access for effective communication with the providers of private and public organizations, thereby facilitating full and equal access to legal, health, educational, government, commercial and social services.
Who can apply?
The community interpreting certificate has been structured to meet the needs of working people in the Midwest as well as online students from other regions of the country or the globe. Both international students and individuals with DACA status are encouraged and welcome to apply. Acceptance is based on a successful application/interview/entrance exam. The following are eligible to apply for the certificate:
- Graduates of language programs
- Individuals working in the field with no previous training in interpreting
- Bilingual professionals working in fields not related to interpreting
- Individuals that have DACA (Deferred Action for Child Arrivals) status are eligible for the program with no additional costs
How does it work?
This certificate program is a total of 13 credits and takes one academic year to complete (August–May). The four required courses are taught in an online format, with a face-to-face option for local students. There is also a one-credit internship to be completed in spring semester and community service opportunities.
What is the cost of the program?
Tuition is charged at a per-credit hour rate.
Who will receive a certificate?
Students will be eligible to receive the certificate after completing the following requirements:
- Apply to the certificate online
- Entrance exam
- Successful completion of the four required courses in the certificate
- Internship/practicum
What is the timeline?
Fall semester (August–December):
INTP 301 Interpreting Principles (3 credits)
INTP 444 Intercultural Competence and Ethics in Interpreting (3 credits)
Spring semester (January–May):
INTP 456 Seminar on Interpreting in Medical and Social Settings (3 credits)
INTP 452 Seminar on Interpreting in Business and Legal Settings (3 credits)
NTP 481 Internship Practicum (1 credit)
Useful Links
The following links may provide more information about the important professional associations in the United States that regulate, guide and educate in the field of interpreting. Our program is affiliated with and works closely with all of these organizations with the objective of maintaining the highest of standards and training qualified interpreters to abide by the codes of ethics and standards of practice of the profession.
- American Translators Association
- Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters
- Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters
- National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
- National Council on Interpreting in Health Care
- The Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association
- Wisconsin Supreme Court Information
La Crosse Area Language Access Database
Questions?
Contact Michelle Pinzl, assistant professor/coordinator at 608-796-3492 or mmpinzl@viterbo.edu.