Clinical Pastoral Education

MD Anderson's Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program prepares students for congregational work and chaplaincy through three programs accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education:

• Level I CPE addresses basic competencies and issues of pastoral reflection, formation, identity and functioning in one or more units of CPE
• Level II CPE addresses advanced competencies and issues of pastoral function, reflection and integration
• Certified Educator CPE addresses the supervision and education in the theory and practice of supervision of Clinical Pastoral Education

Summer Program

An intensive unit focusing on development of personal and pastoral identity and professional growth. Begins the first workday in June and ends the third Friday in August. Bachelor's degree from accredited college/university or equivalency in studies and experience is required. Students do not receive stipends or benefits.

Extended Program

A part-time program for theological students, clergy and lay professionals. Fall session begins the first working day in September and ends the last week of December. Spring session begins the first working day in January and ends the last week of May. Dates vary and program may not be offered every year. Bachelor's degree from accredited college/university or equivalency in studies and experience required. Students do not receive stipends or benefits.

Yearlong Fellowship

Fellows develop pastoral skills and identity and complete CPE certification requirements. Begins the first workday in September and continues through August 31. Bachelor's degree required. M.Div. degree and one unit of CPE preferred. Subject to interview by the MD Anderson admissions committee. Fellows receive a competitive compensation package including four weeks vacation, sick leave and health benefits.

Certified Educator Fellowship

A yearlong program to prepare supervisory students for certification with the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Appointment may be renewed annually until certification. Certified Educator Fellows receive a competitive compensation package including four weeks vacation, sick leave and health benefits.

Requirements include:

• M.Div. degree or equivalent
• Previous ministry experience, including at least 4 units of CPE (congregational experience preferred)
• Meet CPE Level II outcomes
• Membership in ACPE
• Consultation (specified in the ACPE Certification Manual)

How to Apply 

Fall Application Deadline: May 31

Spring Application Deadline:  October 31

Summer Application Deadline: January 31

Applicants to our CPE programs must provide the following materials: 

• Completed CPE application form by published due date
  
• $35 non-refundable application fee (Checks Payable to UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Written recommendation from a faith group

The program fee for accepted applicants is $450 fee per unit, payable ($250 non-refundable deposit due at the time of acceptance) the first day of the unit.

The Clinical Pastoral Education program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center does not discriminate against persons because of race, ethnicity, religious/spiritual tradition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability. 

Annual Notice

1. This ACPE CPE center/program guarantees to its students the rights to inspect and review education records, to seek to amend them, to specified control over release of record information, and to file a complaint against the program for alleged violations of these Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA) rights.
2. A student has the right to object to record content. If not negotiable, the written objection will be kept with and released with the record. Grades are exempted from this right.
3. Violations of these protocols may be reported to the Chair of the Accreditation Commission at: ACPE Inc., 1 Concourse Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328

Complaints

Information regarding filing a complaint can be found on the ACPE website.