Additional Credentialing Opportunities
In addition to taking the required module in Homeland Security individuals have the opportuniy to select from several specialites to further their knowledge and advance their credentialing process.
Specialties include:
- Law Enforcement
- Military
- Fire and Rescue
- Hospital
- Hospice
- Emergency Medical Services
- Mental Health
Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
With the stress and strain on modern day law enforcement officers need a venue to safely vent. Police Officers must always be in charge and in control. They are taught not to show emotion. It's the old adage "never let them see you sweat." Police Chaplains act as a shock absorber by listening to officers in a confidential setting and allowing them to let off steam in a way that doesn't come back to haunt them.
Likewise with the rise in crime nationwide victims need support. But many departments are working short handed and don't have the staff or training to help a grieving parent who has lost a child or a woman who has been sexually assaulted. Most clergymen would like to assist officers and victims yet are often not equipped to handle what they will see and hear. Much less have the tools to fashion a proper response. Mastering Law Enforcement Chaplaincy is a twelve module course designed to train a minister or lay person in the basics of law enforcement chaplaincy.
Military Chaplaincy
Of all the various types of chaplaincy service, military chaplaincy is the most unique. Military chaplains are first soldiers then chaplains. While military chaplains do not go through the same basic training as new recruits, military chaplains are exposed to many of the same components. In addition, the military chaplain’s school integrates physical and mental fitness, combined with learning military etiquette, as well as the dynamics of religious support for soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen.
Military chaplaincy makes the assumption the candidate is already firm or well established in their faith. This is evidenced by the ecclesiastical endorsement provided by the chaplain’s particular religious leadership, denomination and/or organization. Therefore, Military Chaplaincy training usually addresses how one’s religious/spiritual foundation can best be integrated into the work-a-day world of military chaplaincy.
Because Military Chaplains are trusted into the combat zone, they will witness first hand the gory scenes, sounds, and smells of soldiers, enemy combatants and civilians wounded or killed. Yet these same chaplains will have to serve as “shock absorbers” not only of what they see but what they hear from the soldiers seeking relief from the same traumas. Military Chaplains normally are part of a Unit Ministry Team and work closely with the Combat Stress Units, and the medical units in the field. Military Chaplains are unique in both word and deed. Therefore this training will serve as an introduction or primer for those men and women considering joining the military to serve as Military Chaplains.
Fire and Rescue Chaplaincy
Abstract Coming Soon!
Hospital Chaplaincy
Today's heaIthcare settings are fast paced technical venues that favor tests and procedures often at the expense of a personal touch. Therefore today's healthcarel hospital chaplain is in a unique position to provide a variety of services adding a personal touch when it is needed most. At a time when patients and their families are stressed and at times confused the chaplain can help bring a calming presence to the otherwise tumultuous situation.
Whether it be the emergency room, CCU, OR, OB or any number of areas in the hospital, chaplains can be a tremendous asset between doctors, patients, and the social services. Therefore healthcare/hospital chaplains must be highly educated, well trained, experienced and credentialed in their field. Additionally with hospitals being required by Homeland Security and the Joint Commission to meet a host of standards related to the area of emergency management and incident command it is important that healthcare chaplains understand that venue and their role in the event or terrorist attack, pandemic, or similar situations that can arise in today's volatile climate.
Hospice Chaplaincy
Abstract Coming Soon!
Emergency Medical Services Chaplaincy
Abstract Coming Soon!
Mental Health Chaplaincy
Previously in the history of our country there has never been the high number of people seeking mental health treatment that we see today. Some say it is due to the stress and strain of the times. Others report we have always had a high number of people with mental health issues but more are seeking care because of the efforts to remove the stigma of mental health treatment.
With the increase in those seeking treatment there is a larger number of our population placed for treatment in mental health facilities. Unlike acute care medical facilities these hospitals specialize in the treatment of addictions and mental health illness.These facilities need a special type of chaplain. One who understands the dynamics of these concepts of the DSM-IVtr and who has specialized training in dealing with the issues that arise in providing spiritual care to those challenged with mental illness. It is to that end we hope to help equip chaplains for the task at hand.