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Becoming a hospice chaplain — the complete role guide

The hospice chaplain is a required member of the Interdisciplinary Group (per 42 CFR §418.56, "pastoral or other counselor"). Hospice chaplaincy is interfaith — a chaplain serves whatever tradition (or none) the patient and family hold — and centers on presence, meaning-making, ritual, and end-of-life spiritual distress.

By Goodwin Hospice Academy Editorial Team·Published February 16, 2026

A day in the life

A typical day: 3–5 patient/family visits, each 45–75 minutes. Visits include spiritual assessment, presence at the bedside, ritual (blessing, prayer, sacrament, meditation) if invited, meaning-making conversations, and support for family members whose grief presents as spiritual distress. The chaplain also supports staff wellbeing, memorial services, and community bereavement events.

Education & licensing

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree.
Endorsement or ordination from a faith community (many hospice roles require this; some accept non-ordained chaplains with equivalent training).
4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE, approximately 1 year of full-time supervised clinical training).
Board certification via APC, NACC, or NAJC (increasingly required for hospice chaplain positions).
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Certifications

BCC — Board Certified Chaplain

Awarded by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) or the Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC).

CHPCC — Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplain

HPCC-administered credential specifically for hospice chaplains, on top of general BCC.

Salary reference

Confirm current hospice chaplain compensation on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (clergy category). Hospice chaplain compensation typically exceeds parish clergy compensation.

We never publish specific compensation numbers here to avoid drift. Follow the BLS link in Sources below for current, verified data.

Entry pathway

01Complete an M.Div. or equivalent from an ATS-accredited seminary or comparable institution.
02Obtain faith-community endorsement or ordination.
03Complete 4 units of CPE (usually at a hospital or hospice CPE center).
04Apply for hospice chaplain roles with CPE-supported orientation.
05Within 2–5 years, pursue APC/NACC/NAJC board certification and CHPCC.

FAQ

Can a non-Christian be a hospice chaplain?

Yes. Hospice chaplaincy is interfaith. Chaplains from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, secular-humanist, and other traditions all serve as hospice chaplains. What matters is training in interfaith care, not the specific faith tradition of the chaplain.

Do I need to be ordained?

Depends on the agency. Many require ordination or endorsement; some accept a well-trained non-ordained chaplain with equivalent CPE and board certification.

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What is IDG?

Hospice Social Worker

Sources

Educational content only. Confirm current licensure, certification, and compensation data with the linked primary sources.