CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL CHAPLAINCY

Certificate of Professional Chaplaincy
is designed for those who desire to serve as Christ-centered pastors
in medical and healthcare settings.

This program equips students with the theological foundation, pastoral care skills,
and spiritual sensitivity needed to minister to patients, families,
and healthcare professionals with compassion and wisdom.

Through practical and ministry-focused training,
students are prepared to provide spiritual support, emotional care,
and Christ-centered presence in hospitals, medical facilities,
and other care environments.

Program Goal

The Certificate of Professional Chaplaincy program prepares students to qualify for a unique and demanding ministry. Those who are called and gifted by God can become Board Certified Chaplains or Certified Clinical Chaplains, serving as professionally competent and compassionate spiritual caregivers in healthcare facilities

Quick Facts

Credits: 12
Duration: 3 Years
Format: On-campus / Blended
Acceditation: BPPE

Contact Admissions

Jung Ja Kang
Chief Academic Officer (CAO)  
Phone: 562.926-1023 (EXT 303)
Email: academic@cpu.edu
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Education Process

PT561 Clinical Pastoral Education 1
Introduction to chaplaincy covers the biblical foundation for pastoral care, the spiritual formation of the Chaplain, hospital visitation dos and don’ts, active listening skills, the Chaplain’s role and identity, terminal issues, grief issues, and how to handle basic emergency situations.
PT562 Clinical Pastoral Education 2
This class looks at the professional and personal life of a healthcare Chaplain, spiritual assessment and charting, cross cultural ministry, ministry to staff, being a team player, ministry to surgical patients, general biblical principles on suffering and healing, and an overview of spiritual warfare.
PT571 Clinical Pastoral Education 3
This class covers the history of chaplaincy, healthcare policies and procedures, crisis counseling guidelines, medical ethics, family dynamics, responding to objections, funerals, and prayer in world religions.
PT572 Clinical Pastoral Education 4
In this final class, the focus will be on mental health ministry, social issues related to healthcare, ministry to the elderly, oncology ministry, professional boundaries, avoiding compassion fatigue, and establishing the Chaplain’s office.