Deaf Interpreter

Overview

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities take place near the end of the program, are typically unpaid and last approximately 4 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodation  and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Is this program right for you?

• You must be Deaf to apply.
• You're passionate about access and advocacy.
• You want to work in a field that is focused on language, accessibility and communication.
• You have strong organizational skills.
• You're a problem solver and enjoy working with technology, especially finding ways to communicate using different technologies.
• You work well independently and on a team.
• You're prepared to consistently work to improve communication while maintaining professionalism, especially in high-stakes or sensitive scenarios.
• You're good at building relationships and working with the community.
• You care about maintaining ethical standards and values in your practice.

Other info

• This program is:
  • Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
  • Guided by the standards and best practices of the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI).
• Program delivery: 3-week, in-person study at Ivany Campus in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia from July 20 to August 9, 2025. Online study begins in September 2025.
• Funding available: Successful applicants may be eligible for funding support during the 3-week in-person study period. This includes travel costs (up to $750 for travel), student housing accommodation and meals. Transportation between student housing and campus is also available.
• Technology requirement: Students are required to provide their own Apple Mac computer or laptop.
• Questions? Get in touch to learn more about this program, email DI.Program@nscc.ca

July 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	Blended flex Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. Less than 50% of learning occurs in-person.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
• A certified audiogram result, showing a hearing level of 55 dB or above, in both ears. The date on the audiogram must be less than 5 years prior to the NSCC application submission date.
• American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) results from Sign Language Institute Canada or Gallaudet University, showing an ASLPI Proficiency of Level 4, or above.
• The final stage of the application process includes an interview (in-person or online). This interview assesses your knowledge and interest in the Deaf Interpreting field.
  • Important: If you don't respond to your interview invitation or if you miss a scheduled interview, your application is cancelled.

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

• Deaf Interpreter (DI)

Career options

Deaf Interpreters are qualified to work independently as freelance interpreters or may work in various sectors such as: 

• Government
• Legal
• School systems (kindergarten/primary to 12)
• Post-secondary institutions (college or university)
• Health systems
• Technology and virtual services, such as video relay
• Referral agencies
• Special or public events such as conferences, entertainment etc.