Health care chaplains comprise the largest group of professional chaplains. They visit patients in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, hospices, and private homes.

Health care chaplains work with patients, their families and staff in communities. Their challenge is to help people grow toward health and wholeness, seeking to be a continuation of the healing ministry of Christ. Chaplains also work with administrators and church leaders facilitating the mission of their institutions.