Typical Job Titles
| Manager of Interpreter Services | Sign Language Interpreter |
Keith Cagle
Health Care Interpretation MS
Dubai , United Arab Emirates
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Audiology | Speech Pathology and Therapy | Translation
Area of study
Humanities | Health
Education type
Fully Online
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
About Program
Program Overview
Health Care Interpretation Master of Science Degree
Overview
The MS in health care interpretation is specifically designed for nationally certified ASL-English interpreters interested in advancing their education through specialized training in health care interpreting. Demand for interpreters is expected to grow 18% over the next ten years, more than three times the rate of the overall job market, with health care as the second highest-demand industry. This program has been developed as a response to meet this rising demand.
What is an ASL Medical Interpreter?
ASL-English medical interpreters are trained to facilitate communication between Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) and hearing individuals who communicate in English. These interpreters possess fluency in both languages, an understanding of Deaf cultural values and norms, ethical and professional standards, and specialized knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, and health care protocols. ASL-English medical interpreters work in various health care settings, conveying complex medical information to ensure patients receive the care they need and can fully participate in decisions affecting their health.
RIT/NTID’s Master’s in ASL Medical Interpretation: Offered Exclusively Online
The National Technical Institute for the Deaf’s Department of American Sign Language and Interpreting Education administers the program, with some coursework from RIT’s College of Health Sciences and Technology. This unique program:
- Meets the growing demand for specialized sign language health care interpreters as more deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals enter medical/health care fields.
- Increases the number of specialized sign language interpreters working in patient health care settings.
- Prepares interpreters to work in leadership roles in the health care interpreting field.
Careers
Typical Job Titles
- Manager of Interpreter Services
- Sign Language Interpreter
Curriculum
Health Care Interpretation (full-time), MS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- HCIA-610: Interpreting Research Setting (summer) - 3
- HCIA-705: Professional Seminar (summer) - 3
- HCIA-719: Theories of Translation and Interpretation (summer) - 3
- HCIA-715: Human Body Systems/Diseases I* (spring) - 3
- HCIA-720: Health Care Practical Interpreting I* (fall) - 3
- HCIA-730: Human Body Systems/Diseases II† (spring) - 3
- HCIA-740: Health Care Practical Interpreting II† (fall) - 3
- HCIA-760: Research Methods in Interpreting (fall, spring) - 3
- Second Year
- HCIA-750: Health Care Interpreting Within a Diverse Deaf Community (summer) - 3
- HCIA-770: Capstone Prof Proj/Rsrch Paper (summer) - 3
- HLTH Elective - 3
Health Care Interpretation (part-time), MS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- HCIA-705: Professional Seminar (summer) - 3
- HCIA-719: Theories of Translation and Interpretation (summer) - 3
- HCIA-715: Human Body Systems/Diseases I* (spring) - 3
- HCIA-720: Health Care Practical Interpreting I* (fall) - 3
- HCIA-730: Human Body Systems/Diseases II† (spring) - 3
- HCIA-740: Health Care Practical Interpreting II† (fall) - 3
- Second Year
- HCIA-610: Interpreting Research Setting (summer) - 3
- HCIA-750: Health Care Interpreting Within a Diverse Deaf Community (summer) - 3
- HCIA-760: Research Methods in Interpreting (fall, spring) - 3
- HCIA-770: Capstone Prof Proj/Rsrch Paper (spring, summer) - 3
- HLTH Elective - 3
Admissions and Financial Aid
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Health Care Interpretation MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Letters of recommendation should come from interpreter colleagues, mentors, or Deaf community members who have had the opportunity to observe the applicant’s interpreting work.
- Submit current national ASL/English certification, Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI), or state licensure. Applicants must email a copy of their credentials to the NTID Office of Admissions at admissions@ntid.rit.edu.
- Submit an ASL interpretation sample.
- Submit an audiogram (applies to Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants).
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
- TOEFL: case by case
- IELTS: case by case
- PTE Academic: case by case
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. Because RIT receives federal support, students in the Health Care Interpretation MS program pay less than RIT's regular tuition rate.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree.
Medical Terminology Course Requirement
Applicants accepted into the program must complete The Language of Medicine, a self-paced online course in medical terminology, before the beginning of the summer term. Acceptance materials will include instructions for accessing the course.
