La Trobe University > Courses > Spiritual care

Spiritual care

Why study spiritual care?

There is growing interest in healthcare circles in spiritual care's contribution to promoting health and providing support in illness. Much new evidence over the past decade arises from work carried out by nurses, medical practitioners, psychologists and social workers, supplementing contributions from the traditional spiritual care discipline of pastoral care. Spiritual care practice guidelines are now being developed for various disciplines and settings, including acute care, aged care, mental health, palliative care, rehabilitation, and supportive cancer care. There is a small but steady increase in the number of specialist spiritual care positions available across these settings.

This major is the first postgraduate spiritual care training program in a health sciences context in Australia. It is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to develop their expertise in spiritual care for their own continuing practice, or who plan to transfer into the field.

As a La Trobe graduate, you may be eligible for our 10% Alumni Advantage when you apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program.

Career opportunities

Graduates will enhance their practice through gaining knowledge and skills equipping them to incorporate spiritual care into their continuing professional work. Successful completion of the program demonstrates advanced learning that will be an asset in applying for specialist spiritual care positions in a range of settings.

The Healthcare Chaplaincy Council of Victoria endorses the program as a study option for healthcare chaplains and pastoral care workers seeking to upgrade their qualifications.

Your study experience

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.