College Bound Student Chaplaincy Training: School Chaplain Program Announced

The NSCA’s recently launched chaplaincy program is accredited nationwide and accepts college students and high school graduates with or without counseling experience. For those still in college, the training program will not require them to take a gap year because they can complete it alongside their university courses or in place of regular academic subjects.

For more information, visit https://nationalschoolchaplainassociation.org

The association’s new training program helps individuals interested in getting a head start on their careers in youth leadership and chaplaincy. According to the NSCA, the demand for chaplains is increasing because schools are seeing the value of bringing prayer and hope back into the academe.

Statistics show that schools with a chaplain in residency have lower incidents of violence, bullying, and disrespect for authority. The students also do better academically and report feeling safer at school.

There are three levels of compliance, and applicants will be grouped according to their credentials and work experience. Level 1 is for ordained ministers and teachers who need little training but require assistance with placement and re-certification. Level 2 is for applicants with experience teaching or working with youth groups for at least one year. The last level is suitable for those with no work experience.

Those who fall under Level 2 may enroll in a 48-hour course spread across eight weeks, with six hours of classes every week. It is accredited by Oklahoma Christian University and counts as one college credit or three CEU credits. Meanwhile, those with no experience whatsoever will be required to undergo a one-year course that is equivalent to one year of college credits. It combines theoretical and hands-on classes that prepare the candidate to set up their ministry.

Regardless of compliance level, all candidates will be subjected to the same background check. The NSCA also requires all candidates to complete active shooter training from third-party providers before getting their chaplaincy credentials.

“Children are lost, left to figure out complex issues alone. It’s why the suicide rate, mental illness, drug use, and other destructive behaviors are at an all-time high. Yet, when chaplains enter a school, they share peace, strength, love, and hope. They provide students with the spiritual care they need to overcome tragedies and hardships to fulfill their dreams and destiny,” a representative said.

More information is available at https://nationalschoolchaplainassociation.org

National School Chaplain Association

PO Box 720746

United States

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