HCC is first in region to offer Translation and Interpretation program
Jan 12, 2015
Unemployed and recovering from an injury, Morena Hernandez is hoping for a fresh start. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and learning Korean, Hernandez believes the new Translation and Interpretation program at Houston Community College is the perfect place to begin.
The HCC International Business program is the first in the region to offer Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approved courses in Translation and Interpretation, which provide the basic skills needed to become a translator or interpreter in just three semesters.
Students will get 32 semester credit hours and an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) upon completion of the program. This Certificate will provide graduates endless opportunities for translation and interpreting in business, the energy and medical industries, and in the legal system.
“You can always make yours and other people’s lives more exciting through translation,” said Dr. Natalia Noland, program creator and instructor.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of translators and interpreters is expected to grow 46% by 2022. The average pay is at least $22/hour at the entry level.
HCC is working with Houston-based MasterWord Services, one of the top language service providers in the country, to offer internships for students upon completion of the program.
“Having someone who is trained before they jump into an industry is so helpful,” said Eber Lopez, special projects manager for MasterWord Services. “A person can make translation and interpretation a career.”
Translation and Interpretation program is delivered by HCC in partnership with SDL Language Technologies company – providers of innovative market-leading translation software solutions across the entire translation supply chain, and Performance English LLC- specialists in verbal communication and vocal delivery.
Morena Hernandez plans to use her formal training at HCC to start her own interpretation business.
“I am looking forward to the future,” she said. “This will be a guidance to my route.”
Classes start January 20 at the Spring Branch Campus and online.
There is still time to register. For more information, go to hccs.edu/interpret.