Where do you train to be a hospice chaplain?

Hospice chaplains receive training and certification from the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. A hospice chaplain must be an ordained minister and have a bachelor's degree in religious studies and a master's degree in divinity, theology or pastoral studies.

An endorsement from a recognized faith-based group is also necessary. To receive hospice chaplain certification from the ACPE, candidates must complete four units of Clinical Pastoral Education, with each unit requiring the candidate to perform 400 hours of supervised meetings with patients, which are evaluated by peers and ACPE-certified supervisors. There could be additional requirements based on faith affiliation. To keep certification, a hospice chaplain must also fulfill continuing education requirements, receive regular peer evaluations and obtain updated endorsements from his religious organization.