Clinical Pastoral Education Program

Clinical pastoral education (CPE) is an interfaith educational program that provides training to the next generation of spiritual providers. Our spiritual care team engages, empowers and educates everyone involved in the healing process to deliver holistic, patient-sensitive care. CPE is nationally recognized as the highest standard for pastoral care education in a clinical setting.

The CPE program at The University of Kansas Health System provides professional training for all people interested in serving the spiritual needs of patients. The program is accredited by Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) and College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP). CPSP has affiliate status with the Association of Theological Schools and COMISS, The Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings.

CPE training provides professional development for all people interested in serving spiritual needs. As part of this curriculum, interns and residents provide pastoral care to patients, families and hospital staff while working toward certification as clinical chaplains.

Graduate-level education
Our CPE program offers graduate-level education to prepare students to become certified chaplains. In addition, many seminaries and graduate schools issue academic credit to students who complete CPE units. Completed units may also be presented in a resume when seeking a call in specialty ministries such as hospice care, prison ministry or hospital and military chaplaincy.

Curriculum and credit
Each unit of CPE has a required minimum of 400 working hours, including 100 hours in a formal classroom setting. In 1 year, students accepted into the chaplain resident program will earn 4 units of CPE, the minimum requirement for board certification. Students will have clinical hours with inpatients in care areas including burn, trauma, cancer and cardiology. Hours also include visiting outpatients.

In addition to class and clinical time, students will:

• Work with multidisciplinary teams
• Write and present reflection papers and projects
• Attend didactic seminars
• Present case studies
• Lead worship
• Serve on call at night and on weekends
• Have the opportunity for individual supervision from a seasoned leader

Affordable tuition
Tuition per unit of CPE is $300.

Residency program

Our residency program is a 12-month, full-time program that includes benefits and a competitive stipend. In 1 year, students will earn 4 units of CPE, the minimum requirement for board certification.

Each trainee is assigned to a number of floors and units, providing an opportunity to experience the full range of care settings in a modern facility. Students are required to provide 24 hours of on-call coverage for the hospital.

Admission requirements

• Completed application
• $75 nonrefundable application fee
• $300 tuition fee per unit
• Documentation of relationship with a faith community
• A minimum of an associate degree (or equivalent), with graduate theological degree preferred
• 1 prior unit of CPE
• Ability to provide ministry
• Readiness for learning
• Commitment to 1 year of full-time clinical residency

For those with questions about our CPE residency program, or who are interested in learning more, email cpe@kumc.edu.

Application deadline: May 30

Extended internship program

The extended CPE program is a part-time, unpaid internship that provides 1 unit of CPE credit. The program runs from September-May (2 semesters), and requires 20 hours per week of in-house coverage. Seminars are held for half a day each week. One overnight call duty is required per week, plus an additional 4 hours of clinical chaplain work.

Admission requirements

• Completed application
• $75 nonrefundable application fee
• $300 tuition fee per unit
• Documentation of relationship with a faith community
• A minimum of 2 years of college preferred
• Ability to provide ministry
• Readiness for learning
• Commitment to 1 unit (400 hours) of full-time clinical service and learning

Application deadline: August 1

Summer intensive program

The summer intensive program occurs mid-May through mid-August and provides 1 unit of CPE credit. Credit earned may fulfill requirements for a graduate or seminary degree program, and will also meet the CPE prerequisite for the residency program at The University of Kansas Health System. Seminary credit must be arranged in advance between the intern and the seminary or graduate school.

Admission requirements

• Completed application
• $75 nonrefundable application fee
• $300 tuition fee
• Documentation of relationship with a faith community
• A minimum of 2 years of college preferred
• Ability to provide ministry
• Readiness for learning
• Commitment to 1 unit (400 hours) of full-time clinical service and learning

Application deadline: May 1

• Fulfilling an ordination requirement, seminary credit, ministry or counseling practicum
• Ministry direction or discernment
• Processing ministry issues
• Becoming a certified chaplain
• Enhancing care skills

All applicants are required to complete the CPE application. Please enter responses directly into the fields provided. You can then save your completed document using your last name and submit to:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.