ASL Careers in Healthcare: How Sign Language Skills Open Doors in Medical Settings
A background in American Sign Language offers opportunities in a variety of fields, especially healthcare services. Career options for ASL interpreters in the medical field include roles in medical interpretation, patient advocacy, Deaf healthcare navigation, and mental health counseling that serves the Deaf community.
With a critical national shortage of medical ASL interpreters, professionals fluent in sign language are stepping into roles that directly improve patient safety and access to care for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
ASL Interpreter Shortage
In a 2018 Florida survey, 37% of Deaf and hard of hearing ASL-user respondents said their interpreter requests were denied in a medical facility. In a setting where clearly communicating symptoms and treatment is of the utmost importance, this is more than an inconvenience – it’s a safety issue. With there already being a national shortage of American Sign Language interpreters, more specialized fields with advanced terminology, such as those employing legal and medical ASL interpreters, are experiencing critically low staffing.
There are approximately 500,000 Deaf and hard of hearing Americans who use ASL, and a ratio of roughly 50 Deaf or hard of hearing ASL users to one ASL interpreter.
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The bottom line: The lack of ASL interpreters makes receiving care and navigating daily life much more difficult for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. There is a significant need for ASL interpreters in the healthcare field to ensure that accessible medical care can be provided to those who need it.
Medical Roles for ASL Professionals
ASL-fluent professionals serve patients across many roles in modern healthcare, with some examples outlined below.
Medical ASL Interpreter
These individuals are sign language interpreters who work directly in clinical environments, providing live communication support. Duties include:
- Serving medical offices, hospitals, private doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, rehabilitation facilities, and mental health clinics
- Providing real-time translations to patients and their family members
- Bridging the communication gap between physicians and patients who do not share a common language
- Conveying cultural subtleties to medical professionals
Patient Advocates
These are professionals tasked with championing patient rights and ensuring equitable access to care. Duties include:
- Advocating for and championing patient rights
- Exploring resources available for health services, providing feedback and suggestions, and resolving or mediating concerns
- Empowering patients to make informed healthcare decisions
- Discussing financial assistance options
- Coordinating accessible accommodations for patient visits
Deaf Healthcare Navigators
These specialists are focused on guiding individuals through complex healthcare systems as a neutral party. Duties include:
- Helping with scheduling, appointments, insurance, referrals, follow-up care, and overcoming barriers to care
- Serving as a neutral party focused on individual case navigation and logistic work
Mental Health Counselors Serving the Deaf Community
ASL-fluent clinicians offer culturally affirming psychological care, without an interpreter in the room. Duties include:
- Providing direct communication during counseling, not fed through an interpreter
- Offering culturally affirming psychological care with a deeper understanding of the Deaf and hard of hearing community
ASL Education: Degree and Certifications
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical ASL interpreter or another role focused on sign language interpreting in the medical field, a degree in American Sign Language can provide the foundation needed to pursue such a career. These programs explore the deep cultural roots and ethical frameworks associated with interpretation, educating students about communication beyond basic interpreting. These curricula are designed specifically to prepare students for jobs in specialized areas, including healthcare.
Key Certifications
Some certifications can be required to become a qualified ASL interpreter. Examples include the following.
| Certification | Who It’s For |
|---|---|
| National Interpreter Certification (NIC) | Hearing individuals |
| Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) | Deaf or hard of hearing individuals |
These exams are typically provided through the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) and the membership organization known as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
As of 2021, there is now a degree requirement of either an AA/AS or BA/BS degree (or equivalent) for anyone wishing to take these performance exams, making a B.S. in American Sign Language a perfect option for those wishing to pursue certification and a full-time interpreting career.
Why Ģý
Ģý offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language, designed to equip students with the comprehensive language skills and cultural knowledge needed to pursue a range of careers, including roles in sign language medical interpretation. With dedicated professors and faculty passionate about helping students achieve their goals, Ģý is dedicated to providing a thorough and immersive education in ASL.
If you are interested in our ASL degree program, or would like to ask us any questions, you can request more information today.