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How do I get Chaplain Training?
Chaplain training generally involves obtaining a four-year college degree in a religion-related field. Some schools offer degrees specifically for chaplains, so these may be the quickest routes. Additional training, such as apprenticeships, may be required in some locations, but this is not always the case.
A chaplain is similar to a reverend or minister, but this career field does not always require seminary schooling as part of chaplain training. Most chaplains attend a four-year college to get a degree in religion, theology, or a related field. Some may choose to attend seminary or a similar institution later, but this is not always needed. Chaplains often work in settings like hospitals or jails to offer religious counseling and advice to those in crisis situations.
Schools which offer chaplain training are often limited in many areas, so choosing a college may depend on the options available in your location. If there are no schools which offer chaplain educational courses in particular, you should determine the right courses by speaking with a school adviser and discussing your career goals. Some online schools offer chaplain training courses, but you should be careful when choosing an online school because some are not held to the same academic requirements as more conventional schools.
An apprenticeship may be needed or desired once all formal chaplain training is complete. This is a period in which you will work alongside a practicing chaplain to get hands on experience and training. You may work with individuals or help perform sermons under the direction of the experienced chaplain.
Unlike most ministers who serve one particular congregation or denomination, you may be working in various settings and helping those who have a wide range of beliefs. You will need to get used to the idea of speaking with those who have religious affiliations and beliefs which are different from yours. You may counsel patients who are dying, who have lost or are losing a loved one, or those who are in prison. Sometimes you will need to be available at all hours of the night when help is needed.
Training will vary based on locations, so if you are serious about becoming a chaplain, you should speak with an administrator at your local college or university. If you are still in high school, make an appointment with your school’s guidance counselor. There may be additional licensing requirements and other stipulations, depending on where you live.
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![Chaplains may counsel patients who are dying.]()
By: tomas del amoChaplains may counsel patients who are dying.
Discussion Comments
I am 67 years old and I have been a private duty caregiver since 1980.
I have been a Christian since I was 15. I truly love God. I have references if you need them. I want to be a Chaplain because I want to be able to go and pray for people. I can't without a Chaplain certificate. Or if anyone needs to be fed I could do that. But most of all I want to talk to them about God.
@umbra21 - I know the military will usually pay for you to train as a chaplain, as well as provide other kinds of safety training and so forth necessary for people in the military.
But I think they will actually send the person in to a university to get the chaplain related courses, rather than get them to train online or on the job.
In that case it would be a pretty difficult and dangerous thing to train on the job. I imagine once you are fully qualified it would be heart wrenching, but satisfying work.
@irontoenail - I think at least some of the training can be done online though, perhaps through a low res school where they have their students come in for in house lessons once or twice a year.
Often people simply cannot move to a school for that amount of time, and I know that in some cases chaplain certification is being sought while the person is already doing the job.
My mother has a school which requires a chaplain at the moment and she's told me they intend to basically train up a suitable person who doesn't necessarily have a full degree.
Of course, that job is nothing like being a hospital or military chaplain, but I'm sure there are lots of positions out there where they will train you up as you work with the community.
I think if you are hoping to become a chaplain you should only take an online computer training course if there is no other option available to you.
I think the discussion and camaraderie that you will experience during school is vital for a job which will be very people orientated. You need to be able to explore your own thoughts and feelings surrounding religion so that you can be a true support for others when they are exploring their own issues.
And you will need to develop friendships with people who are experiencing the same job in their daily lives. It doesn't seem like the kind of thing an average person will understand without having gone through it themselves.
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