As medical technology has advanced in recent years, treatment decisions have become increasingly difficult. Physicians, nurses, attorneys, social workers, accountants, and pastors are called upon to help families and individuals make hard choices, but often their training did not give attention to range of terminology and skills needed to give help that is biblically, medically, and legally sound. It is especially rare for those giving help to have had hands-on practical experience with decision-making processes that are often messy. This certificate program prepares students majoring in a wide range of disciplines to serve effectively when medical decisions are needed. The program develops the biblical ethical principles that inform sound decisions, considers legal and counseling best practices when working with individuals and groups (such as Ethics Committees), makes extensive use of role-playing events to hone consultation skills, and mentors students through a practicum experience in a large local hospital.

Program Components:  To complete the certificate in Medical Ethics Consultation, students are required to complete 12 hours of required courses and 6-8 hours of courses specific to their major that augment their readiness to serve as an ethics consultant. The capstone course in the program is a practicum course that combines on campus in-class instruction and field work at Memorial Hospital Chattanooga supporting the work of its Ethics Committee, Ethics Education Subcommittee, and Ethics Consultation Service. Contact the program coordinator: Dr. Bill Davis