How Do You Become A Hospital Chaplain?
A hospital chaplain provides around-the-clock spiritual guidance to hospital patients. Hospital chaplains are available on request and give comfort to patients and their family members. To become a hospital chaplain, specific training is required to understand how to service those in need within a clinical setting. Step 1 Get educated. To be eligible for the programs required of hospital chaplains, you must hold a graduate degree from an accredited school or seminary. Step 2 Gain experience as a member of the clergy. Many hospital chaplain programs require a chaplain be an ordained member of the clergy for a minimum of three to five years. Step 3 Attend a clinical pastoral education program (CPE). Many hospitals require that hospital chaplains complete a CPE program from an accredited school. Over the course of approximately 12 weeks, students learn how to provide pastoral care to patients and family members. Step 4 Complete a two-year residency. After successfully completing the CPE p