Pastoral Thanatology Certification

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals’ pastoral thanatology certification aims to provide better care and support for those grieving after a loss. Our multi-course offering aims to provide professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide invaluable care to those who have recently lost loved ones. We also strive to provide valuable context for counselors working with specific cultural or religious affiliations to ensure effective care in times of need. Register today to start your certification journey and add these essential skills to your offerings.

 

Pastoral Thanatology Program Requirements & Prices

To participate in our certification program, you need to meet certain professional prerequisites, and you can fill out our qualification review form to see if your current credentials and professional experience match one of our following prerequisites for the program:

• Be a licensed healthcare professional.
• Hold a college degree in the fields of health care, human services, psychology, or human behavior, and have past experience working with end-of-life care.
• Hold a college degree in theology and/or have a ministry from a legitimate school providing a curriculum to meet defined objectives to obtain a degree.
• Hold a current certification in pastoral care.
• Be a licensed minister or any legal clerical representative of a religion.
• Currently work in pastoral care under the direct supervision of a clergy, church, or other type of organization, or have a sponsorship by a licensed clergy/minister to study pastoral thanatology.

The program itself consists of seven required CE courses, which will cost a total of $1,065 and include the courses below. After completing the courses there is a certification fee for Pastoral Thanatology Certification of $220, plus shipping and handling, which includes the official certificate, ID card, and other related documents. The full list of courses includes:

• GC 400 – Death, Dying & Mourning
• PT 450 – Needs of the Dying
• PT 460 – Physical, Emotional and Pastoral Care of the Dying Patient
• PT 470 – Bereavement Ministry & Support Groups
• PT 480 – Pastoral Response to Multiple Social/Cultural Variable in Grief and Thanatology
• PT 490 – Pastoral Care of Families of the Dying
• PT 500 – Death, Dying, and World Religions

After passing the program, you can fill out our application for certification to become certified through the AAGC for a period of four years. With the certification, you can use the initials/credentials “PT-CSp”, after their names: “Certified Specialist in Pastoral Thanatology”.

AIHCP also offers healthcare fellowship status for the pastoral thanatology certification. To get this credential, you must complete 250 hours of continued education over six years from the date of the application to the fellowship program. Once completed, you can add the “FAIHCP” or “Fellow in the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals in Pastoral Thanatology” to your title.

 

Renewing Your Pastoral Thanatology Certification

Once you receive your pastoral thanatology certification, you can continue using it for four years, but you can continue using the certification for longer by signing up for our recertification program. The fee is $220, plus shipping and handling, and you will need to provide evidence of at least 50 contact hours of continuing pastoral thanatology course education in the form of studies, lectures, and learning activities. You will also have to show proof of at least 500 hours of practice with your pastoral thanatology certification over the initial four-year certification period.

 

Pastoral Thanatology Certification Testimonials

AIHCP continues its mission of providing high-quality education and skills to various healthcare professionals, and its continued success is due to the many candidates who take the courses and improve their current skills and gain new techniques. For instance, the Reverend Ronald J. Hammock used the pastoral thanatology certification courses to get a better understanding of the grieving and caring process to better address the needs of patients and clients.

“My journey to become a Board Certified Chaplain included a desire in specializing in Palliative and Hospice care. Taking the certification courses in Pastoral Thanatology have certainly put me in a good position to do so. First, the courses reinforced much of what I already knew from the training I already received. Secondly, I also learned from these courses a more in depth understanding of death, grief and caring for the patient as well as their family. Learning about cultural nuances is a must, and these courses broadened my cultural understanding of people groups beyond my own. Now that I am a Hospital Chaplain, all that I have learned from these courses with AIHCP will help to bring about continued professional development and enable me to share with my peers didactics on grief, the process of dying and death itself. If you are interested in helping and caring for those in the process of dying or supporting families who have experienced death, these courses will certainly point you in the right direction. Much appreciation is given to those who created and prepared these courses for us.”

Rev. Ronald J. Hammack M-Div, BCC, PT-CSp

Learn more about the benefits of AIHCP certification courses on our testimonials page.

 

The Benefits of a Pastoral Thanatology Certification

Obtaining the pastoral thanatology certification from AIHCP provides professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools needed to provide more than adequate care for those in bereavement. Whether it’s a single client or family and friends, the pastoral thanatology courses at AIHCP offer valuable strategies that are effective in end-of-life scenarios while also respecting specific cultural and religious values. 

AIHCP also understands that pastoral thanatology is a constantly evolving space. Our pastoral thanatology blog topics are dedicated to keeping professionals informed of these innovations and insights that can be a benefit to the professional and the client. Keep an eye out for our blog’s new posts that provide valuable information for all healthcare professionals.

 

FAQs on AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program

What are the benefits of a pastoral thanatology certification?

AIHCP’s pastoral thanatology program provides valuable skills and knowledge that can help professionals provide comprehensive, yet sensitive care during a highly emotional time. Learning to balance expert-level care with patient emotions during a period of bereavement is not easy and can be intimidating. However, the skills gained from AIHCP’s pastoral thanatology courses help you prepare to meet these challenges head-on with confidence and grace. 

