Pastoral Counselor Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

When people are going through a difficult time, whether emotionally, physically or spiritually, sometimes it can be helpful for them to talk to an objective individual who will be able to give them insight on how to best handle the situation they are facing. Sometimes people are depressed or stressed about a financial situation, and these feelings can be overwhelming if you don’t have someone to share them with. A pastoral counselor is a professional, who has received training in both psychology and theology, and they are well equipped to comfort and advice people that are struggling to maintain balance in their lives. Although they are not medically trained professionals, pastoral counselors do work closely with doctors and therapists to make sure those patients are being cared for both physically and emotionally.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$47,900
Salary Range
$35,800 - $72,500

Work Environment

Because they are in a position of comfort and counsel for those that are going through hard times, the work environment of a pastoral counselor might change several times a day. Typically, these counselors are employed by hospitals, correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes where they can be close to the patients who need their counsel the most.

High School Preparation

Individuals who like to talk with and counsel others and think that they might enjoy the responsibilities of a pastoral counselor are encouraged to spend their high school career increasing their knowledge of psychology and religion. Supporting courses include biology, English, literature, sociology, theology, humanities, speech, and social studies. Volunteering for a church or hospital can also provide valuable experience.

Requirements

Following completion of the high school curriculum or an approved equivalent, those interested in pursuing a career as a pastoral counselor must enroll in an accredited college or university. Although there are no required degrees, it is most common for students to choose English, psychology or religious studies for their undergraduate major. Upon graduation with a bachelor’s degree, students must then apply to and be accepted by a divinity program at an accredited seminary. These master’s programs typically take about three years to complete. Before they can start their own practice, or be officially hired by a hospital or counseling center, these candidates must obtain an endorsement from a member of the clergy and spend some years practicing in the clergy themselves in order to gain counseling experience.

Career Outlook

As the elderly population continues to grow, nursing homes and hospice programs are on the rise. Both of these medical services almost always offer a pastoral counselor on staff, so the number of jobs available for qualified counselors is expected to increase rapidly over the next few years.

Professional Organizations

American Association of Pastoral Counselors
9504A Lee Highway
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Phone: (703) 385-6967
www.aapc.org