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Entry Level Chaplain Residency Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Chaplain Residency information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do entry level chaplain residency jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chaplain residency in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of support and mentorship can an Entry Level Chaplain Resident expect during their residency?

Entry Level Chaplain Residents typically receive structured supervision and mentorship from experienced chaplains and certified educators. Residents participate in regular group seminars, one-on-one supervision sessions, and interdisciplinary team meetings, all designed to foster professional and personal growth. These supportive environments help residents navigate common challenges such as emotional fatigue, ethical dilemmas, and effective spiritual care across diverse faith backgrounds. Residents are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, receive constructive feedback, and build essential skills for future chaplaincy roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chaplain Residency vs Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Student?

AspectEntry Level Chaplain ResidencyClinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Student
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in theology or related field; some positions may require ordination or certificationUsually enrolled in or completing a theological or pastoral training program; no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, hospices, military, or religious organizations; full-time residencyHospitals, community clinics; part-time or supervised training
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare institutions, religious organizations; used as a professional entry pointEducational and training programs; used for skill development and certification preparation

While both roles involve providing spiritual support, the Entry Level Chaplain Residency is a paid, full-time position requiring relevant credentials, whereas the CPE Student is a training program focused on gaining experience and certification in pastoral care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Chaplain Resident, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chaplain Resident, you generally need a bachelor's degree (often in religion or a related field), completion or enrollment in a Master of Divinity or equivalent, and eligibility for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Familiarity with electronic medical records and hospital communication systems is often expected, along with completion of at least one CPE unit. Outstanding interpersonal skills, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for providing compassionate spiritual support to diverse patients and families in emotionally challenging healthcare environments.

What is an Entry Level Chaplain Residency?

An Entry Level Chaplain Residency is a structured training program designed for individuals beginning their careers as chaplains, often within hospitals or healthcare settings. Residents receive supervised practical experience in spiritual care, pastoral counseling, and crisis intervention while serving patients, families, and staff. The program typically lasts one year and combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice to help residents develop essential skills and meet certification requirements. Residents are mentored by experienced chaplains and participate in reflective supervision, case conferences, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
More about Entry Level Chaplain Residency jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Chaplain Residency jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Chaplain Residency job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chaplain Residency jobs? The most popular types of Chaplain Residency jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chaplain Residency jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chaplain Residency jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chaplain Residency job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Chaplain Resident - Pastoral Care Education

Chaplain Resident - Pastoral Care Education

Lakeland Regional Health

Lakeland, FL • On-site

$22.56/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Lakeland Regional Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Details
Lakeland Regional Health is a leading medical center located in Central Florida. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have been dedicated to serving our community with excellence in healthcare. As the only Level 2 Trauma center for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, and the second busiest Emergency Department in the US, we are committed to providing high-quality care to our diverse patient population. Our facility is licensed for 910 beds and handles over 200,000 emergency room visits annually, along with 49,000 inpatient admissions, 21,000 surgical cases, 4,000 births, and 101,000 outpatient visits.
Lakeland Regional Health is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our team in various entry-level positions. Whether you're starting your career in healthcare or seeking new opportunities to make a difference, we have roles available across our primary and specialty clinics, urgent care centers, and upcoming standalone Emergency Department. With over 7,000 employees, Lakeland Regional Health offers a supportive work environment where you can thrive and grow professionally.
Active - Benefit Eligible and Accrues Time Off
Work Hours per Biweekly Pay Period: 80.00
Shift: Monday -Friday with Call Rotation
Location: 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL
Pay Rate: $22.56Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), the CPE Residents are expected to actively participate in Lakeland Regional Health's residency training program, which includes completing all written requirements, reading assignments, and engaging actively in class with the goal of completing the educational requirements for chaplaincy certification while providing spiritual care to patients, their families, and the staff.
Position Responsibilities
People At The Heart Of All That We Do
  • Fosters an inclusive and engaged environment through teamwork and collaboration.
  • Ensures patients and families have the best possible experiences across the continuum of care.
  • Communicates appropriately with patients, families, team members, and our community in a manner that treasures all people as uniquely created.
Safety And Performance Improvement
  • Behaves in a mindful manner focused on self, patient, visitor, and team safety.
  • Demonstrates accountability and commitment to quality work.
  • Participates actively in process improvement and adoption of standard work.
Stewardship
  • Demonstrates responsible use of LRH's resources including people, finances, equipment and facilities.
  • Knows and adheres to organizational and department policies and procedures.
  • Standard Work: Chaplain Resident
  • Attentively respond to the spiritual needs of patients, their families, and the staff throughout Lakeland Regional Health. Providing support to everyone regardless of their religious or spiritual tradition.
  • The CPE Resident assesses patients' needs; provides spiritual, emotional, religious, and existential support in diverse clinical settings.
  • Coordinates and collaborates with other professionals in providing pastoral/spiritual care
  • Perform as a liaison with local Priests and community clergy.
  • Performs religious rituals such as baptisms, blessings, anointing of the sick (when appropriate) related to the care of patients, their families, and staff.
  • The CPE Resident functions as a team member of the Department of Pastoral Services and throughout Lakeland Regional Health, establishing collaborative relationships with the interdisciplinary care team and other professionals, and actively participates in department initiatives.
  • All CPE Residents participates in the overnight, weekend, and holiday on-call shifts.
  • Consult with staff members on a patient's beliefs or customs that affect treatment and responsiveness to treatment.
  • Provide written documentation for the patient chart.
  • Advocate with the staff to refer patients to Pastoral Services to provide support for the patient's spiritual and emotional needs.
Competencies & Skills
Essential:
  • Ability to provide excellent pastoral/spiritual care.
  • Interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to problem-solve, make-decisions, and manage conflict effectively.
  • Skills in following instructions, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to use technology and computer applications such as MS Word, Outlook, and the LRH electronic medical record.
  • Ability to incorporate operational and integrated knowledge of the field in making pastoral/spiritual assessments and in documentation in the patient's electronic medical record.
  • Ability to listen, read, write, and communicate effectively.
  • Ability to understand the unique problems of, and deal effectively with, the sick, and the aged.
  • Ability to work in cooperation with community clergy members of all faiths.
  • Ability to maintain investment in learning for personal and professional growth.

Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
  • Master Degree - Divinity/ Theology, Pastoral Counseling or Philosophy

Essential:
One Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education from any Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) Centers
Other information:
Preferred:
- Ordained, endorsed and/or recommended by their religious or spiritual body/organization.

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