Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf received approval from New York State Department of Education to establish a first-of-itskind master of science degree program in healthcare interpretation to meet the demands of nationally certified sign-language interpreters desiring a master’s degree specific to working in healthcare environments.

 

The program is a collaborative venture between NTID and RIT’s College of Health Sciences and Technology and marks the first time that NTID will be partnering with another RIT college to provide a master’s degree program.

 

The program will meet the growing demand for specialized sign-language healthcare interpreters as more deaf and hard-of-hearing people enter the medical/healthcare fields, increase the number of specialized sign-language interpreters working in patient healthcare settings, and prepare interpreters to work in administrative roles to ensure language access to patients in hospital settings.

 

According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2012 and 2022, there will be a 46 percent employment growth for interpreters and translators, much faster than the average for all occupations. The field is on track to add more than 29,000 new positions during that time period. Graduates of the program may find work as staff interpreters, freelance interpreters, or on a per-diem basis in healthcare, healthcare education, and healthcare research settings .

 

Applicants must have certification from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university for admission.

 

The program begins with a one-week on-campus residency professional seminar, with the remainder of the program delivered online.