Certificate in Buddhist Spiritual Care

Duration: Two to three years part-time

Requirements: 24 units of coursework + supervised practicum in spiritual care

Prerequisites: 4+ years of committed Buddhist practice and study; three 7-day retreats (21+ days total)

Suggested Course Sequence

This is one pathway through the program. Students should work with faculty to create a personalized plan based on their spiritual care interests.

Year 1 (August start)

• Anukampa – Spiritual Care Foundations (4 units, 10-month program)
• Eightfold Path Program (2 units, Sept–June)
• Introduction to Buddhist Chaplaincy (7 units) or Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Training (9 units)

• Continue Introduction to Buddhist Chaplaincy (through July)
• Death, Grief & Loss (3 units)

Year 2 (August start)

• Hospice & Palliative Care (3 units)
• Buddhist Multiculturalism (3 units)
• Begin Practicum planning and site selection

• Working with Pain (3 units)
• Counseling Skills (3 units)

Year 3 (August start, if part-time)

• Supervised Practicum (begins)
• Elective (1–3 units)
• Supervised Practicum (continues)
• Complete remaining electives or independent studies

Core Course Requirements (24 Units Total)

Foundation (9–13 units):

• Anukampa – Spiritual Care Foundations (4 units) – 10-month program
• Introduction to Buddhist Chaplaincy (7 units) or Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy (9 units)
• Eightfold Path Program (2 units) – Sept–June program

Spiritual Care Courses (9+ units) – Choose from:

• Death, Grief & Loss (3 units)
• Working with Pain (3 units)
• Hospice & Palliative Care (3 units)
• Counseling Skills (3 units)
• Buddhist Multiculturalism (3 units)
• Buddhism & Social Concerns (3 units)
• Prison Chaplaincy (1–3 units)

Electives: Various options including Theravada Studies courses, independent studies, or additional spiritual care courses

Practicum Requirements

• Identify and secure supervised practicum placement in hospital, hospice, prison, or community organization
• Complete supervised field work hours as required by practicum site
• Participate in regular supervision sessions with faculty supervisor

Practicum planning should begin early in the program. Students should work with faculty to identify appropriate placement sites and meet all prerequisites before beginning practicum work.

Important Notes

• These flow charts represent suggested pathways. Individual plans may vary based on course availability, student goals, and faculty guidance.
• Not all courses are offered every semester. Check current course offerings at sati.org.
• Students should work closely with faculty advisors to create personalized learning plans.
• Prerequisites vary by course. Review course catalog for detailed requirements.
• Tuition: $500–800 per unit; Administrative Fee: $500–1,000 per year