UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER · UNITED STATES
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
10 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€1k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 400 hours total per unitProgram Length
- 300 hours direct patient careClinical Hours
- 100 hours didactic/group sessionsEducational Hours
- $750 per unitTuition Fee
- Extended and Summer Intensive optionsProgram Format
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a recognized model of professional training for individuals seeking to provide pastoral care in medical settings. This program allows participants to offer support to patients while simultaneously developing their own interpersonal and ministry skills. Applicants from all faith traditions and diverse professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Common participants include theological students, ministers, and professionals from fields such as social work, psychology, and medicine.
Curriculum
Each unit of CPE comprises 400 hours, divided between direct patient care and educational components. Participants engage in providing pastoral support, small group discussions, individual supervision, and didactic sessions.
- Unit Structure
- Pastoral Care and Support to Patients
- Small Group Discussion
- Individual Supervision
- Didactic Sessions
Careers
While not a direct career path, CPE enhances the skills of those in ministry and caregiving roles, preparing them for effective pastoral support in clinical environments. It is suitable for theological students, practicing clergy, and professionals in related fields.
- Pastoral Care Provider
- Chaplain
- Minister
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program?
- Applicants should have an appropriate background, such as Master of Divinity students or practicing clergy. Students and professionals from other disciplines like social work, psychology, and medicine are also encouraged to apply.
- What is the tuition fee for the CPE program?
- The tuition fee for one unit of the CPE program is USD $750. This fee applies to both domestic and international students for both extended and summer intensive unit options.
- How long is one unit of the CPE program?
- Each unit of the CPE program requires a total of 400 hours. This includes 300 hours of direct patient care and 100 hours of didactic and group sessions.
- How do I apply to the Clinical Pastoral Education program?
- To apply, download and complete the CPE application form, then submit it along with one letter of recommendation to CPE.INFO@upmc.edu. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- What career outcomes can I expect after completing CPE?
- While not a direct career path, CPE enhances skills for roles such as Pastoral Care Provider, Chaplain, and Minister. It prepares individuals for effective pastoral support in clinical environments.
Entry requirements
Master of Divinity students or practicing clergyAppropriate background
Students/professionals from other disciplines (social work, psychology, medicine)Can participate in a CPE unit
Successful applicants are expected to be self-reflective, compassionate, and open to learning. During the application and interview process, candidates must demonstrate an ability to listen, be vulnerable, be self-reflective, show awareness of how life experiences influence them and their relationships, and be open to working with and learning from diverse individuals.
Fees
Tuition (international)USD $750 per unit
Tuition (home)USD $750 per unit
LivingNot specified
The tuition fee of $750 applies to both the extended and summer intensive unit options.
How to apply
1. 1. Complete and Submit ApplicationDownload and fill out the CPE application form. Submit the completed application along with one letter of recommendation from an academic, ecclesial, or professional reference. Send both documents via email to CPE.INFO@upmc.edu.
2. 2. Application ReviewApplications are reviewed on a rolling basis by CPE supervisors and supervisors-in-training. You will be assessed on your written application, demonstrating self-reflection, vulnerability, and openness to diverse perspectives.
3. 3. Interview InvitationIf your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview with the CPE supervisor(s) and supervisors-in-training.
4. 4. Acceptance and OnboardingUpon acceptance, you will need to complete the required onboarding process. If you are not a current UPMC employee, this includes additional documentation, testing, and prerequisites for participation. If you are a current UPMC employee, many of these requirements may already be met.
Accreditation
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a highly recognized model of professional education.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program?
+
Applicants should have an appropriate background, such as Master of Divinity students or practicing clergy. Students and professionals from other disciplines like social work, psychology, and medicine are also encouraged to apply.
What is the tuition fee for the CPE program?
+
The tuition fee for one unit of the CPE program is USD $750. This fee applies to both domestic and international students for both extended and summer intensive unit options.
How long is one unit of the CPE program?
+
Each unit of the CPE program requires a total of 400 hours. This includes 300 hours of direct patient care and 100 hours of didactic and group sessions.
How do I apply to the Clinical Pastoral Education program?
+
To apply, download and complete the CPE application form, then submit it along with one letter of recommendation to CPE.INFO@upmc.edu. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
What career outcomes can I expect after completing CPE?
+
While not a direct career path, CPE enhances skills for roles such as Pastoral Care Provider, Chaplain, and Minister. It prepares individuals for effective pastoral support in clinical environments.