CIPP@MTSO: Information for Individuals
An opportunity to develop your skills for ministry and leadership – anywhere.
Clinical Pastoral Education is transformative education for ministry. CIPP@MTSO students engage in group and individual consultation with an ACPE-certified educator to build skills in self-awareness, assertiveness, cultural competency and leadership.
FAQs
How do I get my CPE?
Here’s the process:
- Fill out the Individual Inquiry Form.
- Send us an application.
- Have an interview.
- Be assigned to a group.
- Complete your CPE.
Where can I find the application?
You can find our application here. Be sure to address each of the prompts, reflect and take time to share your journey with us. Your application is your literal start to your unit of CPE. We typically follow up within a week of receiving the application.
Can I do this where I’m already working or serving?
Yes. With CIPP@MTSO, you can complete CPE certification requirements in your ministry context, without the need to serve in CPE centers’ clinical units or to cover overnight on-calls. We will guide you through the process of establishing a clinical placement agreement and finding a preceptor.
Is my current ministerial context suitable for CPE?
CPE can not only take place in traditional settings such as hospitals and hospices but also contexts such as churches, homeless shelters, street ministries, rehab facilities and correctional facilities. If there’s a place where you’re providing spiritual care, we can likely make it work.
What if I don’t have a ministerial context?
We expect our applicants to have or arrange for their own clinical placement. We suggest you reach out to institutions in your area (such as hospices, churches, correctional facilities and rural hospitals) and ask whether they are open to hosting a volunteer chaplain completing their CPE hours. Once you secure a placement and share that information with us via our Individual Inquiry Form, you can apply.
How long does CPE take?
Units range from three to six months. We have both faster, intensive units and slower, extended options. A unit of CPE is 400 hours, with a minimum of 100 hours structured education and up to 300 hours of clinical practice.
Is this full-time or part-time?
We offer both full-time and part-time options for CPE.
How much does this cost?
The cost per unit of CPE (400 hours) is $3,250 per student. You may want to inquire within your seminary conference or judicatory regarding scholarships.
Is this done online or in person?
The coursework consists of synchronous online group discussion and individual instruction, so it’s accessible for everyone. The clinical hours are typically done in person.
What is the CPE experience like from a student’s perspective?
A former CPE student reflects on her experience here.
How will this fit into my life?
We offer synchronous online class hours that meet a variety of schedules, with coursework available during the day and in the evening, as well as weekdays and weekends. We are in every time zone in the U.S.
I need CPE for my credentialing or ordination. Does this work?
Yes. CIPP@MTSO is designed to fulfill requirements for students needing CPE for their credentialing or ordination processes. Check with your religious group or judicatory about their requirements for CPE.
Can I earn academic credit for this?
Many seminaries and theological schools grant credit hours for CPE. Confirm with your academic institution what is required from you in order to earn academic credit.
Is this a residency program?
No. If you are looking for a residency program, here is an option with OhioHealth.
Is CIPP@MTSO offered in languages other than English?
We offer CPE units in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. Offerings are dependent on demand. If you have a language need that’s not listed here, please reach out to us.
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