Perspectives from early-career healthcare chaplains on the strengths and weaknesses of their clinical pastoral education and graduate degrees

This study investigated the educational experiences of early-career healthcare chaplains (ECHCs) to identify their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of their academic and clinical training. We conducted an online survey with fixed-choice and open-text questions, gathering data from 288 ECHCs. Their responses revealed substantial gaps between traditional academic programs, such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, and the competencies needed for effective healthcare chaplaincy, with only 40% of respondents feeling adequately prepared. Although Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) was recognized for fostering practical skills and self-awareness, areas for improvement were noted by 15%-50%. The study highlights the need for integrated curricula that combine academic knowledge with clinical practice, ensuring chaplains are equipped with the competencies needed to meet the demands of modern healthcare. The research suggests that chaplaincy education should be redesigned to better align with the evolving professional landscape of healthcare chaplaincy.