Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Community Chaplain Network is dedicated to the development and training of individuals called to provide ministry through our two Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs. Our CPE programs deliver graduate-level theological and professional ministry education through a clinical setting that combines action and reflection learning skills.
CPE students learn first-hand pastoral care experience by providing spiritual support to patients, patients’ families, and hospital staff and through guided reflection on their ministry experiences with certified CPE supervisors and with the students’ peers. This method of learning expands the students’ skills and knowledge while deepening their self-awareness of how their personal histories, faith perspectives and individual gifts influence their pastoral and professional function.
Prospective Students
The Community Chaplain Network’s Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs are designed for individuals who feel called to provide compassionate spiritual care and wish to grow in their ministry through professional training. Our programs welcome:
- Seminary students preparing for ordination or formal ministry roles
- Ordained clergy seeking continuing education in pastoral or spiritual care
- Lay leaders desiring to strengthen their pastoral care skills within their congregations or communities
- Individuals discerning a vocation in chaplaincy, including those pursuing hospital, hospice, community, or workplace chaplaincy
- People from all faith traditions, denominations, and cultural backgrounds who wish to serve others through spiritual support
- CPE Supervisory Training for those educationally qualified students that have completed 4 units of CPE
Each CPE cohort typically includes 4–6 participants, creating a rich, diverse, and collaborative learning environment that encourages personal growth and shared reflection.
Clinical Pastoral Education: Program Logistics and Clinical Experience
Our CPE program adheres to the Standards and Objectives of Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI), training students in pastoral formation, competence, and reflection. The curriculum teaches you to develop self-reflection and self-awareness while leveraging peers and supervisors for learning.
Program Structure and Training Hours
The program consists of four courses, each requiring 400 training hours:
- Supervised Clinical Ministry Practice: 300 Hours
- Structured Group and Individual Learning: 100 Hours
Supervised Clinical Ministry Practice (300 Hours)
This is the core clinical component focused on building ministry relationships and skills:
- Clinical Site Placement: CCN assists students in locating an approved clinical site where they will visit patients, families, and staff.
- On-Call Service: Students gain essential experience by serving as the on-call chaplain for after-hours coverage.
Relational Development: The clinical work emphasizes building strong relationships across the spectrum—with patients, families, staff, and peers. Through these interactions, students reflect on critical interpersonal issues like trust, confrontation, and conflict as key pathways for professional growth.
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We Accept VA Benefits
Community Chaplain Network’s CPE programs are affiliated with the following organizations:
Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI): CPEI’s mission is to provide quality, inclusive, and life-transforming clinical pastoral education internationally through online and hybrid modalities to develop competent pastoral clinicians and supervisory educators.
Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC): CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
United States Department of Education (USDOE)
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
National Association of Veteran Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC)