How to Become a Chaplain
Are you someone who feels called to walk alongside people through their most vulnerable moments? Do you have a heart for providing comfort, support, and spiritual care to those in need? Becoming a chaplain is a deeply rewarding journey, and it begins with the right preparation.
At VLIBTC we offer a dynamic and high-quality Chaplaincy Stream that equips you with the knowledge, practical experience, and qualifications needed to confidently step into a chaplaincy or pastoral care role.
What Is a Chaplain?
A chaplain is a person trained to offer spiritual and emotional support in a wide range of settings, schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, correctional centres, community organisations, and more. Unlike pastors who work primarily within church communities, chaplains serve people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures in secular and non-religious environments. Their role is to bring hope, healing, and compassionate care wherever it is needed most.
Where Do I Start?
The journey to becoming a chaplain begins with the right training. Our Chaplaincy Stream at VLIBTC is designed to give you the practical and theoretical tools you need to serve effectively.
Whether you're looking to start a new career or enhance your current ministry, this stream can be your launching pad. It even includes the two essential units required by the WA Government to operate in public schools, making it the ideal first step toward formal chaplaincy roles.
What Does the Course Involve?
The Chaplaincy Stream includes four key units, which can be completed in one of two ways:
As a standalone stream
Attend theory classes every Wednesday afternoon for 32 weeks
Complete 4 hours of practical placement per week
As part of the 10996NAT – Certificate IV in Christian Ministry
Includes 12 core units plus the 4 Chaplaincy units
Flexible delivery options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Night School, or Online
This flexibility means you can study in a way that suits your lifestyle, whether you're a full-time student, working professional, or someone involved in ministry.
Core Chaplaincy Units Covered
The four chaplaincy-specific units have been carefully chosen to prepare you for real-world ministry. These include:
Provide pastoral care within an organisation
Learn to support others spiritually and emotionally in structured settings like schools or community services.Respond to client needs
Gain the skills to assess and address a wide range of individual needs—practically and compassionately.Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
Develop effective communication techniques that build trust and lead to meaningful conversations.Work with people with mental health issues
Understand how to walk alongside people living with mental health challenges and support them with sensitivity and insight.
Each of these units builds both competence and confidence for anyone aspiring to be a chaplain.
A Major Emphasis on Practical Experience
At VLIBTC, we know that experience matters. That’s why our Chaplaincy Stream includes a large practical component, ensuring you’re not just learning in the classroom, but out in the community.
Each student takes part in two hours per week of hands-on ministry through Margaret Court Community Outreach, working with people from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. Additionally, where possible, you’ll be placed in a chaplaincy setting aligned with your specific area of interest, be it schools, aged care, hospitals, or community organisations.
This dual focus on learning and doing helps students graduate fully prepared to step into meaningful ministry with clarity and skill.
Who Should Apply?
The Chaplaincy Stream is perfect for:
Individuals wanting to become qualified chaplains in Western Australia
Christians who desire to serve their communities in a practical, Spirit-led way
Those already in ministry who want to grow in their ability to provide pastoral care
Anyone seeking to meet government requirements to work as a school chaplain
Whether you're starting fresh or building on your existing ministry experience, this course will give you the structure and support you need to move forward.
Take the First Step Toward a Life of Impact
Becoming a chaplain is about being a steady, compassionate presence in times of uncertainty. It's about listening well, speaking with wisdom, and carrying the hope of Christ wherever you go.
If you’re ready to invest in people’s lives and bring God’s love into everyday situations, the Chaplaincy Stream at VLIBTC is your ideal next step.