Clinical Pastoral Education Program Information

The Clinical Pastoral Education program includes:

Clinical Experience
Baylor's CPE participants experience first-hand a variety of ministry situations. Service specialties offer occasions to minister in areas such as cardiology, oncology, transplantation, emergency/trauma, pediatrics, rehabilitation, geriatrics, outpatient services and chronic illnesses. An assignment to a specific area may mean you are the primary chaplain on that floor.

Individual and Group Supervision
Weekly verbatim reports of interactions with patients are presented to the CPE Supervisor and peer group. These opportunities for feedback help you assess your strengths and limitations in pastoral care.

Didactic Seminars
Formally structured seminars on a variety of ministry-related subjects are presented by professional chaplains, clinical health care professionals and CPE supervisors. Each seminar provides helpful theoretical and theological foundations for pastoral care.

Interpersonal Relations Seminar (IPR)
Sharing personal experiences in a small-group setting teaches group process and leadership skills. You learn both from insights gained from peers about your pastoral effectiveness and from situations other colleagues encounter and share with the group.

CPE Schedule

A Typical Day
A typical day in CPE is a day of administration, self-reflection, peer consultation, theological reflection, didactics on various topics and patient visitation. You are assigned to a parish (clinical area) and meet regularly with a CPE Supervisor and professional chaplain regarding your ministry. Your pastoral ministry includes on-call, which you are responsible for every death, code, advance directives, etc.

Resources
A Guide for International Students interested in CPE in the United States