Clinical Pastoral Education Programs

Each unit of CPE consists of at least 400 hours, which includes educational and clinical hours. 
ACPE Levels offered: Level IA, Level IB, Level IIA, and Level IIB

Extended Internship

Our single internship units are a great starting point for students curious about chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education. The flexibility of the Extended Program is ideal for those needing a part-time program.

  • The Extended Units are 6 months long. The Fall Units run from September to late February. The Spring Units run from March to late August.

  • CPE Students experience on-the-ground chaplain experience in the hospital with a flexible of 10-15 hours a week schedule.

  • CPE class with a Certified Educator and peer group meets once a week for 8 hours. Hybrid online option periodically available.

  • Tuition for the first Extended Unit is $800. Any subsequent Units are $600 each.

Residency

The Residency Program is an exciting option for those who have already completed a single unit, have an MDiv or equivalent, and who are interested in deepening their learning experience in a full-time, year long, focused program.

  • The Residency Program is a full-time, year long program that runs from late August to late August and includes 3 units of CPE. CPE Class with the Certified Educator and peer group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 8 hours.

    Residents are able to develop their chaplaincy skills with 3 full days of in-person clinical experience with regular evening, weekend, and overnight on-call shifts.

  • Year 1 and 2 Residency Programs available.

    Second year Residents have an opportunity to focus on leadership and working towards Board Certification.

  • Residency Stipend:

    • Year 1: $40,000

    • Year 2: $44,000

    Benefits include:

    • Full family medical and dental insurance

    • 5% employer provided retirement contributions with an optional additional match up to 4%

    • $3,500 one-time, taxable Relocation Aid for those moving from out of state

    • Year 1 Tuition: $600 per unit (3 units per year)

    • Year 2 Tuition: $400 per unit (3 units per year)

Certified Educator Program

This is a rigorous 2-to-3-year program for qualified individuals interested in becoming ACPE Certified Educators. Openings for Certified Education Students (CES) happens occasionally.

CES applicants need to have met (or be able to meet within a reasonable time frame) the following prerequisites:

  • Ordination/religious certification by an ecclesiastical body or other ACPE accepted organization

  • Denominational/faith/spiritual group endorsement to formation in the CES program

  • Graduation from an accredited seminary, rabbinic or divinity school, and a M.Div. degree or M.Div. equivalency as confirmed by an ACPE certification committee.

  • Successful completion of Level I CPE and distinguished progress addressing Level II outcomes, usually at least 4 units of Level II CPE

  • Successful pastoral experience in which the applicant demonstrated ability to function pastorally. It is preferred that one’s pastoral experience be in both an institutional and congregational context

  • Demonstrate familiarity with the Spiritual Care Collaborative Common Standards for Professional Chaplaincy

  • Participate in an admission interview on site and later with a committee of ACPE and ECS CPE faculty members