Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Residency Program

Program Overview: A full-time, 12-month, three-unit CPE program for candidates seeking professional board-certification as chaplains or preparation for advanced CPE education.

Duration: Early September to late August (12 months, 3 units)

Program Goals & Eligibility

Intended For:

• Individuals looking to attain professional board-certification as a chaplain
• Those entering the Educator CPE program
• Faith community spiritual care specialists

Eligible Participants:

• Ordained, professed, licensed, and lay persons

Education Requirements

• Preference given to students with at least 36 hours of theological education toward a master's degree
• Applicants with equivalent combination of mentoring and experience according to faith tradition meeting board certification standards may be considered

Experience Requirements

• Students must have one prequalifying CPE Unit (ACPE preferred)

Work Authorization

• Visa Sponsorship: Mercy does NOT provide visa sponsorship
• All applicants must be fully authorized to work in their chosen jurisdiction when applying

Compensation & Benefits

• Stipend: CPE residents receive a stipend
• Benefits: Full benefits provided
• Status: Considered Mercy caregivers during enrollment
• Paid Time Off: Residents accrue PTO applicable to holidays, sick days, and vacations

Tuition & Fees

• Holding Fee: $100 non-refundable (applied to tuition later)
• Tuition: $650 per unit
• Application Fee: $50 non-refundable
• Payment Plans: May be arranged in advance with program coordinator and faculty approval

Clinical Requirements

• Clinical responsibilities continue between units and over holidays

Program Locations

• Springfield, MO
• St. Louis, MO
• Ardmore, OK
• Extended units and summer intensive available throughout Mercy health system in Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas

Program Values

• Honors tradition of Sisters of Mercy
• Respects dignity and individuality of all students regardless of culture, background, or faith tradition

Experience-Based Theological Education Focus Areas

• Spiritual formation and integration
• Awareness of self and others
• Relational dynamics
• Spiritual care interventions
• Professional development

Certification Resources

• The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC)
• The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)
• The National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC)
• The National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC)
• Most national certifying bodies require minimum of four accredited units of CPE

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 417-820-2770

Application Process

1. Submit Application: Complete application form and submit along with required materials
2. Application Fee: Pay non-refundable $50 application fee
3. Review Timeline: Applications accepted year-round and considered in order received
4. Interviews: Begin in January
5. Holding Fee: Upon selection, place $100 non-refundable holding fee (applied to tuition)
6. Enrollment: Program closes when full

Application Materials Required

• Application form
• Evidence of educational background (36+ hours theological education or equivalent)
• Documentation of prequalifying CPE Unit (ACPE preferred)
• Work authorization verification for chosen jurisdiction

Fees

• Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
• Holding Fee: $100 (non-refundable, applied to tuition after selection)

Timeline

• Applications accepted year-round
• Considered in order received
• Interviews begin January
• Program closes when full