Hospital Chaplaincy Training Programs
Hospital chaplains offer spiritual support to patients and families in healthcare facilities. Find out what type of training you'll need to become a chaplain, and learn about professional organizations for chaplains as well as certification options.
What Does Training Involve?
<p>Training to become a hospital chaplain will differ based on which program you choose to complete. Some programs may only involve classroom work, while others may require an internship that you complete over a period of time. While programs offered by religious institutions may focus on a particular faith, programs offered by educational institutions may offer training in all of the major religions. Degree and certificate programs are available in this field at the undergraduate and graduate level. Be certain to check program training requirements as some programs require you to be ordained in a particular faith.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Training Levels</b></td><td>Undergraduate and graduate</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Many titles offered through different organizations</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Professional Training</b></td><td>Offered through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Duties</b></td><td> Provide support, communication, advice and comfort</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $51,406 (<i>for all chaplains </i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 8% growth (<i>for all school & career counselors</i>)** </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *Payscale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---CanIBecomeCertified">Can I Become Certified?</h3>
<p>There is a wide range of professional organizations that offer certification programs for chaplains and for those involved with clinical pastoral chaplaincy education. Certification requirements vary by program, but typically include completing an education program in chaplaincy, ordination or a letter of recommendation from your faith group and experience serving as a chaplain. Certification is available through faith-based organizations and by national chaplaincy organizations.
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<h3 id="section---AreThereProfessionalOrganizationsAvailableToHelpMeWithTraining">Are There Professional Organizations Available to Help Me with Training?</h3>
<p>There are a few professional organizations available to help you on your path to becoming a hospital chaplain. Some of these organizations exist to help you in the process of becoming a chaplain, while others act as an ongoing resource designed to help existing chaplains with their mission. A few organizations, such as the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (<i>www.nacc.org</i>), are faith specific, where as other organizations encompass chaplains of all faiths, such as the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (<i>www.acpe.edu</i>).
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<h3 id="section---WhatDoesAHospitalChaplainActuallyDo">What Does a Hospital Chaplain Actually Do?</h3>
<p>A hospital chaplain offers support, advice and comfort in a clinical healthcare setting for those in need. The work of a hospital chaplain can vary greatly day-to-day; for example, you could spend time with grieving family members coping with a loved one's death or you could spend time helping a patient restore his faith. Hospital chaplains should be well-versed in interfaith practices and should have a readiness to adapt to ever-changing situations. Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with people are needed in order to be successful as a hospital chaplain.</p>