Home

Spiritual Care Information

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

Frequently Asked Questions

CPE Information & Schedule

Educational Outcomes

Application

Staff Information

ACPE (National Office)

ACPE (Pacific Region)

Directions to HMC and UWMC

For Visiting Clergy

 

Spiritual Care CPE frequently asked questions

CPE FAQs

What is the yearly CPE schedule of units offered for Harborview/UWMC?

Fall CPE internship: After Labor Day through late January
Spring CPE internship: Late January through late May or early June
Summer CPE internship: Early June through late August (seminary students have priority)
Year Residency: Late August through late August.  

How many hours per week are required for a CPE Unit? How is that time broken down?

Summer CPE Early June through late August) is an 11 week full-time (40+ hrs/week) commitment to education in Spiritual Care at Harborview and University of Washington Medical Center. Over the course of the unit, a student will have the opportunity to serve 300+ hours of clinical ministry and receive 100+ hours of educational time.  Educational time includes verbatim seminars, didactic presentations and discussion, and interpersonal group time.  Students also schedule weekly individual supervision.

Fall CPE (early September through late January) andSpring CPE (late January through late May) is a 20 week part-time commitment to education in Spiritual Care at Harborview and University of Washington Medical Center.  Over the course of the unit, a student will have the opportunity to serve 300+ hours of clinical ministry and receive 100+ hours of educational time. Educational time includes verbatim seminars, didactic presentations and discussion, and interpersonal group time.  Students also schedule weekly individual supervision.  This group currently meets Tuesday afternoons..

How many day and overnight on-call shifts will I be expected to serve a week?
Each student will cover two on-call shifts per week, one day and one overnight.

What are the requirements to apply for the yearlong residency?

  • Applicants must have completed 1 unit of CPE
  • Active relationship with a faith tradition
  • Education preferred for position:  Minimum 4 year college degree plus graduate studies. Preferred: MDiv or equivalent

Specific dates can be found on our website: http://depts.washington.edu/chaplain/cpesched.html 

What is the tuition for CPE at Harborview/UWMC?

Tuition for the first unit at HMC/UWMC is $650. 
Tuition for a second or third unit is reduced to $500.

Some financial assistance for tuition may be available.  Please inquire during your interview.

What days/times do CPE Students need to be available?
Weekly group time is mandatory (the schedule for residents may vary by unit; please discuss at the time of your interview).  Some weekend and overnight on-call chaplain shifts are required. 

How does CPE fit into my schedule if I have a full-time job?
The summer unit is a full time commitment.

Fall and Spring CPE units require a flexible work schedule. Weekly group time on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. is mandatory.  Individual supervision time, clinical, and on-call shifts are negotiated with the supervisor and peers.  Some weekend and overnight on-call chaplain shifts are required.  Students negotiate on-call chaplain shifts with their peers.

How many students are accepted for a typical unit?
A typical unit includes 5 interns and 4-5 residents.

How do I sign up for sequential units of CPE?
Speak with your supervisor during the unit. 

How many units of CPE do I need to become a certified chaplain?
Please check with the national association from which you seek certification:

Each has CPE, ordination, endorsement from a faith community and education requirements.  

How can I visit one of the medical centers or meet with a supervisor?
You are welcome to arrange a visit through Cindy Thelen, the Operations Manager for the department.  Cindy can usually arrange a visit with a current student, as well as a short tour of Harborview or UWMC.  A visit with a supervisor is most productive after you have filled out an application.  Applications are available online at http://depts.washington.edu/chaplain/cpeapplication.html

Do you offer housing or tuition waivers for CPE interns?
We do not offer housing for CPE interns.  Many interns from out of town have success finding housing through their faith-tradition connections.  We are sometimes able to offer reduced tuition based on student need.  Please make inquires for reduced tuition during your interview or first week of the unit.

Is medical insurance provided for CPE Interns?
No.  Interns must rely on their own medical insurance.

Is a stipend offered to CPE residents? 

Yes.  Residents receive a stipend and benefits, including health insurance.

When do I find out my primary hospital and unit assignments?
We do our best to accommodate students’ requests, but the final assignment is made upon arrival, considering the needs of the medical institutions and the CPE group.

May I volunteer as a chaplain at HMC or UWMC without taking CPE?
This is not possible. All of our chaplains are engaged in the educational process of CPE.