This course, Major Religious Traditions and Spiritual Care, provides chaplains, counselors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals an overview of the five major religious traditions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism as well as the growing population that refers to themselves as “nones” or “spiritual but not religious.” Emphasis is placed upon the beliefs, values, and practices that impact a person’s reaction to illness, trauma, end-of-life, and other issues of spiritual distress.

Self-guided courses include the latest research available for the intersection of spirituality into the course topic. Students have full access to a purchased course for six months to work at their own pace. There is one test at the end of the course, and participants will have three attempts to pass or fail. Upon successful completion, students earn a certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course the learner will be able to:

• • Summarise the life of major religious figures.

• • Describe the primary beliefs of each religious tradition and their relevance to current life.

• • Identify, analyze, and apply different religious beliefs, values, and practices and their application to chaplaincy and other spiritual care modalities.

(Price includes GST and fully subsidised student registration fee for Australian and New Zealand health practitioners)

This course was written by The Rev. Sue Wintz, M.Div. APBCC, BCC

Sue Wintz, M.Div. APBCC, BCC is the Director of Professional and Community Education at HealthCare Chaplaincy Network and the Director of Education for the Spiritual Care Association. She has over 35 years of clinical, administrative, writing, educational design, development, and teaching experience in the provision of professional chaplaincy and spiritual care in numerous health care, and community settings as well as an expert advisor to multidisciplinary professional organizations. Sue is a nationally recognized expert in cultural competence in health care and has taught about cultural competency in all health care settings for over two decades. She has contributed to work through both writing and teaching for organizations like the Joint Commission, the American Medical Association, the American Burn Association, and the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care as well as through numerous articles and presentations. Sue is an advance practice board certified member of the Spiritual Care Association. She is also a board-certified chaplain member and past president of the Association of Professional Chaplains who, in 2013 gave her its highest honor – the Anton Boisen Professional Service Award.