Clinical Pastoral Education Program

Clinical Pastoral Education is interfaith professional education for ministry that utilizes an action/reflection model of learning. Baptist Health offers CPE for theological students, clergy, graduate students and selected laypersons. Through encounters with persons in crisis and in-depth feedback from peers and supervisors, students grow in self-awareness, social and cultural awareness and spiritual care skills. CPE prepares students for greater emotional intelligence for future work as clergy, chaplains and faith-based leaders.

An Accredited Program

The Baptist Health Clinical Pastoral Education program is accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (“ACPE”). The ACPE is recognized as an accrediting organization for CPE programs by the US Department of Education.

Why Baptist Health?

Baptist Health is Northeast Florida’s only fully accredited hospital-based ACPE program. Our five hospital health system is Magnet designated with comprehensive care for every stage of life. As a student in our program, you will become part of an interdisciplinary team that serves patients, families and team members.

Clinical placements include five different Baptist Health hospitals (adult and pediatric). Our continuum includes primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, AgeWell Center for Senior Health and many thriving community programs and partnerships. Through clinical work, students are challenged to integrate learned theory, personal experience and spiritual care skills as they serve patients, families and staff.

Certification preparation for professional chaplains

Training can be tailored to prepare you for various chaplaincy certifications, including those recognized by the Association for Professional Chaplains, the National Association for Catholic Chaplains, Nehama: Association of Jewish Chaplains and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.