Spanish Facilitator Certificates
Institution:
Durham Technical Community College
Academic Level:
Associate
Issue Area:
Academic Program
Issue Area:
Access
Year:
2009
Designation:
Examples of Excelencia
Designation:
Honorable Mention
Key Personnel:
Juarez, Sara
Address:
Durham Technical Community College
Address 2:
1637 Lawson Street
Address 3:
White Building, Room 58D
City:
Durham
State:
NC
Zip:
27713 Website:
Under Durham Technical Community College's Center for the Global Learner, two Spanish Facilitator Certificate Programs are offered: Community and Medical. The Community Spanish Facilitator Certificate Program is an 18-credit-hour certificate that prepares its graduates as paraprofessional translators and interpreters in the community. The Medical Spanish Facilitator Certificate Program is a 15-credit-hour, advanced certificate that prepares students to take one of two national certification exams for medical interpreters before working in local hospitals and clinics. For successful completion of each program, students must fulfill specific service learning requirements. This component allows students to serve the community, gain experience, and network. Students become familiar with the Interpreters Code of Ethics, ethical dilemmas and cultural mediation, as well as write resumes, cover letters, and role-play job interviews in both Spanish and English. Each student in a certificate program has a bilingual advisor and a faculty mentor. Furthermore, the program director participates in ongoing college, high school, and middle school fairs to promote the certificate programs among bilingual students and their parents. The program director conducts bilingual monthly information sessions about the Certificate plan of study, course offerings, and advanced career options. Bilingual employment opportunities are listed weekly.
Goal/Mission:
The mission and purpose of the Spanish Facilitator Certificate Programs is to train students to become paraprofessional community interpreters and translators so that they can enhance communication and cultural understanding between the Spanish- and English-speaking populations. The program encourages students to enrich their lives and their communities through learning and service.
Outcome:
The number of Latino students admitted to the program has steadily risen since its inception. When comparing Fall 2011 enrollment to that of 2012, enrollment in both programs has increased by 50%. For this reason, four course sections were added. Fall 2013 numbers appear to be on the rise as well. The college received a grant for simultaneous interpreting equipment so that students can develop this skill before interpreting for town-hall style community events. DTCC is early in the application process and hopes to seek state approval to be able to offer an Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Interpreting. The college is also seeking permission from the International Medical Interpreter's Association to be able to offer Continuing Education Units for an online medical terminology course and in-person workshop so that certified medical interpreters will be able to maintain their credential. Many program students are also first-generation college goers.
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