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| Continuing Education | ||
Certificate in Christian Caregiving
This Certificate Curriculum is for those who find themselves in personal and professional caring situations. Whether you are a deacon in the church, a nurse in a hospital, or simply someone who wants to be a supportive friend, these courses will equip you as a caregiver in ways that draw upon your faith resources.
Courses may also be taken individually without leading to certification.
Continuing Chaplaincy Education
Eligible participants may receive Continuing Chaplaincy Education units (CCEs), approved through the Association of Professional Chaplains, for each course.
There are several ways to register (and there is a 20% Early Registration Discount):
- By postal mail or by fax: To download the course catalog and registration form that can be returned via fax (609-497-0709) or postal mail, click here.
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By phone: Please have an understanding of which courses you wish to register for before calling 609-497-7990.
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By email: Please have an understanding of which courses you wish to register for before emailing coned@ptsem.edu.
Basic Certificate
Advanced Certificate
Participants may take advanced courses without earning the Basic Certificate.
For additional information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Basic Certificate
Complete all of the following six courses:
• Listening and Caring Skills (6 hours)
The cornerstone of all care giving is the development of solid listening skills. Learn how to create a safe, accepting environment that will enable others to share their feelings. In addition, learn how to be present with others at those times when “there are no words.” It is through the ministry of listening and presence that healing can begin. This class will also include an introduction to the need for confidentiality in all caring relationships.
Section A: 1 Saturday session: March 29, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.,
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Section B: 2 weeknight sessions:March 25 and 27, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Consolidated into the Saturday, March 29 program.
• Grief and Loss (6 hours)
Understanding the stages of grief and loss is essential for all caregivers. Almost all who are in need of care experience dimensions of grief and loss regardless of their situation. These feelings can result from illness, aging, job change, retirement, or death of a loved one. It is also important for caregivers to be aware of their own experiences of grief and loss so that they can inform, and not overshadow, a caring relationship.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Section A: 3 Thursday sessions: November 1, 8, and 15, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm,
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Section B: 2 Saturday sessions: November 10 and 17, 2007, 9:00-noon.
• Spiritual Resources in Caregiving (6 hours)
The good news for caregivers is that the Christian tradition offers tremendous resources for a caring relationship. Explore the use of scripture, prayer, music, art, blessings, and sacred readings to bring comfort and hope. There will also be instruction and practice in how to pray with and for others. Discover these wonderful resources which can open the door for God’s healing Presence.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Section A: 3 Wednesday sessions: October 3, 10, and 17, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm,
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Section B: 2 Saturday sessions: October 20 and 27, 2007, 9:00am-noon.
• Understanding Depression (3 hours)
Like grief and loss, a solid understanding of depression is essential for all caregivers. Many who are in need of care initially present themselves as being depressed. However, depression can sometimes be a mask. Caregivers need to be able to help others discern what they are truly feeling, especially when someone might be experiencing a more serious depression that requires the help of a professional. Current information on the diagnosis and treatments for depression will be presented.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Section A: Monday, January 7, 2008, 6:00-9:00pm,
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Section B: Saturday, January 12, 2008, 9:00am-noon.
• Making Hospital Visits (3 hours)
Reaching out to someone in the hospital can be an anxiety-producing situation for caregivers. This session will help you become comfortable in a hospital environment. Learn practical knowledge and skills such as when is the best time to visit, where to sit, how long to stay, and what to say. Bringing comfort and care to someone in the hospital is usually deeply appreciated, especially if done well.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Section A: Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 6:00-9:00pm,
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Section B: Saturday, December 1, 2007, 9:00am-noon.
• Resources and Boundaries in Caregiving (6 hours)
Caregivers need to discern if someone might benefit from help or support that goes beyond their caring relationship. Become familiar with resources that are available in the community, and how to help others access them. Also, caregivers need to be aware of their own personal boundaries when supporting others, and how to keep them intact. This class will further explore the critical need for maintaining confidentiality.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Section A: 3 Tuesday sessions: January 15, 22, 29, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm,
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Section B: 2 Saturday sessions: January 26 and February 2, 2008, 9:00am-noon.
Advanced Certificate
The Advanced Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of 25 classroom hours of the following courses, in addition to completion of the Basic Certificate Program above.
• Caring for the Caregiver (6 Hours)
Being a caregiver can be tremendously satisfying; but it can also be challenging and depleting at times. Learn how to assess the state of your own spiritual health, and how to restore your soul. As a caregiver, it is essential to keep tapped into the Living Stream, for it is difficult to dip healing water for others from a dry well.
Section A: 3 Monday sessions: March 17 and 24, 2008, 6:00-9:00pm,
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Section B: 2 Saturday sessions: March 15 and 22, 2008, 9:00am-noon.
• Caring for the Dying and Their Family and Friends (6 Hours)
One of the greatest privileges we can experience is reaching out to someone who is dying. Learn how to care for the individual, as well as the often complicated dynamics of supporting family and friends on this sacred journey. The spiritual and physical stages of death and dying will be explored, as well as how to process your own feelings as a caregiver.
