I feel like I have been called to help others but where do I start?

So...

Knowing that it was not our place to decide who the Almighty calls, but realizing that as a credentialing jurisdiction it was our place to help make it possible, the PMA developed the Fast Track Training program.  The first thing we had to do was find quality training training programs that are "spiritually" based, informative, affordable and designed to get you in the ministry of helping others as quickly as possible.

And we did!

Fast Track Q & A

Question: Exactly what is Fast Track Training and what does it do for me?

Answer: The PMA reviews and endorses training programs that are spiritually based, require less than 6 months to complete and which are focused on either physical, mental or spiritual health improvement and recovery. Course content must be designed so that graduates can be reasonably expected to have a basic working knowledge of the subject matter, and be able to competently apply the learning in practice upon graduation.

Question: What are the educational requirements for admission into the Fast Track training programs?

Answer: The Fast Track program is designed for entry level practitioners, therefore to qualify as a Fast Track provider, the training program must allow entry to students with a high school education.

Question: After I graduate from a Fast Track program, what do I have to do to qualify for PMA Commission, why do I need it, what is it and what does it do for me?

Answer: A high school level education, completion of a PMA approved Fast Track program and passing a criminal background check is all that is required to qualify for PMA Commission.   Graduates that want to go forth and help others must make sure that they can do so legally, without violating State practice laws.  U.S. States and most other countries respect the rights of pastoral based providers and make provision to exempt them from State licensure requirements, and at the same time permit them to offer and charge for their services as long as they meet certain standards.  PMA Commission is a ministerial permit to offer services and provides a path for you to answer your calling in full compliance with the law.

Answer:  PMA policy requires payment of a $150 application fee that is due with the filing of the application. After board approval which takes an average of ten days, your first annual Commission fee of $200 is due. Therefore, the initial cost to become Commissioned is $350 the first year and $200 per year thereafter to renew your Commission.

Question:  I understand that the PMA also offers ministerial license. What is the difference in commission and license and how do I qualify for license?

Answer: Commission and license are essentially the same as far as conferring ministerial rights to offer pastoral services within the scope of your training and education. Commissioned practitioners are limited to offering the services they have qualified for by completion of a PMA approved Fast Track program. License requires a higher level of education (see PMA License Rules) and confers the authority to offer a much broader and more general scope of services. License application fee is $195 and the annual license fee is $300.

Question: If I have a choice in Fast Track program types, should I start with coursework directed toward the physical, mental or spiritual areas of training first?

Answer:  We feel that the primary need at this time is for more graduates of coursework directed to helping in the mental and spiritual areas.  A very high percentage of health issues have their roots in these areas and attending these issues first often also relieves the physical distress an individual is suffering.

Question: Can I take one of the Fast Track programs as additional training if I am already commissioned or licensed by the PMA?

Answer:  Graduation from a PMA approved Fast Track program is a great way to satisfy your PMA annual CEU requirement for the year, and, to add an additional endorsement to your commission of license. Additional endorsements expand your scope of practice to include the new learning. There is a $45 fee to issue an additional endorsement on your existing PMA credential, and is important to have this additional training on your record.

Question: How do I apply for PMA Commission after completion of a Fast Track training program?

Answer: Contact the Fast Track provider.  Each Fast Track program has its own individual PMA application that may be accessed on the providers website or received from the provider directly. Graduates may also contact the PMA directly at staff@pmai.us.