Clinical Pastoral Education

Our chaplains provide spiritual care for patients and families coping with health challenges and life-changing medical events. The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program of the Division of Mission and Ministry was founded in 1961 and is dedicated to educating students so that they can offer kindness and strength to patients, families and staff. The CPE program helps students develop spiritual care skills and deepen their own self-understanding, whether students choose to pursue ministry in chaplain, parish or community settings.

We adhere to the following Standards and Objectives set by Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). For more information contact:

ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education
1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800 
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 320-1472
www.acpe.edu

2024 ACPE Outcomes and Indicators for Level I/Level II CPE

CPE provides theological and professional education using the clinical method of learning in diverse contexts of spiritual care. ACPE accredits two types of clinical pastoral education programs: CPE Level I/Level II and Certified Educator CPE. ACPE accredited programs provide a progressive learning experience through a two-level curriculum. Level I curriculum outcomes must be satisfactorily addressed prior to admission to Level II. Completion of CPE Level I/Level II curriculum outcomes is a prerequisite for admission to Certified Educator CPE. It is also a goal to ensure that students are knowledgeable about the Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains.

CPE Level I/Level II enables students to address areas such as spiritual formation and integration, awareness of Self and others, relational dynamics, spiritual care interventions and professional development. Some CPE centers offer specialized education congruent with professional chaplaincy competence and certification as part of their Level II curriculum.

CPE Level IA-IB/Level IIA-B outcomes and indicators define the scope of the CPE program curricula. Outcomes and indicators also define the competencies to be developed by students because of participating in each of the programs.

2024 CPE Level I-II Outcomes and Indicators

Category A: Spiritual Formation and Integration Category B: Awareness of Self and Others Category C: Relational Dynamics Category D: Spiritual Care Interventions Category E: Professional Development
1: Narrative History 1: Self-Care 1: Empathy 1: Develop Spiritual Care Relationships   1: Clinical Method of Learning
2: Socio-Cultural Identity 2: Justice-Seeking Awareness of Bias 2: Relational Boundaries 2: Use of Cultural, Religious, and Spiritual Resources 2: Ethical Practice and Professionalism
3: Spiritual/ Values-Based Orienting Systems  3: Intercultural and Interreligious Humility 3: Group Dynamics 3: Use of Spiritual Assessments and Care Plans

3: Consultation and Feedback 

4: Teamwork and Collaboration  

      4: Documentation   5: Research Based Care  

We adhere to the following Standards and Objectives set by Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). For more information contact:

ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education
1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800 
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 320-1472
www.acpe.edu

2024 ACPE Outcomes and Indicators for Level I/Level II CPE

CPE provides theological and professional education using the clinical method of learning in diverse contexts of spiritual care. ACPE accredits two types of clinical pastoral education programs: CPE Level I/Level II and Certified Educator CPE. ACPE accredited programs provide a progressive learning experience through a two-level curriculum. Level I curriculum outcomes must be satisfactorily addressed prior to admission to Level II. Completion of CPE Level I/Level II curriculum outcomes is a prerequisite for admission to Certified Educator CPE. It is also a goal to ensure that students are knowledgeable about the Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains.

CPE Level I/Level II enables students to address areas such as spiritual formation and integration, awareness of Self and others, relational dynamics, spiritual care interventions and professional development. Some CPE centers offer specialized education congruent with professional chaplaincy competence and certification as part of their Level II curriculum.

CPE Level IA-IB/Level IIA-B outcomes and indicators define the scope of the CPE program curricula. Outcomes and indicators also define the competencies to be developed by students because of participating in each of the programs.

2024 CPE Level I-II Outcomes and Indicators

Category A: Spiritual Formation and Integration Category B: Awareness of Self and Others Category C: Relational Dynamics Category D: Spiritual Care Interventions Category E: Professional Development
1: Narrative History 1: Self-Care 1: Empathy 1: Develop Spiritual Care Relationships   1: Clinical Method of Learning
2: Socio-Cultural Identity 2: Justice-Seeking Awareness of Bias 2: Relational Boundaries 2: Use of Cultural, Religious, and Spiritual Resources 2: Ethical Practice and Professionalism
3: Spiritual/ Values-Based Orienting Systems  3: Intercultural and Interreligious Humility 3: Group Dynamics 3: Use of Spiritual Assessments and Care Plans