Section A: 3 Monday evening sessions: April 7, 14, and 21, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
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Section B: 2 Saturday afternoon sessions: April 12 and 19, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Caring for the Elderly (6 Hours)
With the growing numbers of senior citizens today, it is very likely we will encounter elderly individuals in our families, churches, and communities. Learn how to assess the spiritual and physical needs of our aging loved ones and friends. Become aware of resources that may offer support and community for isolated individuals. Learn how to creatively use spiritual resources, story-telling, and life review in your caregiving.
Section A: 3 Wednesday sessions: March 12, 19, and 26, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm,
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Section B: 2 Saturday sessions: April 12 and 19, 2008, 9:00am-noon.
• Caring for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease (2 Hours)
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect a growing number of adults and their families. This course is for professional as well as lay caregivers who care for adults with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairment. The course will identify key elements necessary for assessing the spiritualities and spiritual needs of adults with cognitive impairment; and describe principles and strategies for attending to the spiritual needs of adults with cognitive impairment.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Section A: Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 2:00-4:00pm,
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Section B: Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 6:00-8:00pm.
• Suicide: Signs, Prevention, and Aftermath (6 Hours)
Caregivers may find themselves in a situation where someone is considering suicide. Learn the signs that may indicate when someone is thinking about ending his or her life. Learn how to intervene and enable these persons to obtain the professional help they need. Also, learn how to bring comfort and support to friends and family members when a loved one has committed suicide.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Section A: 3 consecutive sessions: Tuesday through Thursday, January 8-10, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm,
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Section B: 2 consecutive sessions: Friday, November 30, 2007, 6:00-9:00pm and Saturday, December 1, 2007, 9:00am-noon.
• Caring for Individuals and Families Dealing with Addictions (6 Hours)
Addictions are extremely challenging for individuals and their loved ones. This class will present a basic understanding of addictions, and current treatment options. It will also discuss how to be a helpful care- giver to someone dealing with an addiction, and how to support the person's family and friends in this complex and challenging situation.
3 consecutive sessions, Tuesday through Thursday, April 1-3, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm.
• Supporting Those with Mental Illness and Their Families (6 hours)
Though we have learned a tremendous amount about the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in the past years, it still can be one of the more isolating and painful situations for an individual or family to experience. This class will serve as an introduction to types of mental illness and current treatment regimes. It will also explore how to provide care to individuals and their families in concert with their current treatment modalities.
2 Saturday afternoon sessions: May 3 and 10, 2008, 1:00-4:00pm.
• Supporting Those Experiencing Divorce (6 Hours)
Divorce is a tremendous trauma for a couple or a family. Yet, many find themselves isolated during this experience of disruption and loss, which can often last for quite some time. Learn about the impact of divorce on all who are involved. Discover the best ways to be a caregiver on this journey to enable healing and rediscovery.
To be notified when this program is offered again, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
3 Thursday sessions: February 21, 28, and March 6, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm.This program has been cancelled.
• Caring for Persons in Long-Term Care (3 Hours)
In an aging population, more friends and family members will face the prospect of living out their last chapter in a long-term care facility. Gather an understanding of what individuals experience physically and emotionally in this type of setting. Learn what can help bring comfort, encouragement, and support. Also learn how important the presence of regular visitors is for residents in long-term care situations..
To be notified when this program is offered, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Not currently offered this program year.
• Supporting Mothers and Families Through Pregnancy and Childbirth (6 Hours)
We often focus on the joyful anticipation of pregnancy and childbirth, but fail to name the stress this brings to a family. Pregnancy and childbirth is a time of great change and adjustment for a family, especially for the mother who is experiencing the physical dimension as well. Learn how to help a family prepare for this life transition. Also learn about complications that can be experienced during a pregnancy or childbirth.
To be notified when this program is offered, please click here, or send an e-mail to erdman@ptsem.edu.
Not currently offered this program year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to have any counseling or pastoral background for this program?
No. This program is for anyone with a caring heart who wants to be better equipped to care for others. It is for the deacons in the church, for men and women who care for their elderly parents, for all those who want to support a friend or a family member going through a rough time, as well as for pastors and other professional caregivers who want to learn specific types of caregiving.
2. Are there reading and writing assignments?
Almost all courses will have reading assignments, and some may have optional writing assignments. After you register for a course, you will be contacted if there is pre-reading assignment for that course. Any pre-reading assignment must be completed before coming to the first session of class: the instructor will assume you have read all the pre-reading material.
3. Do I have to take the courses in any particular order or sequence?
No. You may take the courses in any order or sequence. However, familiarity with the subjects covered in the basic curriculum will be foundational for the advanced courses.
4. Is there any time limit within which I must complete all the course work in order to obtain the Certificates?
You have two years in which to complete the course work in the Basic Certificate, and up to five years to complete the Basic and Advanced Certificates.
5. Can I take courses without leading to certification?
Yes.
6. Can I take more elective courses after completing both levels of certification?
Yes.
7. What do the Certificates mean?
The Certificates show that you have completed the required course work through Princeton Theological Seminary’s Center of Continuing Education. It does not bear academic credit toward any degree, nor does it meet professional licensing or certification standards for professions in mental health or health care.
8. Given specific circumstance or experience, can I “waive out” of the required courses in the basic curriculum?
Yes. If you believe you have reasons to be exempted from any of the required courses, or to proceed directly to the advanced curriculum, please contact the Dean of Continuing Education or the Director of Programs.
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