ROLE
Catholic health care believes spiritual/pastoral care is a vital component of the ministry of healing. CHA's commitment to serve the whole person recognizes the impact of spiritual care upon health outcomes. Through their professional training and vocational calling, chaplains provide holistic support to address the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and families alongside physical health regardless of faith tradition. As a member of the interdisciplinary team and in collaboration with local clergy and volunteers, chaplains strengthen a culture of healing for individual and ministry team well-being, fostering hope, faith, compassion and empathy.
EDUCATION
To ensure our ministries are committed to offering the highest quality spiritual care, Catholic health care seeks professional credentialed board-certified chaplains. To achieve board-certification through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains or Association of Professional Chaplains, chaplains must:
- Hold a graduate degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, pastoral studies or spirituality from a CHEA accredited institution.
- Learn more about accredited institutions: https://www.chea.org/
- Be endorsed or recognized through one's episcopal or denominational faith group.
- Complete four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
- Successfully meet NACC or APC qualifications and competencies.
Associate Chaplains
For associate certification through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains or Association of Professional Chaplains, chaplains must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from a CHEA accredited academic institution.
- Earn at least 18 graduate-level credits or equivalent in theology, divinity, religious studies, pastoral studies or spirituality from a CHEA accredited academic institution.
- Complete two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
For more detailed information, please visit:
Theresa Vithayathil Edmonson, BCC
Rev. Lawrence Chellaian, BCC
Cristina Stephenson, ACPE-CE