Faculty
- Alisha Bronk - Lecturer
- Veronika Talbott - Assistant Director
- Barry Haywood - Lecturer
All Program Faculty
Related News
- July 7, 2023: RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf offers five certificate programs in American Sign Language interpreting
- May 9, 2022: Alumna facilitates crucial conversations as medical interpreter
- May 11, 2020: RIT/NTID students graduate with accolades
More RIT News
Program Outline
The MS in health care interpretation is designed to meet the demands of nationally certified sign language interpreters desiring a master’s degree specific to working in health care environments. Demand for interpreters is expected to grow 18% over the next ten years, more than three times the rate of the overall job market. Health care is the second highest-demand industry for interpreting jobs.
What is an ASL Medical Interpreter?
For the average person, medical terminology and understanding the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and disease can be confusing and challenging. People who are deaf or hard of hearing have the additional complication of a language barrier. An ASL (American Sign Language) medical interpreter works in a range of health care settings to help patients and doctors communicate effectively. An ASL medical interpreter can assist a patient in clearly expressing their symptoms and health concerns to a doctor or nurse, and interpret complex medical terminology used by doctors and nurses to diagnose and treat the patient.
RIT/NTID's Master's in ASL Medical Interpretation: Offered Exclusively Online
RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf’s Department of American Sign Language and Interpreting Education administers the program, with some course work contributed by RIT’s College of Health Sciences and Technology. This unique program:
- Meets the growing demand for specialized sign language health care interpreters as more deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals enter medical/health care fields.
- Increases the number of specialized sign language interpreters working in patient health care settings.
- Prepares interpreters to work in leadership roles in the health care interpreting field.
The program begins with a seminar course designed to establish the theoretical parameters students are expected to follow in case analysis, to establish a framework for conducting online discussions in safe and confidential ways, and to create connections among classmates that build trust and rapport. This initial connection promotes student engagement in the reflection-based components of the program. The curriculum employs an online pedagogical approach, including accelerated courses as its primary delivery system. Each course will require an estimated 9-12 hours per week for class assignments, and course materials will be delivered asynchronously. In the final semester, students will complete a capstone course consisting of a research paper or a project. The program is currently offered part-time for two academic years (with two summers).
This program is offered online.
Careers and Salary Info
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| case by case | case by case | case by case |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
SHOW MORE
About University
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai)
Overview:
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai) is a branch campus of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States. Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, RIT Dubai offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, computing, and design. The institution is committed to providing students with a high-quality American education in a dynamic and international setting.
Services Offered:
RIT Dubai provides a wide array of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support Center:
- Offers tutoring, study skills workshops, and other resources to enhance academic performance.
Advising Resources:
- Provides guidance on academic planning, career exploration, and personal development.
Health and Wellness:
- Offers access to healthcare services, counseling, and wellness programs.
Athletics and Recreation:
- Provides opportunities for students to participate in sports, fitness activities, and recreational programs.
Student Leadership:
- Encourages student involvement in clubs, organizations, and leadership initiatives.
Student Accommodation:
- Offers on-campus housing options for students.
Parking and Transportation:
- Provides parking facilities and transportation services for students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
RIT Dubai fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students can engage in a variety of activities and experiences, including:
Student Life at RIT Dubai:
- Offers opportunities for students to connect with peers, participate in social events, and explore cultural activities.
New Student Orientation:
- Provides a welcoming introduction to campus life and resources.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Offers students practical work experience through co-op and internship opportunities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
American Degree:
- RIT Dubai offers a true American degree, recognized globally for its quality and rigor.
State-of-the-Art Campus:
- The campus features modern facilities and technology to support learning and research.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Provides students with valuable work experience and career development opportunities.
Study Abroad Options:
- Offers students the chance to study at other RIT campuses or partner institutions around the world.
Global Connectivity:
- RIT Dubai is located in a dynamic and international hub, providing students with diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.
Academic Programs:
RIT Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media Design
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning
- Masters of Science in Engineering Management
- Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Data Analytics
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Smart Cities
- Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
- Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering
Other:
- RIT Dubai has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with dedicated labs and centers supporting student projects and research.
- The institution boasts a diverse student body representing over 75 nationalities, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
- RIT Dubai has a high employability rate, with over 80% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.
- The institution has a strong network of alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career support.
Total programs
226
Average ranking globally
#442
Average ranking in the country
#132
Admission Requirements
Location
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