Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Vietnamese / English Interpretation and Translation

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

Develop professional Vietnamese and English bilingual skills for a career as an interpreter or translator. Learn how to provide interpreting and translating services for business, medical, legal, government, and education industries. Practice written and oral translation techniques, apply industry-specific terminology, and master the three methods of interpretation: Consecutive, Simultaneous, and Sight Translation. Strengthen communication skills, cultural competence, and ethical decision-making while understanding the interpreter’s professional role and responsibilities.

Explore the use of AI tools in interpreting and translating to improve accuracy, efficiency, and workflow in both in-person and remote environments. Coursework emphasizes professional standards, technology integration, and cross-cultural communication required for bilingual careers. This certificate provides a clear pathway to the Vietnamese / English Interpretation and Translation A.S. Degree.

Fluency in both Vietnamese and English (oral and written) is required and confirmed by the instructor through the first assignment.

Deliver professional bilingual interpretation and translation services that meet current industry standards.

Use AI and digital translation technologies to enhance workflow accuracy and remote interpreting services.

Demonstrate cultural awareness, ethics, and professional conduct in bilingual communication.

Apply correct Vietnamese and English grammar and terminology for interpreting and translation in business, medical, education, legal, and government settings.

Identify interpreter and translator career opportunities and professional certification requirements.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

13-17 units
BA 140
Introduction to Vietnamese Bilingual Interpreting
Introduction to Vietnamese and English bilingual skills for a career as an interpreter or translator. Learn about the various industries that employ bilingual skills to provide interpreting and translating services for business, medical, legal, government, and education. Course includes proper translation of industry terminology, written and verbal translation techniques, three methods of interpretation (Consecutive, Simultaneous, and Sight Translation), professional role, and code of ethics. Topics also include exploring AI tools in interpreting and translating. Students must be fluent in both Vietnamese and English (oral and written) to be confirmed by instructor with first assignment.
    BA 141
    Business Interpretation and Translation - Vietnamese / English
    Business Vietnamese and English bilingual skills required for interpreters and translators to provide professional interpreting and translating services to business, government, and education. Topics include proper translation of communications, industry terminology, forms, Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) forms, social media, marketing, advertising, presentations, government documents, three methods of interpretation (Consecutive, Simultaneous, and Sight Translation), professional role, standards, and code of ethics. Topics also include exploring AI tools in interpreting and translating. Students must be fluent in both Vietnamese and English (oral and written) to be confirmed by instructor with first assignment.
      BA 149
      Technology for Interpreters & Translators
      Learn the technology and equipment used by professional interpreters and translators. Develop skills in using hardware and software for in-person and remote interpreting and translating. Topics include emerging technologies such as AI tools, hands-on exercises comparing AI output with human translation, and evaluating the reliability and limitations of digital tools. Course content emphasizes ethical decision-making, professional standards, and practical applications. Integrating modern technology will help increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in written translation and verbal interpreting. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or Vietnamese is strongly recommended.
        VIET 101, VIET 102, or ENGL C1000
        A college level Vietnamese class focusing on pronunciation and grammar, basic vocabulary, common idioms, listening, speaking, reading, and writing techniques to provide avenues for the expression of ideas orally and in writing. Introduction to Vietnamese culture. Some sections designated for native Vietnamese speakers. Vietnamese 101 is equivalent to two years of high school Vietnamese.
          Plan 1: 3B. Humanities
          OR
          A college level Vietnamese course focusing on further training in pronunciation and grammar, more extensive vocabulary development, conversation, and composition. Supplementary cultural readings. Vietnamese 102 is equivalent to the third year of high school Vietnamese.
          • Prerequisite: VIET 101
          Plan 1: 3B. Humanities
          Plan 2: 3B. Humanities
          OR
          In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly: ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition.
          • Prerequisite: Placement as determined by college's multiple measures assessment process.
          Plan 1: 1A. English Composition
          Plan 2: 1A. English Composition
          CHOICE: Vietnamese / English Interpretation and Translation Elective

          Second Semester

          6 units
          BA 142
          Medical Interpretation and Translation - Vietnamese / English
          Medical Vietnamese and English bilingual skills required for interpreters and translators to provide professional interpreting and translating services to medical offices, hospitals, dental offices, clinics, and other healthcare services. Topics include proper translation of medical terminology, professional role, standards, code of ethics, medical signs and symptoms, health insurance, medical forms, and three methods of interpretation (Consecutive, Simultaneous, and Sight Translation). Topics also include exploring AI tools in interpreting and translating. Students must be fluent in both Vietnamese and English (oral and written) to be confirmed by instructor with first assignment.
            BA 143
            Legal Interpretation and Translation - Vietnamese / English
            Legal Vietnamese and English bilingual skills required for interpreters and translators to provide professional interpreting and translating services to law offices, courts, law enforcement, government, and other legal related business. Topics include proper translation of legal terminology, consecutive mode of interpreting in a legal setting, professional role, standards, code of ethics, documents, forms, court reporting, and legal cases. Students must be fluent in both Vietnamese and English (oral and written) to be confirmed by instructor with first assignment. (Same as LAW 143)