CPE Programs Offered at UVA

CPE Programs Offered at UVA

Please note: CPE at UVa may not be taken online.

Each CPE program requires at least 100 hours of educational time, and at least 300 hours of clinical time which includes regular overnight on-call responsibilities. Residents also provide on-call hospital coverage at least one weekend day each month.

Introductory Summer Unit
 May/June-August: 1 unit; Applications being accepted now.

This program is designed for theological students. Other individuals, such as parish clergy and interested lay persons, may be accepted for the program and are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have graduated from high school. A college degree and completion of at least one year of theological education or its equivalent is preferable.


The program challenges students to learn something about themselves as persons and pastors, and to become acquainted with patients and their families in the environment of the medical center, dealing with illness, injury, fear, anxiety, grief, and threat of death and other loss. Students also learn about the relationships between various illnesses and other crises, and persons' beliefs and behaviors. They also gain knowledge about related, non-pastoral specialties.

To achieve these objectives, the program employs supervised pastoral work, seminars, lectures, conferences, guided reading and study. Emphasis is placed on the formation of pastoral identity and learning pastoral reflection so that pastoral relationships will be supportive and helpful. The development of specific skills in ministry is also addressed.
Tuition is $700 per quarter. $50 non-refundable processing fee. Positions are offered on a space available basis. We encourage you to call to check on space availability before submitting your application.

Click here for information regarding Hepatitis B immunizations.
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Information for Prospective Exchange Students

Extended Fall Quarter Unit
September-February: 1 unit; Applications being accepted now.

This CPE program is designed for parish pastors and interested lay persons. Students are required to spend two days per week for approximately 25 weeks at UVa Hospital. Time requirements are kept as flexible as possible to fit the needs and schedules of participants.

Supervision is provided for spiritual/pastoral work done in both the parish setting and the hospital. Ample opportunities are offered throughout the program for intensive clinical study and theological reflection in the area of interpersonal relationships. Applicants must have graduated from high school. A college degree and completion of at least one year of theological education or its equivalent is preferable.

Tuition is $700. $50 non-refundable processing fee.  Positions are offered on a space available basis. We encourage you to call to check on space availability before submitting your application.

Click here for information regarding Hepatitis B immunizations.
Apply Now
Information for Prospective Exchange Students
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CPE at Centra Health in Lynchburg, VA
Mid-August - December (call for specifics)

UVa Health System Chaplaincy Services and Pastoral Education is now offering a short-term, intensive unit of Level I/Level II CPE at Centra Health in Lynchburg. One full day of educational activities and a 24-hour shift of clinical service are required each week. A non-refundable $50 processing fee must be sent with your application. Tuition is $700. Contact the Rev. Sandra Breeden Greene, ACPE Supervisor, BCC, for specifics: 434-200-4501.

First- and Second-Year Residency
 September-August, 3 units
December 31: Deadline for those who have completed one unit of Level I CPE
March 15: Deadline for those in a current unit & for those who missed Dec. 31

The residency year offers three units of clinical pastoral education. Besides reading and study, chaplain residents engage in all aspects of spiritual/pastoral work in the hospital and are assisted and guided in their learning through individual and group supervisory work, case studies and other written reports. Click here to learn about service assignments.

Interdisciplinary seminars and lectures are led by pastoral educators, physicians, psychologists, family therapists, social workers and clinical nurses. They address medical, psychological, ethical, social, spiritual and religious issues that arise during pastoral work with patients, their families, and staff.
This program emphasizes the development of pastoral formation and competence in spiritual/pastoral care. A second year of residency is possible for those with continuing learning goals and/or an interest in supervisory education. Second-year residents may choose to develop pastoral specialization in one or more areas, including heart, spinal cord injury, cancer, psychiatry or pediatrics.

Qualifications for admission include: Graduation from an accredited theological school, or its equivalent; satisfactory completion of at least one unit of CPE, or its equivalent; and a visit to this medical center for interviews.
Click here for current Housestaff stipends. Housestaff benefits include, but are not limited to: direct deposit, vacation leave, counseling services, a $840 cash benefit (intended for parking but can be used other ways), and discounted passes for UVa recreational facilities. In addition, individual and family medical coverage is offered at no charge by the institution, provided the resident chooses the correct HMO and receives his/her care at UVa.
There is no tuition fee; however, the $50 non-refundable processing fee applies and is to be sent with the completed application.  Positions are offered on a space available basis. We encourage you to call to check on space availability before submitting your application.

Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education
(Please note: The Supervisory Fellow position is currently filled.)

Supervisory CPE is a two-year curriculum that is individualized to meet the needs of each supervisor-in-training. Some didactic and group supervision seminars are conducted in conjunction with other centers in the Virginia Sub-Region, Mid-Atlantic Region, ACPE, Inc. Certification as an associate supervisor by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education is dependent upon the satisfactory presentation of one's supervisory work to the National ACPE Certification Commission.

Qualifications for admission include satisfactory completion of at least five quarters of CPE. There is no tuition fee; however, the $50 non-refundable processing fee applies and is to be sent with the completed application.

Click here for current Housestaff stipends. Housestaff benefits include, but are not limited to: direct deposit, vacation leave, counseling services, a $840 cash benefit (intended for parking but can be used other ways), and discounted passes for UVa recreational facilities. In addition, individual and family medical coverage is offered at no charge by the institution, provided the resident chooses the correct HMO and receives his/her care at UVa.

Positions are offered on a space available basis. We encourage you to call to check on space availability before submitting your application. Also, please download the Supervisory Packet, which contains additional guidelines.