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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it take to get accepted into the programs?
Our admission process intends to measure your language proficiency and potential as a successful interpreter or language access specialist*. We want to make sure that you will be able to handle the material and level of all courses, so that you can take full advantage of our training.
What is the difference between Interpreting and Language Access Specialist*?
Ideal candidates for our Language Access Specialist* programs are bilingual employees already assisting or interested in assisting non-English speakers in the course of their regular work, but who do not want to pursue interpreting careers or certifications. Medical Language Access Specialist* or Justice System Language Access Specialist* are 12-week programs and do not include an internship.
Ideal candidates for our Interpreting programs are language-proficient individuals interested in pursuing court interpreting or medical interpreter positions, or already certified or working interpreters seeking continuing education options and training refreshers. Medical Interpreting or Justice System Interpreting are 16-week programs and include a 60-hour internship.
How can I enroll?
Please follow the three steps on our Admissions page.
I am interested in a program, but my language pair is not currently being offered.
We are working on adding more languages in the future. In the meantime, send us an e-mail at paulacou@unm.edu, and we will try to accommodate your needs.
Justice System or Medical? I want to become an interpreter but I am not sure about which specialization to choose.
Choosing a specialization is a personal decision. Getting into a field that you do not like or are not interested in will undoubtedly become an uphill battle. Both fields need qualified interpreters and language access specialists* to ensure language access to justice and healthcare for individuals with limited English proficiency, and for deaf and hard of hearing persons.
* previously called Bilingual Communication/Communicators
