Clinical Pastoral Education Program

Clinical Pastoral Education is interfaith professional ministry education that utilizes an experience/reflection model. Through encounters with persons in crisis and in-depth feedback from peers and supervisors, students develop increased awareness of themselves as persons and the unique needs of those to whom they minister. CPE challenges students and ministers from multiple faiths and cultures to engage in theological reflection on particular human dilemmas and gain new understandings of pastoral care. Serving alongside an interdisciplinary team, students develop skills in interpersonal and inter-professional relationships.

Northeast Florida’s only fully accredited ACPE CPE Program

Baptist Health offers CPE for theological students, parish clergy, and students from graduate degree programs, and selected laypersons. Our CPE program is the only local program accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. You will work alongside supervisors and staff who are actively involved in leadership within the Southeast Region ACPE.

Pioneer of CPE programs in the state of Florida

Baptist Health was one of the first hospitals in Florida to offer CPE. We have helped several other hospitals achieve full ACPE accreditation and have played an active role in the training and certification of several ACPE supervisors currently educating in Florida and the Southeast region.

Three Decades of CPE at Baptist Health

In 1980, Dr. Larry D. Wagoner brought Baptist Health its first fully accredited ACPE program. Dr. Wagoner has been a consistent pastor, counselor, and educator and was the 2009 recipient of the J. Obert Kempson Distinguished Service Award, given by the Southeast Region ACPE.

International, Interfaith, and Multicultural learning environment

You could be one of the many students from over 30 faith groups and 12 countries around the world who have trained here. You will have opportunities to minister alongside a staff of 13 chaplains representing multiple faith groups and cultural backgrounds.

Certification preparation for professional chaplains and counselors

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, and Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

Wide variety of hospital and community clinical placements

Ministry placements to you include five different Baptist hospitals (adult and pediatric). Ministry placements are also available at local community-based settings including: homeless shelters and outreach; women's shelters; alcohol and drug treatment settings for adults, adolescents and children, and prison reentry programs.

Multiple levels of training with varying schedules

Summer Intensive, Extended, Residency, and Supervisory training opportunities are offered. Weeknight and occasionally weekend extended unit meeting times are available, if you are a bi-vocational minister. Our program includes Level I and II Training and Supervisory Education.