Objectives:
The objective of The National Catholic Certification Program in Health Care Ethics is to train those engaged in the health care ministry, and other interested individuals, to effectively represent the Church's moral teaching in their various institutions as it is summarized in The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
 
Upon completion of the one-year program, students will be able to:  

• Articulate the Church's understanding of the inherent dignity of the human person as the objective basis for the Church's moral tradition in health care.
• Apply the Church's moral teaching as expressed in The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services to the resolution of complex bioethical dilemmas encountered in clinical education, practice and research.
• Identify resources available to health care workers and others involved in the health care ministry which provide guidance for the resolution of bioethical issues.

Web-Based Distance Learning Program:
 
Participants must attend an initial two-day seminar held in the fall in various cities across the United States. Students then interact independently with an instructor through a series of four learning modules over the course of the one-year program of study. Modules are completed through weekly assignments which include readings and an assessment of each student's theoretical understanding and ability to make practical application of the module content. Students are also given the opportunity to interact  with their instructor, NCBC ethicists, and peers through a series of teleconferences and through an online discussion group. The program will culminate with a required intensive one-day seminar of case studies at the NCBC offices in Philadelphia on May 2, 2010.
 
Who Will Benefit From the Program?
The National Catholic Certification Program in Health Care Ethics was primarily designed for Church leaders, health care workers, those in the life sciences and ethics committee members. However, professionals and specialists from a wide range of venues, including centers for biomedical and biological research, universities, legal, and government institutions involved in the shaping of public policy are among those likely to benefit. Additionally, Catholic high school teachers in science and religion have found the program to be a great benefit.
 
Continuing Education Credit
The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved the National Catholic Certification Program in Health Care Ethics for 144 continuing education credit hours (click to view authorization letter).

Graduate Credit
Participants may enroll for up to 12 graduate credits through Holy Apostles College & Seminary, a fully accredited, co-ed Catholic undergraduate and graduate institution offering affordable educational programs true to the magisterium. The credits earned through dual-enrollment may be applied towards a Master of Theology degree with a concentration in bioethics from Holy Apostles. Please visit the Pope John Paul II Bioethics Center page at the Holy Apostles website for additional information and requirements.

Fee:
$2,900 for those enrolling through the NCBC for certification only
$2,650 for NCBC members enrolling for certification only
$3,250 for those pursuing graduate credit. Those wishing credit must enroll through Holy Apostles College and Seminary

For information on registration for the 2009 - 2010 program, please call Julie Kelley at 215-877-2660.