Practical applications of PBC’s chaplaincy qualification

PBC works in partnership with Waverley Abbey College (UK) through our offering of the Australian Contemporary Chaplaincy Program. The original program is a global leader in training people for ministry services in a non-congregational setting across the Western world.

Developed in 2020 by Dr Keith Foster, PBC’s own Dean of Counselling and Chaplaincy, Dr Shannon Hood, has further developed it to suit an Australian context.


Studying Chaplaincy with PBC

Anyone looking to study with PBC might wonder what value a chaplaincy qualification could provide outside of the ministerial context.

While it’s easy to recognise the inherent value of this kind of work, the practical applications of PBC’s Chaplaincy qualification can be harder to see. But becoming a qualified chaplain has an immense amount of reward, both in a personal and professional sense.


Where can Chaplaincy qualifications take your career?

The role of a chaplain is vital in offering spiritual, emotional and faith-based support to individuals from all walks of life, particularly during times of crisis or challenge.

It is not a role that is tied to one singular pillar, but rather a complementary qualification that can support you across various areas.

Our students have found their calling through chaplaincy qualifications that have led them to working in areas such as:

  • Hospitals
    Hospital chaplaincy is an integral support for hospital patients and their families during times of illness, surgery or end-of-life situations. The gift of providing spiritual guidance and assurance, as well as a listening ear and shoulder to lean on, is invaluable. Working within a hospital chaplaincy setting will see you working collaboratively with medical staff to provide a holistic approach to patient care.
  • Military
    Chaplains in a military setting, often also referred to as military or naval chaplains, offer spiritual support to service members and their families. The military or naval chaplain will face unique challenges and difficulties that come with military life, including deployment for long stretches and even combat situations. With the opportunity to work across different branches of armed forces, military chaplains are able to be a pillar of strength and guidance to military personnel.
  • Education
    Chaplains are employed by schools and universities to provide emotional support and spiritual guidance to students, staff members and school families. Creating safe spaces for problem-solving, sharing challenges and supporting health and wellbeing, chaplains working in the educational industry have the opportunity to nurture anyone through their learning journey.
  • Prison chaplaincy
    Chaplains who work in correctional facilities have a key role in supporting the rehabilitation of inmates. Helping them find purpose, hope and a sense of direction during their incarceration, prison chaplaincy can be a challenging yet highly rewarding area for qualified chaplains.
  • Pastoral care
    Chaplains who provide pastoral care will often see themselves in situations like nursing homes, assisted living spaces and rehabilitation centres.

Skills, qualities and limitless rewards of chaplaincy

Qualified chaplains have unique skills that they can apply to numerous situations and career pathways.

When you enrol to study chaplaincy with PBC, you’ll develop strong communication and conflict resolution skills that will guide you to effectively counsel and support people in need.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn alongside fellow students from diverse backgrounds and become a highly valued member of our PBC community.

The inherent value of becoming a chaplain in any form lies in the gift of supporting individuals through highly vulnerable times, knowing you have provided them with faith-based support and spiritual guidance.

If you’re feeling called to become a qualified chaplain, you’ll gain adaptable skills and the opportunity to provide a form of care that goes far beyond simply medical and psychological support.

Rather, you’ll be able to address the deeper elements of our human experience, promoting healing, resilience and connecting on a profound level with your clients.

To get started on your path to chaplaincy, contact us today.