What does a hospital chaplain do?

A hospital chaplain offers spiritual guidance and pastoral care to patients and their families. As representatives of religious traditions, chaplains in hospitals and medical centers use the insights and principles of psychology, religion, spirituality, and theology.

Chaplains support and encourage people of all religious faiths and are familiar with beliefs across many different cultures. They customize their approach based on an individual patient's background, age, or medical condition.

Scope of practice

Hospital chaplains have a variety of roles and responsibilities. They work with individuals, couples, families, and small groups offering support and encouragement to people by providing:

• Crisis intervention
• Grief and bereavement counseling
• Family support counseling
• Staff counseling
• Presurgical and postsurgical counseling

Work environment

Chaplains work in hospitals, mental health facilities, correctional institutions, children’s hospitals, hospice centers, and nursing homes. They are available to counsel patients and family members around the clock. Most medical centers require chaplains to be comfortable with flexible schedules that include daytime, evening, night, holiday, and weekend shifts, along with on-call coverage.

Becoming a hospital chaplain

Individuals with a spiritual calling and great communication skills may be interested in a career as a hospital chaplain. Leadership, counseling, and human relations skills are important for success in this role. Volunteer experience in a hospital setting is highly recommended for individuals interested in this career.

Higher education requirements

Common requirements for hospital chaplain jobs include:

• A bachelor's degree and master's degree in divinity, theology, religious studies, or a related field
• Completion of clinical pastoral education (CPE) units at a medical center accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)
• Certification by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, Association of Professional Chaplains, National Association of Jewish Chaplains, or a similar group
• Ordination, endorsement, or reference from a denomination or faith group

Certification for a hospital chaplain

Certification may be required for employment as a hospital chaplain. Depending on faith, hospital chaplains can seek certification from a group like the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, the Association of Professional Chaplains, or the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. Certification programs vary depending on the organization but may include a residency in a hospital setting.

Career opportunities and outlook

Hospital chaplain jobs are available nationwide. Competition for positions varies based on the number of qualified candidates, denominations, and geographic regions.

Advancement opportunities include progressing into leadership roles, such as chaplain coordinator, manager, or director. Chaplains can also grow professionally by teaching and mentoring less experienced staff, getting involved in the local community, and participating in research projects.

Hospital chaplain programs at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic offers the accredited one-year Clinical Pastoral Education Residency in Rochester, Minnesota and the 11-week Clinical Pastoral Education Internship in Rochester, Minnesota, for individuals who are training to be hospital chaplains.

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