How to Become a Chaplain

70% of U.S. Adults describe themselves as spiritual in some way, and an overall majority of U.S. adults say they believe that people have a soul or a spirit — according to the latest research by Pew. When these individuals are suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually, they may turn to chaplains — clergy who are professionally trained to offer faith-based guidance to others in times of stress or uncertainty.

If you are a passionate and caring person interested in helping others spiritually, you may be wondering how to become a chaplain and what"s the role of a chaplain in relation to healthcare. You would want to begin our journey with a Master of Science in Spiritual Care.

You might also have other questions, such as "What does a chaplain do? or "What is an average chaplain salary?" Is this article, we will answer those questions and help you decide whether becoming a chaplain is the right path for you.

What Is a Chaplain?

A chaplain is a certified clergy member who provides spiritual care to individuals in a non-religious organization, as opposed to a church congregation. The role of a chaplain in a government agency might differ slightly from the role of a chaplain in a healthcare setting.
But what does a chaplain do besides offer spiritual guidance? Because chaplains are ordained ministers, they can officiate ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, and they can lead baptism services or provide final rites for patients who are passing away.
The role of chaplain is not exclusive to spiritual individuals. Chaplains can act as spiritual leaders for patients who do not belong to a specific religious community but are part of the majority of Americans who believe in a soul or spirit.

Many students also wonder,” What is a chaplain’s role in a non-religious setting?” Since they often work in non-spiritual settings, chaplains can lead non-denominational religious services that benefit patients and staff from a variety of religious or spiritual backgrounds.

What Does a Chaplain Do?

The role of a chaplain may vary depending on the environment they work in. For example, many chaplains work in hospitals, hospice agencies, or military units.

So, what does a chaplain do in these settings? Let’s take a look.

What Does a Chaplain Do in a Hospital?

The primary role of a chaplain in a hospital is to offer spiritual support in the absence of a patient’s usual faith support system. For example, if a patient’s hospitalization keeps them from attending religious services, a hospital chaplain can provide support.

A chaplain can also serve patients who don’t have a spiritual leader or pastor.

What Is a Chaplain’s Role in a Hospice?

Hospice chaplains can work as specialized ministers at the bedside of patients who have religious concerns. Patients who are terminally or critically ill can have conversations with chaplains about spirituality. Patients can even convert to a religion if they have that desire.

The role of a chaplain in a Hospice can be very similar to that of a social worker, in that they advocate for patients and their treatment options. Hospice chaplains also care for patients’ families, offering needed guidance and spiritual comfort. As professionals who work with patients, hospice chaplains plan and document their care and maintain professional records.

What Is a Chaplain’s Role in the Military?

You may be wondering how to become a chaplain in a setting other than a hospital or hospice. If you are especially interested in working with individuals serving in the miliary, you may be asking, “What does a chaplain do to help people in the military?”
A military chaplain offers counseling and spiritual support for military members who are dealing with personal or professional problems. The role of a chaplain in the military might entail serving as a confidant for a variety of military members and exhibiting an understanding of the unique military lifestyle.

Because of the spiritual diversity within the military, the role of a chaplain is to cooridinate nondenominational services for military units, giving spiritual guidance across a variety of belief systems.

How to Become a Chaplain?

Because of the important spiritual role of a chaplain throughout multiple settings, they need to be theologically educated. They begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies or religious studies. Courses focus on church history, biblical worldviews, and critical thinking.

Many organizations require chaplains to have an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Spiritual Care, a master’s degree in divinity, or a similar degree. Graduate degrees prepare prospective chaplains for pastoral care in a variety of settings and can lead to a higher average chaplain salary.

Step 1: Earn a Degree

Because of the important spiritual role of a chaplain throughout multiple settings, they need to be theologically educated. They begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies or religious studies. Courses focus on church history, biblical worldviews, and critical thinking.

Many organizations require chaplains to have an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Spiritual Care, a master’s degree in divinity, or a similar degree. Graduate degrees prepare prospective chaplains for pastoral care in a variety of settings and can lead to a higher average chaplain salary.

Step 2: Complete Training and Earn Certification

There are a variety of certifications available to chaplains. What the right certifications are depends on the individual role of a chaplain. Some chaplains who work in healthcare choose a 12-week Clinical Pastor Education (CPE) training program through the Association for Clinical Pastor Education. Other training programs are offered through accredited organizations across the country.

Additional certifications may be needed depending on where a chaplain works. For example, military, hospital, and hospice chaplains can be certified through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, the Board of Chaplaincy Certification, or other professional organizations.

Step 3: Gain Experience

After earning a degree and receiving the necessary training and certification, you might then be wondering, “What is a chaplain’s next step?” Well, chaplains who choose to work with patients can begin a healthcare residency. Many facilities recommend that chaplains complete a residency of two years while being supervised by a senior chaplain. Gaining experience can further help to increase your chaplain salary.

While completing a residency, chaplains can gain additional experience by working at different religious organizations as clergy members, assistant pastors, and ministers. You can develop essential skills that will prepare you to take on leadership roles as a chaplain or pastoral counselor.

Chaplain Salary and Job Outlook

Working in a spiritual care occupation can yield a variety of benefits. An average clergy or chaplain salary is around of $60,000 — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The individual role of a chaplain and where they work can affect salary levels. For example, chaplains who work in medical and surgical hospitals earn a median salary of $58,700, while those who are employed in home healthcare services earn approximately $56,290. States with the highest employment of professionals in this occupation include New York, California, Oregon, Texas, and Florida.

Earn a Master of Science in Spiritual Care

Working as a clinically trained minister enables a chaplain to provide spiritual guidance and care to diverse groups of people. Healthcare, hospice, and military chaplains guide and comfort patients from all religious backgrounds and belief systems, offering their expertise in settings where meaningful faith support is sorely needed and appreciated.

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a chaplain, explore how AdventHealth University’s Online Master of Science in Spiritual Care can prepare you for a rewarding career in the field in under three years. In our program, you will learn how to:

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in a wide range of healthcare and spiritual environments
• Apply practical knowledge of different religions and approaches to spirituality throughout your career

Provide spiritual assistance to patients across the lifespan, from newborns to the elderly

Take the First Step. Start Your Application.

Now that you know how to become a chaplain, you’re ready to start your spiritual and healthcare journey. Earn your Master of Science in Spiritual Care from AdventHealth University and prepare for rewarding careers helping individuals deal with a broad range of religious and spiritual issues.