I want to be a chaplain. Do I need CPE?
The Association of Professional Chaplains (www.professionalchaplains.org), the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (www.nacc.org) and the National Association of Jewish Chaplains (www.najc.org) and other organizations certify chaplains. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors (www.aapc.org) trains and certifies pastoral counselors. Some CPE is required as a pre-requisite. Interested individuals should contact these organizations directly about requirements.

What are the essential elements of a CPE unit?

• Actual practice of ministry to persons
• Detailed reporting and evaluation of that practice
• Pastoral Supervision
• Process conception of learning
• Theoretical perspective on all elements of the program
• Small group of peers in a common learning experience
• Specific time period
• Individual contract for learning consistent with the objectives of CPE
• CPE program conducted under the auspices of an ACPE certified supervisor (faculty) attached to an ACPE-accredited CPE center

Who can enroll in CPE at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center?
Individuals are eligible who, through a written application and an admissions interview, have demonstrated the ability to participate in CPE and work toward its Objectives and Outcomes.

• Educational Requirements: Board certification in chaplaincy requires an undergraduate degree and graduate level theological degree. Students entering residency should document their progress toward this outcome.
  

• Ordination or Endorsement Requirements: Board certification in chaplaincy requires ordination or endorsement with a student’s faith tradition. Applicants should document their progress toward this requirement.

• Other Commitments: Due to the demands of the program, Residents and Summer students are discouraged from intense outside commitments while enrolled. Extended students sometimes remain employed while completing their unit requirements.
  

What is typical day in the program?

• Summer interns and residents begin with the departmental daily meeting. Mornings are usually spent in seminars; typically, students visit their clinical divisions in the afternoons.

• Extended students meet for education one day a week and schedule their required clinical hours in conjunction with their supervisor.

• All CPE students participate in an on-call rotation for St. Luke’s Medical Center as well as Texas Children’s Hospital. Students who are on-call remain in the hospital overnight. Additional on-call information will be provided during your interview and orientation.

Do you have openings for Supervisory Education?
Not at this time. Several nearby centers are offering Supervisory Education. For more information, visit ACPE at www.acpe.edu.