We offer four different levels of Clinical Pastoral Education. Level IA (Internship) is an entry level program for anyone who has no previous CPE. Levels IB-IIB (Residency) is for students who have taken at least one unit of CPE and have sufficiently addressed the Level IA Outcomes.
All applicants are evaluated for readiness to learn, self-reflect and provide ministry. Since charting and patient tracking are computerized, students must be computer literate. Students must also have the ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
Internship
This program is offered as an extended unit over a seven-month period (October - April). Applications are accepted beginning in January each year for the program that begins that same calendar year. This rolling admissions process continues until the program is filled. The curriculum, and accompanying oral and written reflections and responses, is designed to help the intern meet the Outcomes of Level IA CPE in the following areas:
- Narrative History
- Socio-Cultural Identity
- Spiritual/Values-Based Orienting Systems
- Self-Care
- Justice-Seeking Awareness of Bias
- Intercultural and Interreligious Humility
- Empathy
- Relational Boundaries
- Group Dynamics
- Development of Spiritual Care Relationships
- Use of Cultural, Religious, and Spiritual Resources
- Use of Spiritual Assessments and Care Plans
- Documentation
- Clinical Method of Learning
- Ethical Practice and Professionalism
- Consultation and Feedback
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Research Based Care
One unit of CPE involves at least 400 hours of structured group and individual education with supervised clinical practice in ministry. This 400 hours is extended over 7 months. Each week will include 3.5 hours of educational seminars, and 10-12 hours of clinical experience in the hospital. Weekend, evening, and night shifts are included. There is a mandatory, 2-day orientation at the beginning of the program. Full-time clergy, working in Lancaster County, may do some of the clinical work in their setting with approval of the educator.
Internship Admission Requirements
The minimum requirement for Internship program is a high school diploma, GED, or ordination from an appropriate religious authority. Students with college degree will be given preference. Lancaster General Health is a tobacco-free facility.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition for this single-unit program is $500, including a $150 non-refundable deposit due upon acceptance to confirm a place in the program. The balance of the tuition ($350) is due the first week of the unit, unless other arrangements are made with the educator. Because interns work directly with patients, each intern is responsible for submitting proof of three required background checks that cost approximately $50. Proof of immunizations is also required which may lead to an associated expense to verify or receive immunizations. Interns will need to cover mandatory flu shot expenses.
Level II CPE: Residency
This program is a year-long pastoral and educational journey that begins in August each year. Applications are accepted beginning in January each year for the program that begins that same calendar year. Applications are considered until all four positions are filled. The curriculum is designed to help the resident meet the Outcomes of Levels IB, IIA, and IIB CPE and the certification requirements of the Association of Professional Chaplains, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, and the Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains.
The curriculum deepens the learning in each unit in the following areas:
- Narrative History
- Socio-Cultural Identity
- Spiritual/Values-Based Orienting Systems
- Self-Care
- Justice-Seeking Awareness of Bias
- Intercultural and Interreligious Humility
- Empathy
- Relational Boundaries
- Group Dynamics
- Development of Spiritual Care Relationships
- Use of Cultural, Religious, and Spiritual Resources
- Use of Spiritual Assessments and Care Plans
- Documentation
- Clinical Method of Learning
- Ethical Practice and Professionalism
- Consultation and Feedback
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Research Based Care
About the Residency Program
During this full-time, year-long program, residents complete three units of CPE as they enhance their ministry and prepare for a career in spiritual care. Integration periods between the structured CPE units provide opportunities to integrate theory with practice and work on on-going projects. In addition to spiritual care opportunities throughout the hospital, residents will become part of multi-disciplinary teams and focus their ministry in particular patient care areas, such as women and baby’s health, cardiology, oncology, palliative care, and trauma/emergency care. By the end of the program they will have a clear understanding of the role of a chaplain in a healthcare setting. The knowledge gained, skills developed and personal growth experienced will help prepare them for certification.
The curriculum builds upon the students’ prior CPE experience and theological training. Relationship building is accentuated as the residents form a learning community with each other, become part of the inter-disciplinary health care teams, provide care to patients and family members and mentor CPE interns. The first unit focuses on Pastoral Theology and Contexts. The second unit focuses on Behavioral Sciences and Assessment and the focus of the third unit is Pastoral Integration.
The residents’ schedule involves a combination of day, evening and night shifts. Weekend and holiday shifts are required.
Residency Program Dates
Applications accepted starting January. Program starts in late August each year.
Admission Requirements
Since the residency program builds upon a previous unit of CPE from an accredited CPE program, satisfactory completion of a previous unit is required for admission. The residency program also requires Master’s level theological courses from an accredited graduate school or seminary. A theological Master’s degree is preferred. Lancaster General Health is a tobacco-free facility.
Salary, Tuition and Fees
In recognition of the time commitment involved in a residency, the residents are paid a competitive salary for the year divided into bi-weekly checks. The residents are offered medical and dental insurance at nominal rates. Additionally, they receive 25 days of time off to use for holidays, vacations, sick time, and personal days. As much as possible, time off is not to interfere with educational seminars.
Upon acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of $100 is due. There is no further tuition for the residents.
Residents are responsible for submitting proof of three required background checks that cost approximately $50.
Proof of immunizations is also required and may involve the expense to verify or receive immunizations.