Welcome to the Sign Language Interpretation Program at SPC

Tara Brown-Ogilvie

Clearwater Campus student
Seeking a degree in Sign Language Interpretation

What is the Sign Language Interpretation Program at St. Petersburg College?

Sign Language Interpretation student The Sign Language Interpretation Program is designed to provide students with sign language skills, an understanding of deaf culture, knowledge of the interpreter's role and skill development to prepare students for the profession of sign language interpreting. Professional interpreters provide a link between deaf and hearing individuals in a variety of situations, including educational, religious, medical and mental health settings. The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has created an increase in part-time and full-time positions available for credentialed interpreters who have initiative and ability.

Students who successfully complete the program in interpreter training at St. Petersburg College will earn an Associate in Science degree. Graduates are encouraged to take the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Quality Assurance Screening for state qualification to obtain credentials necessary for employment. SPC is also an RID approved site for the national Certification Maintenance Program for certified interpreters to receive continuing education units.

What classes will I need to take?

In addition to the general education courses, students will participate in specialized courses such as:

American Sign Language
Deaf Culture
Fingerspelling
Structure of American Sign Language
Fundamentals of Interpreting
Interpreting/Transliterating
Educational Interpreting
Voicing I and II

Students also participate in an intense practicum and internship at St. Petersburg College and other sites in the community which provide first hand experience in the interpreting field.

View our complete Associate in Science Degree program requirements

What are my career opportunities?

In addition to the many business opportunities, interpreters are hired by public and private employers including:

Educational Organizations
Community-based Organizations
Medical Facilities
Government Agencies
Law Enforcement Agencies
Temporary Agencies
Stage and Theatre Productions

Salaries vary based upon competency, experience, locale, and employer. Graduates of the Interpreter Training Program are encouraged to take the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (FRID) Quality Assurance screening to obtain credentials necessary for employment. Depending on the level achieved, an apprentice interpreter may be eligible to interpret in a variety of settings.

What is the demand for interpreters?

With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the need for skilled and qualified interpreters has increased and will continue to grow dramatically. The demand for trained interpreters far exceeds the supply.

Do you know that...

The need for skilled and qualified interpreters for the deaf will grow dramatically over the next few years.
Demand far exceeds supply.
St. Petersburg College offers one of the most well-respected Interpreter Training Programs in the United States.
All instructors are certified by the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and/or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
SPC was the first junior college in the U.S. to become an approved site for the RID Certification Maintenance Program.
Students completing the program will receive an Associate in Science degree; by taking a full class load, the program can be completed in two years.
The Tampa Bay area claims the fifth-largest deaf population in the United States.

For more information about the Sign Language Interpretation Program, contact us at:
voice (727)791-2609 / fax (727)791-5907

Faculty and staff


Dr. Martha Campbell Dean of Communications	Matt Bowen Administrative Program Director	Sammie H. Elser Instructor/Coordinator


Frona Elkes Instructor	Dr. Beth Carlson Instructor	Mike Henry Instructor


Joan Smith Administrative Specialist	Marika Robinson Instructional Assistant	Lara Holmes Staff Assistant