3: Consultation and Feedback 

4: Teamwork and Collaboration  

      4: Documentation   5: Research Based Care  

Division of Mission and Ministry

Rev. Joseph Perez, M.Div., BCC
Chief Mission & Ministry Officer

Clinical Pastoral Education Staff

Bishop José Cedillo, M.Div., BCC,
ACPE Certified Educator
Director of CPE Programs
[email protected]

Carla Price, M.Div., JD, BCC
ACPE Certified Educator
[email protected]

Sandra Gonzales
CPE Administrative Secretary
[email protected]

CPE Office: (210) 297-9750
Email: [email protected]

Pastoral Care Directors

Rev. Tim Cranfill, D.Min., BCC
Director of Pastoral Care – Northeast Baptist Hospital

Rev. Ismael De Luna, Jr., M.Div., BCC
Director of Pastoral Care - Mission Trail Baptist Hospital

Rev. Mark Spain, M.Div., BCC
Director of Pastoral Care - North Central Baptist Hospital

Rev. Keith A. Evans D.Min., BCC
Director of Pastoral Care - St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital

Rev. Darrell Boswell, M.Div., M.Ed., BCC
Director of Pastoral Care – Baptist Medical Center



Internships (ACPE)

If you are applying for an initial unit of CPE in either our Summer Internship Program or our Fall Extended Internship Program, you will need the following:

  1. Complete an ACPE application (see below)
  2. Attend a screening interview by an ACPE Certified Educator

Internship applications are open to clergy and laypersons.

CPE Residency Program (ACPE)

If you are applying for the CPE Residency, you will need the following:

  1. Complete an ACPE application (see below)
  2. Successfully complete one unit of CPE
  3. A Master of Divinity degree or equivalent (completed or in progress)
  4. On-site interview with CPE screening committee

Certified Educator Candidate (CEC) Program

If you are applying for Certified Educator Candidate program, you need the following:

  1. Complete a CEC application (see below)
  2. Successfully complete of one year (four units) of CPE
  3. A completed Master of Divinity degree or equivalent
  4. On-site interview with CPE screening committee

Download the Application

You can view and print the ACPE application and the CEC application by using the buttons below or by visiting the ACPE website at www.acpe.edu.

Note: Instructions and requirements differ for the ACPE and CEC application submission process.

Link to ACPE Application Link to CEC Application

Note: Instructions and requirements differ for the ACPE and CEC application submission process.

When applying to the Baptist Health System CPE Center, complete and send the signed application, along with the other required materials listed on the back of the application form, electronically or by postal mail to:

Sandra Gonzales: [email protected]
Clinical Pastoral Education
Baptist Health System
730 N. Main Ave., Suite 212
San Antonio, Texas 78205-1152

CPE Office: (210) 297-9750

We adhere to the following Standards and Objectives set by Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). For more information contact:

ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education
1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800 
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 320-1472
www.acpe.edu

2024 ACPE Outcomes and Indicators for Level I/Level II CPE

CPE provides theological and professional education using the clinical method of learning in diverse contexts of spiritual care. ACPE accredits two types of clinical pastoral education programs: CPE Level I/Level II and Certified Educator CPE. ACPE accredited programs provide a progressive learning experience through a two-level curriculum. Level I curriculum outcomes must be satisfactorily addressed prior to admission to Level II. Completion of CPE Level I/Level II curriculum outcomes is a prerequisite for admission to Certified Educator CPE. It is also a goal to ensure that students are knowledgeable about the Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains.

CPE Level I/Level II enables students to address areas such as spiritual formation and integration, awareness of Self and others, relational dynamics, spiritual care interventions and professional development. Some CPE centers offer specialized education congruent with professional chaplaincy competence and certification as part of their Level II curriculum.

CPE Level IA-IB/Level IIA-B outcomes and indicators define the scope of the CPE program curricula. Outcomes and indicators also define the competencies to be developed by students because of participating in each of the programs.

