About our programs

Our multilingual interpreting certificate programs were initiated and funded with a collaborative and interdisciplinary scope in mind to be commensurate with the interpreting needs throughout the Justice System and Healthcare Industry. They have been designed to cover different levels of complexity based on the program chosen by each student.

Language Access Specialist* Certificate Programs

Medical Language Access Specialist* and Justice System Language Access Specialist* are designed to train individuals who who are called on to provide language access services as part of their regular work under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the Justice System or Health Care industry. Individuals in this program will acquire the necessary tools to improve the quality of their linguistic work as well as their professionalism.

Duration: Justice System Language Access Specialist: 12 weeks
  Medical Language Access Specialist: 16 weeks

Interpreting Certificate Programs

Justice System Interpreting is designed to train interpreters who work throughout the Justice System. Individuals interested in pursuing court interpreting certification are ideal candidates for this program. Medical Interpreting is designed to train interpreters who facilitate linguistic and cultural communication between patients and healthcare providers. Both programs include an internship at the end. Duration: 20 weeks for spoken languages; 16 weeks for signed language.

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

  • An integrated combination of online-learning and internships makes training both accessible and high quality.
  • Because qualified interpreters are more employable, those who successfully complete the programs will be added to the Partnership’s registry, which will be available to a variety of potential employers.
  • Bilingual employees already working in justice system agencies, hospitals, and clinics will get the training necessary to act as efficient bilingual communicators, which will increase their credentials and employability by professionalizing their work.
  • Interpreting programs include internships.
  • Excellent preparation for Court Interpreter Certification Examinations.
  • Financial aid for Workforce Investment Act candidates.
  • Potential for employer-awarded scholarships and educational leave.

Ideal candidates to our programs

  • 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.
  • Bilingual individuals already assisting or interested in assisting non-English speakers in the course of their regular work.

* previously called Bilingual Communication

NMCLA partners: New Mexico Judiciary - Administrative Office of the Courts, UNM Hospitals, NM Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, UNM Los Alamos, NM State University - Dona Ana Community College, CNM