Thinking About a Career Change with an ASL Degree? Here’s What You Need to Know

Looking for a meaningful career change? Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is an ideal path for professionals who want to step into people-focused roles that are growing in demand.

At Kent State, our Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language is focused on fluency and cultural understanding, which will set you up for success in numerous fields.

Why More Adults Are Considering a Career Change with an ASL Degree

Learning any new language can open up professional opportunities, but knowing ASL offers unique options for career changers. In the past decade, demand for interpreters and professionals fluent in ASL has grown steadily, especially in fields like healthcare, education, and social services. While there are various benefits to learning ASL, fluency can be a major differentiator on your resume and set you apart from the competition.

How ASL Opens Doors to People-Focused Professions

Fluency in ASL is a valuable skill for anyone working in people-focused roles. Specifically, some of the most common fields and jobs for someone fluent in ASL include:

• Healthcare – There is an increasing need for people who can communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing patients to ensure that all people have equal access to care. 
• Education – In school settings, knowing ASL will help you communicate with and support deaf students while making sure that vital lessons are conveyed and understood.
• Mental health, social work, and counseling – Being fluent in ASL as a therapist, counselor, or social worker will allow you to communicate with clients who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
• Professional interpreting – This is one of the most common and in-demand roles for those fluent in ASL because you can work in just about any field.

Why You Should Consider Switching Careers to Become an ASL Interpreter

As mentioned above, becoming an ASL interpreter is an in-demand, flexible, and deeply rewarding career path. Interpreters play a crucial role by translating information between a spoken language and American Sign Language, allowing those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to communicate in real time.

To be a successful interpreter, you will need to be fluent in both languages and have a strong attention to detail. It’s important to not only translate the words accurately, but to also convey the tone and emotion of the speakers. Accuracy is especially critical in fields like law, healthcare, and education where miscommunication can have serious repercussions.

For those seeking meaningful yet challenging work, switching careers to become an ASL interpreter may be for you. Start by learning more about the steps to becoming a certified interpreter.

Is an ASL Career Change Right for You?

If you’re still unsure whether an ASL degree is right for you, ask yourself these questions:

• Am I looking for a career where the work I do directly improves people’s lives?
• Do I value communication, empathy, and cultural understanding?
• Am I looking for a field where demand for my skills is steadily growing?
• Does the idea of connecting with a new community excite me?
• Am I looking for a role with the flexibility to work in a number of different settings, such as schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and businesses?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, a second career in ASL might be the right fit for you. It’s never too late to make the switch!

Taking the Next Step Toward a New Career Path

Whether you’re thinking of switching careers to become an ASL interpreter or want to learn ASL to boost your resume, Kent State is ready to help. Request more information about the B.A. in ASL today and start working toward a rewarding, people-focused career!