Diploma in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Program Overview

The Diploma in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care is a structured occupational training program designed to prepare students for entry-level and advancing roles in institutional chaplaincy and spiritual care services. The program integrates theoretical instruction with supervised field experience to ensure graduates are equipped with real-world competencies required in professional care environments.

Students will develop skills in emotional support, crisis response, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration within diverse institutional settings.

Program Classification

This program is classified as an occupational training program in spiritual care and chaplaincy support, focused on developing practical competencies required for employment in institutional care settings.

This program is not designed for personal or recreational interest, but for the development of occupational competencies in professional care environments.

Program Delivery Structure

This program is delivered over a period of 12–18 months with a structured schedule of 12–15 hours per week, combining classroom instruction and supervised field training.

Instruction is delivered through structured lectures, guided case studies, supervised discussions, and applied assignments led by qualified instructors with backgrounds in chaplaincy, counseling, mental health, or institutional care.

Weekly Schedule: 12–15 hours total (7–9 hours instruction; 4–6 hours supervised practicum)
Total Program Hours: Approximately 720–900 hours, including instruction and supervised practicum.

Practicum sites and supervisors are approved by the College, and all hours are documented and verified.

The program ensures a balanced integration of academic learning and applied experience to support employment readiness in chaplaincy and spiritual care roles.

Students are evaluated through assignments, case studies, practical assessments, and supervisor evaluations during practicum to ensure competency development.

Students are required to maintain regular attendance and active participation in scheduled instruction and practicum activities.

Graduate Competencies

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support
• Apply grief and trauma support techniques
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making in institutional settings
• Work effectively within interdisciplinary care teams
• Deliver spiritual care in diverse environments

Supervised Practicum

Students complete a minimum of 200 hours of supervised practicum in healthcare, correctional, or community care environments under qualified supervisors with experience in chaplaincy, counseling, or institutional care environments.

The practicum provides hands-on experience and includes:

• Direct engagement in care environments
• Supervisor evaluations and feedback
• Practical application of learned skills
• Completion of practicum logbook and reports

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program meet the foundational competencies required for employment in roles such as:

• Chaplain (institutional settings)
• Spiritual Care Provider
• Community Support Worker
• Pastoral Care Assistant
• Correctional Facility Chaplain
• Healthcare Support Roles

Program Modules

Core Professional Skills

• Crisis Intervention and Emotional Support
• Counseling Techniques and Communication Skills
• Mental Health Fundamentals
• Ethics and Professional Practice
• Institutional Care Systems

Supporting Theological Foundations

• Foundations of Chaplaincy
• Spiritual Care Principles
• Biblical Perspectives on Care

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum age of 18 years
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrated interest in care, counseling, or community service

Program Recognition

This program prepares students for employment in spiritual care and chaplaincy support roles within healthcare, correctional, and community environments.