Career Description

Pastoral counselors provide support and guidance to people of all ages and circumstances who are looking to approach their issues from a spiritual perspective. Pastoral counselors are trained in both psychology and theology and thus can provide psychological as well as spiritual guidance to patients and families in health care settings. They perform a variety of tasks including conducting religious masses, delivering religious rites and ordinances, and providing counseling and companionship to patients and family members. They also work with hospital staff to provide ethical and spiritual direction and instruction on religious practices and beliefs.

Academic Requirements

This career requires a bachelor’s degree, then enrollment in a 3-year program to acquire a Master of Divinity degree.

Schools