 

Do I have to take the program and its courses to achieve my certification?

Our model for certification is designed so that our certified members have accomplished the same educational achievements and have consistency in knowledge and skills attainment. Many have experience in many types of specialty practices, but they are varied. Our model focuses on core and solid, comprehensive knowledge and skills that have been determined to practice the specialty at a higher level of quality practice. However, there are instances where past education may be used to waive some of the courses required. View our FAQ page to learn more.

 

Do you offer a curriculum of continuing education courses for recertification?

Each of our certification programs offers continuing education curricula designed to meet the full requirements for recertification.

 

Do your continuing education courses have any board approvals?

Most of our continuing education courses do have some or many board approvals, though specific approval depends on the type of professional boards. You can see the full list on our health care CE approvals page.

 

Is the certification necessary for pastoral thanatology?

Obtaining and showing your pastoral thanatology certification is more than just another list of initials in your title; it shows a commitment to providing a high-quality level of care during tough moments. It shows a willingness to be patient, provide guidance and techniques in trying times, and offer invaluable support to specific people or entire families. Taking time to learn about these situations and having the appropriate skills to provide expert care is only possible with AIHCP’s robust and detailed pastoral thanatology program.

 

What is the process for your Certification programs? How do I enter and complete a the case management certification program?

We have a dedicated page that provides a quick over-view of our certification process. It will provide you with good information about the process/phases of both the education courses and application for certification.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastoral Thanatology Certification. The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers a full program of “Certification” for the specialty practice of Pastoral Thanatology. This program is open to qualified individuals only. A two-tier program is available consisting of both “Certification” and “Fellowship” status in Pastoral Thanatology.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “thanatology” as the branch of science that studies death, especially its social and psychological aspects. The word was first used in 1842 and is from the greek expression “qa’ natos-logy. Related to health care, Webster’s defines the word as the study of the theory, philosophy and doctrine of death.

Today, the concept of Pastoral Thanatology focuses on care of the psychological, social and spiritual needs of the dying, as well as their families and loved ones. The American Academy of Grief Counseling places this specialty practice within the domain of “pastoral” care of the dying, with a strong emphasis on the spiritual aspects and needs of the dying. As such, qualifications for the program are restricted and defined below.

A Certified Pastoral Thanatologist is one who has attained high level training and has verified knowledge and skill sets to work specifically with the dying, related to spiritual, social, and human behavior aspects of end of life care. Certification attests to the completion of a continuing education program that provides such knowledge/skill sets.

Pastoral Thanatologists are each unique in their religious/spiritual beliefs and affiliations. All religions may well use the services of a pastoral thanatologist. Each person certified through our program retains the right to embrace and work with their own selected clients and religious affiliations. Our program does not discriminate as to one’s religious affiliation or spiritual beliefs.

Objectives of the Pastoral Thanatology Certification Program are:

Pastoral Thanatology Certification

Certified Pastoral Thanatologist – requires attainment and/or verification of one of the following certification criteria:

1.  Completion of an official, established education program to prepare qualified individuals and professionals for the practice of Pastoral Thanatology. To view approved programs and courses, click here.
2. Educational programs must have provided a minimum of 270 hours of education/study. Candidates for the Pastoral Thanatology Certification must present valid evidence of successful completion of such program. The AAGC review board will review and approve programs on an individual basis. Once a program is approved, it will be published as “approved” by the AAGC. Programs submitted for approval consideration must have their curriculums specifically based in grief counseling and bereavement theory/practice as well as in care of the dying, including a pastoral perspective, cultural issues, world religions and spiritual care of the dying.  Candidates whose can demonstrate evidence of successful completion of such programs within a five (5) year period prior to the date of application for the Pastoral Thanatology Certification, are eligible to receive certification as a “Certified Pastoral Thanatologist.” Such programs may include university and college based courses, continuing education seminars, retreats, self-study and distance learning programs, etc. Candidates are welcome to submit an application and documentations of achieved education for review for consideration of certification status. A review may provide for acceptance or a written plan of additional requirements the candidate may need to achieve to be eligible for certification.
3. Prerequisite to enrolling in the Pastoral Thanatology Certification: All candidates for Certification must have achieved one of the following prerequisites:

If you would like to find out if you meet the qualifications for this certification program. Please submit an Inquiry Form at the following link: Access Here.

Note: candidates must provide official documentation of at least one of the established prerequisites at the time of application for Certification. Failure to provide such documentation and evidence of education requirements will result in rejection of the application.

Pastoral Thanatology Certification – Identification & Credentials

Those applicants who become certified by the AAGC- shall be deemed “certified” and may use the initials/credential PT-CSp, after their names: “Certified Specialist in Pastoral Thanatology”

Certification for this program is under the Division of the American Academy of Grief Counseling, as a sub-specialty of grief/bereavement counseling and education.

Timeline

All certifications shall be for a period of 4 years from the date that the initial certification by the AAGC is granted.

