Certificate Program in Translation and Interpreting
The UNO Certificate Program in Translation and Interpreting (UNO-CPTI) is the only combined legal and healthcare translation and interpreting certificate program in the state of Louisiana. This non-degree program prepares students for careers as professional translators and interpreters of Spanish in both legal and healthcare fields. If you are bilingual and would like to enhance your professional skill set and forge a new career or if you are a working professional who desires developing additional skills to better serve clients and patients, the program will teach you the techniques and codes of practice in the fields of Spanish/English, English/Spanish translation and interpreting.
There is growing national demand for translators and interpreters throughout government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, but especially in legal, healthcare, and social services fields. Our program aims to provide fluent and proficient bilingual (Spanish-English) individuals with the skills they need to become professional legal or healthcare translators and interpreters in a variety of settings.
UNO-CPTI students also gain experience using professional translation and interpreting tools in our Languages lab. These digital resources, such as audio transceivers and interpreting booths and Atril Solutions’ Déjà Vu computer-aided translation software, are used by professional interpreters and translators in a variety of fields.
Our program also provides students with internships with local businesses and agencies so that they may practice what they learn and receive supervised, real-world training as professional translators and interpreters. Internships will also introduce students to professional networks that may lead to gainful employment once they leave us as well-trained translators and interpreters.
Program of Study
For the convenience of working students, translation courses are taught solely online, and interpreting courses, which will utilize the same high-tech audio equipment professional interpreters use, are taught on UNO’s lakefront campus on Saturdays. Students who are unable to attend on-campus class meetings may participate remotely with faculty permission. They will need a computer with a camera, speakers, and a microphone.
Students generally take two courses a semester. Each semester is divided into two eight-week sessions.
Students choosing to pursue a certificate in one area of specialization (legal or healthcare) can complete the program by taking five courses, including the internship. Students choosing to pursue a combined certificate in both areas of specialization (legal and healthcare), thereby increasing their hiring potential, can complete the program by taking seven courses, including the internship.
Students will be awarded a certificate of completion once they complete the program. Should they choose to pursue a career as healthcare interpreters, they will also be qualified to apply for interpreter certification with the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).
Ms. Barvié, a native of Argentina, is a Certified Court Interpreter in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana with over 20 years of experience in the Language Service Industry working as an interpreter, translator, and instructor. After obtaining a degree in International Business, Ms. Barvié worked in different areas of International Business such as privatizations, finance, legal and marketing. She attended the Southern California School of Interpretation (2008) where she completed the Court Interpreting Program (2008). Ms. Barvié taught for the Mississippi Administrative Office of the Courts, and she currently works for the United States Department of Justice as a Staff Interpreter for the New Orleans Immigration Court. 