Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock was a pioneer in the Clinical Pastoral Education movement in the mid-1960s. Since 2010, it has been a fully-accredited center with the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. This Baptist health ACPE accredited center does not discriminate against persons because of race, ethnicity, religious/spiritual tradition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or disability.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an intensive experiential educational program for those interested in developing their clinical/pastoral skills. Students engage in pastoral ministry and reflect on their experience with an ACPE Certified Educator and a peer group. Key areas for learning include integrating theology into pastoral practice, increasing personal and spiritual formation as a religious leader, and developing self-reflection for deeper growth and knowledge. CPE can be an excellent tool for discernment, self-care, and renewal.
Clinical Pastoral Education is the only chaplaincy training program that opens the door for Board Certification as a chaplain by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Each CPE unit is 400 hours, and in the year-long residency, students earn four CPE units. The Baptist Health Clinical Pastoral Education program does not charge a fee for taking CPE units. For more information please visit acpe.edu