Clergy and Family Systems Certificate Policies

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    Application Requirements

    To apply to The Ackerman Certificate Program in Clergy and Family Systems, applicants will submit the following:

    • Completed online application form
    • Copy of Bachelors/Master’s degree or transcript
    • Professional letter of recommendation
    • CV / Resume
    • $100 application fee
    • Personal Statement: In 250 words, describe your interest in clergy and family systems training at Ackerman.

    Applicants must be a faith leader or spiritual influencer, and hold a Bachelor’s Degree or advanced degree in any discipline.

    Applications must be received by the posted application deadline.

    Admissions Decisions

    Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by email within one month of receipt of the application.

    The Ackerman Institute thoroughly considers all credentials and application materials. We may not be able to accept all qualified trainees as competition is great each year for the limited number of spots in our program.

    Continuing Education Benefit for CE Contact Hours

    The Ackerman Certificate Program in Clergy and Family Systems does not offer continuing education contact hours.

    Trainees enrolled in the clergy certificate course may attend Ackerman workshops and earn CEUs for New York State LCSW, LMFT and Psychology licenses (if an eligible practitioner) free of charge. Accepted trainees will be provided with a workshop discount code upon enrollment.

    Tuition Policy

    The full cost of tuition is divided into four course registration payments due at the start of the program. Tuition payments are required to qualify for course enrollment.

    Tuition payments are made through an online course registration form. Trainees will be provided with a link to course registration upon acceptance.

    We accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Cash and checks are not accepted. 

    Payment Schedule

    Payment Type Amount Due Due Date
    Application Fee $100.00 At time of application.
    Payment #1: Introduction to Family Systems Therapy $6,000.00 September 11, 2023
    Payment #2: Clinical Seminar $4,500.00 September 11, 2023
    Payment #3: Person of the Clergy Seminar $4,500.00 September 11, 2023
    Payment #4: Group Supervision $4,500 September 11, 2023

    Financial Aid

    Financial aid is not available for The Ackerman Certificate Program in Clergy and Family Systems.

    The Ackerman Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donors and earned revenue to work toward our mission. The full expense of training at Ackerman is subsidized by the generosity of our donors. Your tuition fees cover only a small portion of this expense. We thank you for investing in your professional future and for supporting the Ackerman Institute for the Family.

    Completing the Program

    Trainees must be admitted into The Ackerman Certificate Program in Clergy and Family Systems by completing the online application form, and complete all four consecutive curriculum components.

    Certificates will be issued within two weeks of program completion.

    Program Withdrawal

    Trainees withdrawing from the program must request a program withdrawal form from the Ackerman Admissions Department. To request return to the program, deferred trainees will complete the current year’s admissions application requirements. Coursework that is five or more years old must be repeated. Tuition fees are non-refundable.

    Trainees requesting a leave of absence must request a Leave of Absence form from the Ackerman Admissions Department. A leave of absence may be granted for up to two trimesters.

    Technology Requirements

    This course will be presented online via Zoom. Trainees are required to attend online classes from a computer in good working condition with a strong WiFi connection. For the best experience, we recommend using headphones and a microphone during class meetings.

    Trainees are not permitted to record class meetings. Unauthorized recordings may result in termination from the program.

    Contact

    For questions about admissions and billing, contact:
    Ackerman Admissions Office:
    admissions@ackerman.org

    For questions about course curriculum, contact:
    Ackerman Training Office:
    training@ackerman.org