Technical Standards for Interpreting in Health and Human Services Program

Program technical standards are to help students understand nonacademic standards, skills, and performance requirements expected of a student in order to complete this particular curriculum.

If an accommodation is necessary to participate in the program, it is imperative to identify reasonable accommodations for those students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonableness is determined by Accessibility Resources and the program, on a case-by-case basis, utilizing the program technical standards.  The accommodation needs to be in place prior to the start of the program, or it may delay your ability to start the program.  It is the student’s responsibility to contact Accessibility Resources and request accommodations.

Skills Description Specific Examples
Motor Skills
  • Maintain upright posture, mobility and endurance to attend and participate in lectures for extended periods.
  • Functional use of taking written notes.
 Use a computer keyboard and mouse.
Vision Functional use of vision.
  • Read audiovisual materials on projection or overhead screens during lectures.
  • Read printed materials on handouts, quizzes and tests.
Hearing Functional use of hearing.
  • Hear classroom demonstrations with minimal instruction.
  • Understand instructor’s lecture in a regular classroom environment.
Technological
  • Demonstrate evidence of basic computer skills and technological literacy using blackboard.
  • Use of technology to communicate and collaborate with students and college faculty in order to support student learning.
 Operate a computer for all classes.
Communication
  • Demonstrate evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills (English and Spanish) in the classroom with staff, students and college faculty.
  • Demonstrate an intermediate/advanced knowledge and understanding of Medical Terminology concepts related to interpreting.
  • Listen to oral lectures, ask questions, and understand answers.
  • Participate in small group discussions with other students.
  • Prepare and present classroom projects.
  • Identify spoken or nonverbal communication of distress or discomfort during patient care practicum.
Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving Employ technology resources and development strategies for solving problems and making decisions. Ability to transfer theory into practical application.
Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal skills sufficient for classroom participation and interaction.
  • Participate in team assignments and projects.
  • Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues with an understanding that individuals have different experiences and beliefs.
Environmental Tolerance Remain calm in stressful situations. Maintain a cooperative learning attitude during patient care practicum.
Other
  • Understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to becoming a professional interpreter.
  • Develop positive attitudes toward being an interpreter in a hospital setting versus a small clinic or health community center.
  • Demonstrate continual growth in interpreting knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging issues and information.
  • Interact with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
  • Interact professionally, ethically, and confidentially with patients.
  • Accept criticism and respond with appropriate modification of behavior.
  • Timely and adequately respond to personal or academic struggles; seek assistance and practice planning; and avoid procrastination.

This document is intended to serve as a guide regarding the physical, emotional, intellectual and psychosocial expectations placed on a student. This document cannot include every conceivable action, task, ability or behavior that may be expected of a student. Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the degree program.