KEY FAQS

What are the key benefits of achieving a Certification in this health care specialty practice?

Response: Some of the key benefits of receiving a Certification in Pastoral Thanatology includes increasing your marketability in the work place, enhancing your knowledge and skills base in this specialty practice, increasing your earnings potential, commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education, achieving recognition for accomplishments attained, networking with peers in the same practice specialty, and much more.

Must I take the continuing education courses/program to achieve my certification?

Response: Yes, our model for certification is designed so that our certified members have accomplished the same educational achievements and have consistency in knowledge and skills attainment. Many have experiences in many types of specialties practices, but are varied. Our model focuses on core and solid, comprehensive knowledge and skills that have been determined to practice the specialty at a higher level of quality practice. There are instances where past education may be used to waive some of the courses required. This is evaluated on an individual basis and more information may be found in our more comprehensive FAQS section: Access here

Do you offer a curriculum of continuing education courses that meet the requirements for your Certification standards?

Response: Yes, for each of our certification programs we offer full continuing education curriculums that are designed to meet full requirements for certification. Click on the link above (Ce courses and prices) for this program. All of our CE courses are authored and mentored by highly qualified faculty with graduate degrees.

Do your continuing education courses have any Board approvals?

Response: Yes, most all of our continuing education courses do have some or many Board approvals, depending on types of professional boards.  Please access more information: Access here

Does Society Expect Health Care Professionals to be “Certified” in specialty practices?

Response: It is safe to say that today our society expects health care professionals to be highly knowledgeable and to practice their professions as well as their specialty practices at high levels of safe care, quality standards, and to maintain a high level of ethical practice. One way in which our health care professionals may demonstrate this level of achievement is by attaining a recognized professional certification from an organization that has developed and upholds all of these important indicators of high- quality professional specialty practices. Certification in a specialty practice demonstrates the professionals commit to achievements in core defined domains of practice allowing more confidence by society as a whole.

Once I am certified by your organization, am I certified “for life?”

Response: You can be if you chose to be. We have a program of Recertification for all of our specialty practices. Initial certifications are for a four-year period. All those obtaining certification may re-certify upon meeting the specific requirements for recertification every four years. Certified members may recertify every four years indefinitely as long as they meet the recertification requirements for their practice specialty. We hold strongly to the belief that professional Certification requires that one commits to and maintains ongoing education, skills attainment and practice in their specialty practice. Our recertification process allows for the verification of these verifications of our members. We offer a large curriculum of continuing education courses for our certified members if they would like to meet continuing education hours of recertification. You may learn more about our recertification requirements: Access here

After reviewing all of the information on this page, I may have more questions, who may I contact?

Response: We are here to help and assist you in all ways possible. We have Live Chat online during normal business hours and you may access the Live Chat link above on this page. Also, please access our Contact Us Page

Please view more FAQS for this Practice Specialty. 

The Certification Process:

We have a dedicated page that provides a quick over-view of our certification process. It will provide you with good information about the process/phases of both the education courses and application for certification. To access: click here.

Re-Certification

Certified members may receive re-certification at the expiration of their four year term by:

• Obtaining 50 or more hours of continuing education within the four year period of certification. Click here to view the Criteria for Re-Certification.
• Have successfully advanced to Fellowship Status in the AAGC prior to the expiration of their current certification. Fellowship projects must have been in the specialty of pastoral thanatology practice. Once a certified member achieves Fellowship in the AAGC, they are required only to reapply for Fellowship status, and continue to maintain their Certification along with their Fellowship.

Certificate

Those applicants who have successfully achieved certification, or re-certification will receive a large size official Certificate attesting to certification, as well as an official letter of notification. The certificate is suitable for framing and details the official certification title, initials that may be used, and time frames for certification. Those re-certifying receive a new, updated certificate.

Standards & Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics for Certified Grief Counselors, Certified Pastoral Thanatologists and Fellows of the American Academy of Grief Counseling may be viewed online by clicking here.  The Code of Ethics is approved by the Governing Board and the Advisory Board of the American Academy of Grief Counseling.

Fee Schedule

• The certification fee for Pastoral Thanatology is $220.00, plus shipping and handling, for the four year term of certification. All Certification packets, which include the official certificate, wallet ID card, and other related documents are shipped with tracking. Payment in full is due at the time of application. If an applicant does not meet certification criteria, the application fee is refunded. A completed application must be submitted with full payment to be considered for certification. The application form is available Here.
• Application for Recertification is $ 220.00, plus shipping and handling, for the next four-year period. This is a one-time payment and is required in full at the time of application for recertification. A completed application must accompany the payment.
• Major credit cards are accepted. Check and money orders are to be payable to: The American Institute of Healthcare Professionals.

Fellowship Program

The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers a Fellowship program in Grief Counseling for its Certified Members. Access Information.  Those certified in Pastoral Thanatology may also elect to achieve a Fellowship specifically in Pastoral Thanatology: Access Information

Online Application

Click here for the online application.

Additional resources

• Click here to view education programs that are approved by the AAGC
• Click here to request more information.
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