Chaplaincy Certificate Program

 for chaplaincy in Hospice, Hospital and Institutions

General Guidelines

• Each student is assigned one or more Faculty staff, who will serve as a guide and resource regarding required coursework and Term Papers. 

• Most of this Program can be accomplished online, depending on the type of Course or practical training requirements.

• This Program consists of four progressing modules, spread out over roughly one year / one Module per quarter (or any pace that is comfortable to the student).

• Depending on the Course, each one is subdivided into a number of specific subjects and assignments, including a structured book list with reviews to conduct.

• The length of each module is determined by the content of the curriculum, ranging from a minimum of three to eight credit hours per module. It is important to set time aside, upon mutual arrangement, to dedicate to this training in addition to spending time every day with reading or other assignments.

• Pertinent to each Course is a reading list of one to three books, provided by Faculty. The student will read / study each book thoroughly and write a brief book review once finished. It will be discussed during student-teacher conferences.

Modus Operandi

(in sequence)

1. After activation of student status and the assignment of a mentor or professor, students may begin their studies immediately and work at their own pace within the maximum allotted time frame. Extensions may be granted under certain circumstances.

2. Assigned Faculty will contact the student to outline and discuss course requirements.

3. The student will receive the first assignment.

4. Both, Faculty and student, will stay in regular contact in order to ensure that all assignments are completed successfully.

5. After all courses have been completed and the final assignment (such as a Term Paper) has been accepted, Faculty will make a recommendation to the Dean for the student to graduate.

6. The student will receive his or her Chaplaincy Certificate and be placed on the alumni list.

7. An official Transcript may be requested by the alumnus at any time after graduation.

Tuition

Tuition can be based on a monthly sliding scale or paid as a lump sum at the beginning of the program for a discounted price. See the tuition page on the School web site, including the tuition reimbursement policy.

Curriculum

COURSE 1

1. Daily Spiritual Practice & Grounding:

Examining, exploring and possibly expanding the student’s awareness & daily spiritual practice.

2. History:

Studying comparative religion and types of spiritual path with the focus on common ground and interfaith tradition.

3. Spiritual Awareness:

A personal journey of the student’s realization.

4. Culture Study:

A study of human culture within its historical context and religious or spiritual expression. This class helps to understand ritual and form.

5. Spiritual Language:

A linguistic approach to spiritual terms as they are understood from their rudimentary language. Authentic (vs. Anglicized) pronunciation guide to foreign language nomenclature.

Assignments:

• Reading List

COURSE 2

1. Pastoral Theology (as related to chaplaincy)

(a) A search into the depth of gospel comfort as Jesus lived and taught it

(b) Ministry (skills, counseling, healing, conducting Services)

Learning about basic skills when administering to patients and clientele.

Assignments

• Reading List & Book Reviews

COURSE 3

• Ministry as Healing (practice)

This class is tailored to student needs or preferences. Various healing approaches. Building confidence in student abilities to offer and perform pastoral functions.

Assignments:

• Reading List & Book Reviews

COURSE 4

1. Spiritual Development (analysis of history, insight therapy)

Know yourself: Each student performs a confidential personal analysis of his or her life, beginning at childhood. With the help of a mentor or  professor, the student increases his or her awareness, limits, life choices, mentality, state of health, etc.

2. Attire and Demeanor (practical guide)

Practical guide addressing profile, first impression and public image.

3. Liturgical Training

This is a practice class tailored towards the needs of the student

Assignments:

• Final Paper (Project)

The student will have the opportunity to create a project demonstrating his or her understanding and interest. The student, upon consultation, may choose the topic. Technical details and format will be discussed prior to beginning the task.

Achievement

Certification of Chaplaincy:  Clinical Pastoral Certificate (CPC)