Our Services
Clinical Pastoral Education Program
Types of CPE Programs Offered
Extended CPE Program
CPE Residency Program
Supervisory CPE
A “unit” of CPE in each of the CPE programs is based on a standard of 400 hours of supervised ministry over a certain period of time. Approximately 300 hours of the student’s time will be spent in direct on-site clinical ministry, a combination of on-call ministry and clinical assignment in a specific clinical area of a hospital. The remaining 100 hours of structured education are comprised of individual and group supervision, didactic seminars, verbatim and case presentations, and other education experiences.
Extended CPE Program – uses a variety of models. One of them is a four hours a day, once a week classroom schedule with an additional 12 clinical and on-call hours per week, for approximately 26 weeks.
Extended CPE is an introduction to supervised clinical pastoral practice with people in crisis. Chaplains function as an integral members of interdisciplinary treatment team, assisting patients and family members to draw on their faith and spirituality in the midst of crises. Skills in pastoral care and spiritual assessment are developed. Approaches to understanding relationships, grief and loss, theological struggles and possible pastoral interventions are explored.
CPE Residency Program is a year-long full-time program. Our Residency program offers four units of CPE. This training provides opportunity for an in-depth and specialized pastoral education experience. In addition to the basic skills of pastoral care, this program includes:
- Guided reading and instruction in the history and models of pastoral care
- Exploration of a variety of Pastoral theologies and formulation of one’s own pastoral theology
- Studies in interaction among faith, religions and the behavioral sciences
- Presentation of clinical, theological and ethics case conferences
- Specialized opportunities in areas such as obstetrics, oncology, rehabilitation, emergency medicine, diabetes prevention, behavioral medicine, and geriatrics
- Workshops and seminars in clinical ethical issues.
Didactic seminars also focus on grief and loss, developmental and behavioral theories, group and systems theory, cultural and pastoral identity formation, level I/II consultations, Spanish language, Latino Cultures, Boundaries, Wellness and alternative healing methods, and preparation for Chaplaincy Board Certification.
Supervisory CPE is designed for qualified persons with demonstrated pastoral, professional and clinical competence. The Supervisory Education Curriculum is designed for a three year process. Supervisory Education Students learn the art of supervision through:
- Education in supervisory theories by using conceptual models drawn from theology, behavioral science and education
- Practicing supervision under an ACPE supervisor
- Forming their identity as educators through integration of theory and practice with their personal, ethnic and cultural attributes
- Peer group seminars where the emerging supervisor's understanding and practice are explored and consultation is offered.
