About Our CPE Programs
Our Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program is a comprehensive program that integrates peer review, supervisory evaluation, and personal reflection. Students in our program, have their learning facilitated through intense involvement with persons in need, feedback from peers and educators, and closely guided personal and theological/spiritual reflection. This action-reflection model of learning will help you to develop a new awareness of yourself and those to whom you minister. In addition, as part of an interdisciplinary care team, you will apply learned theory with your own personal and pastoral experience as you minister to patients, families, and staff. You will be encouraged to use your own personal experience as a resource for ministry. Your learning will be enhanced through active participation in educational conferences, interdisciplinary meetings, and grand rounds.
Our program offers you the opportunity to learn and work at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Strong:
- Is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals"
- Has the only Heart Transplant Program in Western New York
- Is recognized as a UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) transplant center for liver, intestine, and renal transplantation
- Provides a regional pediatric multiorgan transplant program for children throughout Western New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Southern Tier
- Provides a Kessler Burn and Trauma Center for residents in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions
Intern Programs
We offer two single unit intern programs for Level 1 & 2 CPE students. Each program combines training and clinical experience. On-call rotation and supervised patient care is required.
Extended Unit CPE Program (Strong Memorial Hospital):
- Single unit
- Starts annually: late September through early April
- Tuition: $650
- Application fee: $35 (Non-refundable)
- Application deadline: July 31, 2025
How to Apply
Intensive Unit (Summer):
- 11-week Intensive Summer unit programs start annually in late May
- Tuition: $650
- Application fee: $35 (Non-refundable)
- Application deadline: March 28, 2025
How to Apply
CPE Residency Program
A prior unit of CPE is required to participate in the CPE Residency Program. Our full-time CPE Residency Program meets some of the educational requirements for Chaplain Certification by APC, NACC, and NAJC. We accept five (5) CPE Residents each year. The program offers:
- 3 units credit
- One-year program of study & experience beginning annually in early September
- On-call rotation
- 10 hours scheduled group education per week
- 30 hours supervised patient care per week
- Stipend: $36,000
- Resident benefits:
- Single/family health insurance
- Application fee: $35 (Non-refundable)
- No tuition
- Application deadline: May 30, 2025
In accordance with ACPE requirements, students applying for entry into our full-time CPE Residency Program should demonstrate successful completion of some theological study, seminary education, or equivalent. Our admissions process includes review of a written application, an interview demonstrating ability to participate in CPE, and reference checks.
A second year residency is available for students wanting to focus on a particular area of healthcare as it relates to spiritual care. Please contact the office at (585) 275-2187 for further information.
How to Apply
You may apply for any one of our CPE programs by downloading an application form from the ACPE Website. The address is:
ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education
1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 320-1472
www.acpe.edu
Submit your application as an attachment to the Chaplaincy Services email or via U.S. Mail to:
University of Rochester Medical Center
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 304
Rochester, NY 14642
Application Tips
- Remember to include full names, addresses, and phone numbers for each professional, academic, and personal reference.
- Remember to enclose a check/money order for $35 made out to "Strong Memorial Hospital" for your Application Fee
- The application form requires a fair amount of information, so plan enough time for completion and submission.
- Remember to sign and date your application.
- Additional information is required for international applicants. Please follow the application instructions carefully.
Faculty
While enrolled in any of our CPE programs you will receive supervision and guidance from our ACPE Certified Educators:
You will also learn from personal reflection, peers, patients, medical staff, and participation in ethics meetings and educational conferences.
We look forward to receiving your application!