CHAPLAIN PROGRAM Levels
- Ecclesiastic endorsement
- Graduate of SMI Chaplains Course
- Assigned an SMI Mentor
- Level I Community Chaplain
- At least one (1) year of ministerial experience
- In good standing with ecclesiastic endorsing authority
- Complete ordination process and be approved for ordination by SMI
- Appropriate ordination ceremony by ecclesiastic authority
- Level II Ordained Chaplain
- At least two (2) years of ministerial experience
- Mentoring another Chaplain
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Seminary
- Level III Senior Chaplain
- Graduate degree (MDIV or equivalent – 72 hours) from an accredited Seminary
- 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) (APCE, NACC, or equivalent)
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) from a nationally recognized body
VA Endorsement - Additional Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Registered with Selective Service
- Meet all appropriate requirements for specialized chaplaincy service (e.g., mental health or substance abuse counseling)
