The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) has opened registration for a one-year online educational program that will discuss the difficult ethical problems that often arise in the healthcare industry. Called the National Catholic Certification Program in Health Care Ethics, students will learn to articulate and apply the Church’s moral teachings from their own homes.
According to the brochure, the program was developed at the request of many bishops and healthcare administrators who identified a need to provide systematic formation. Based on the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services issued by the USCCB, the program is especially relevant to members of dioceses, hospitals, and ethics committees, as well as to those who are active in the pro-life movement.
The NCBC program will have students complete weekly assignments that include readings from multiple bioethics texts and resources. Furthermore, they will be assessed to ensure each student leaves with theoretical understanding and ability to make practical applications of the module content. Students will have the opportunity to interact with their peers and teachers in online conferences.
While the valuable lessons learned throughout the course are reason enough to enroll, as an added bonus this course can translate into real college credits. At the University of Mary, 10 credits may be put toward a Master of Science Degree in bioethics. Holy Apostles College and Seminary would count it as 9 credits toward their Master of Arts Degree in theology with a concentration on bioethics. Finally, St. Bernard’s University would extend 15 credits toward a Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics.
Learn more about this program from the National Catholic Bioethics Center here.
