In fact, spiritual care can be either religious or nonreligious. Nonreligious chaplains felt themselves well equipped to provide both types of care, as they themselves exist with a nonreligious identity but have been trained in religious contexts.

Depending on the employer, a hospital chaplain must hold at least an undergraduate degree in a religious studies or counseling field. The process may take 4-6 years, in addition to completion of post-graduate clinical pastoral education credits and certification through one of the national chaplain organizations.

A Humanist Chaplain is a secular clergy person who provides comfort, guidance, and emotional support without relying on any religious doctrine or dogma.

Chaplains do not need to be ordained to administer counseling or lead worship services. However, they do need to be ordained to perform religious sacraments such as the Eucharist or baptism.