2024 CPE Level I-II Outcomes and Indicators

Category A: Spiritual Formation and IntegrationCategory B: Awareness of Self and OthersCategory C: Relational DynamicsCategory D: Spiritual Care InterventionsCategory E: Professional Development
1: Narrative History1: Self-Care1: Empathy1: Develop Spiritual Care Relationships  1: Clinical Method of Learning
2: Socio-Cultural Identity2: Justice-Seeking Awareness of Bias2: Relational Boundaries2: Use of Cultural, Religious, and Spiritual Resources2: Ethical Practice and Professionalism
3: Spiritual/ Values-Based Orienting Systems 3: Intercultural and Interreligious Humility3: Group Dynamics3: Use of Spiritual Assessments and Care Plans

3: Consultation and Feedback 

4: Teamwork and Collaboration  

   4: Documentation  5: Research Based Care  

Application FAQs

We see the screening process as a two-way discovery, so we encourage applicants to come with questions. Interviews are typically 45-60 minutes in length with the final 10-15 minutes reserved for any questions you may have about our program. In all interviews, interviewers will have received and reviewed your application materials prior to the interview. Interviewers will ask questions to expand on your application materials, get to know you more and get a sense for what kind of learner you are.

  • Internship applicants will meet with the Certified Educator (CE) and sometimes the Certified Educator Candidate (CEC) or a Pastoral Care staff member.
  • Residency applicants will meet with a small committee including the CE, the CEC and two members of either the Pastoral Care staff or the PAG committee.
  • Certified Educator Candidates will meet with a small committee including the CE, the Chief of Mission and Ministry, and the available Directors of Pastoral Care. CEC applicants will also have a peer interview with the current group of Resident students.

The specific dates for each program may vary slightly due to several factors, including available dates for New Employee Orientation. For the most accurate information regarding specific start and end dates for the program(s) you are interested in, please contact us at (210) 297-9750.

No

Baptist Health System does not provide housing.

All tuition is charged by unit of CPE. Tuition is typically due several weeks into the start of the unit, once any scholarship funds have been distributed.
  • Internship: $350
  • Residency: $350 for the first unit of CPE and $300 for each subsequent unit ($1,250 for the year)
  • Certified Educator Candidate: paid by the system

    Baptist Health System is not able to sponsor any Visas. If you are an international applicant, you will need to have your denomination or other organization sponsor your Visa.

    Students in the Summer Intensive and Fall Extended program are not eligible for benefits. Students in the Residency and Certified Educator Candidate program are eligible for benefits including health, dental and paid time off.

    There is a $35.00 fee to process your application. Each applicant is responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. Applications submitted electronically (e-mail) will be held until the application fee is received.

    If accepted, there is a $50.00 tuition deposit required to ensure your position in the program. All forms of payment (check, money order, etc.) should be made payable to Baptist Health System. Baptist Health System does not currently accept card payments. Mailing address below.

    We may provide stipends to our students if available. They are as follows:
    • Summer Internship: may be available at the end of the unit, and distributed as a lump sum at the conclusion of the program
    • Fall Extended Internship: may be available after completion of the unit, and distributed as a lump sum at the conclusion of the program
    • Residency: $36,000 annually, considered hourly employees and paid on a bi-weekly schedule
    • Certified Educator Candidate: competitive with Market; annually, salaried

    Baptist Health System: History to Present

    The Baptist Health System began in 1902 as a dream of San Antonio physicians and businesspeople. In 1948, the hospital was transferred to the ownership of the Southern Baptist Convention, then to the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1952.

    During this time, a chapter of faith-based, not-for-profit hospital care began, which placed a strong emphasis on spiritual health in addition to the tradition of healing and education. Under local Baptist leadership, the single hospital grew into a system

    This three-fold ministry of healing, teaching and Christian service still holds today. In 2003, the system was sold to Vanguard and then later to Tenet Health System. A continued commitment to both pastoral care and to clinical pastoral education was made by both new systems.

    Pastoral care staff and CPE students are integrated members of the Baptist Health System care teams. We help patients, families and staff discover spiritual meaning, belonging and hope through individual pastoral visits, crisis response and support groups. Patients and family members may receive routine bedside visitation if desired. Care may include presence, prayer, sacramental support and connection with local clergy.

    Division of Mission and Ministry Mission Statement

    The Mission and Ministry Department is guided by Baptist Health System’s Mission of helping people achieve health for life through compassionate service inspired by faith.

    Our departmental mission is
    “To serve patient and families, employees, students and physicians with excellence in…
    Pastoral Ministry,
    Education for Ministry, and
    Leadership for our BHS values,
    faith-based mission, biomedical
    ethics and community ministry.”

    For more information on the services we provide, go to Division of Mission and Ministry.

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