Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is professional training for chaplaincy in a clinical setting, most often a hospital, in which, like an internship, students learn through an Action-Reflection model, e.g., by learning through hands-on, real-world engagement under the supervision of a qualified educator.
Maitripa College does not require, but strongly encourages, one unit of Accredited CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), and awards six transfer credits towards the degree for successful completion of one summer or one extended unit of CPE. The unit of CPE includes 100 hours of educational work with a supervisor and cohort, including individual supervision, and 300 hours of clinical time, usually spent with patients and families in a hospital, but also includes spiritual care to staff and the institution as a whole. One unit of CPE is commonly completed during a summer prior to a student’s final year in the MDiv program. We thoroughly prepare students for the application and admission interview process through mentorship and classes.
Students are solely responsible for their applications, tuition, and fees to CPE programs. Maitripa College is not responsible for successful placement of students in CPE internships or residencies. Maitripa College students who are accepted to a clinical chaplaincy internship in an accredited CPE program and complete one unit of CPE, receive six transfer credits within the MDiv program. One unit of CPE is an excellent opportunity to discover one’s strengths and growing edges, and to discern whether continued clinical training towards a career in spiritual care in any setting (not just healthcare) will inform studies and post-graduate plans.
CPE Residencies are typically post-graduate, year-long, paid, full-time programs, usually of four credits of CPE. Since 2013, Maitripa College students have had a 100% acceptance rate for ACPE internships, and a 100% acceptance rate for alumni seeking post-graduate CPE Residency programs. Of those who subsequently sought part-time or full-time employment as chaplains, over 90% have been hired, and many remain in the field years into their careers.
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