UVa Health System is a major referral center that offers primary and tertiary care to people of Virginia, and the entire world. In this rich educational setting, the Clinical Pastoral Education program offers not only an opportunity to learn the art of spiritual healing from caring mentors, but to learn about yourself through rewarding service in the challenging atmosphere of an acute-care hospital.
This Clinical Pastoral Education program is accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. 55 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Suite 835, Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 320-1472. www.acpe.edu (ACPE Standards)
What is Clinical Pastoral Education?
Clinical Pastoral Education is interfaith professional education for ministry. It brings theological students and ministers of all faiths (pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and others) into supervised encounter with persons in crisis. Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback from peers and teachers, students develop new awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection on specific human situations, they gain a new understanding of ministry. Within the interdisciplinary team process of helping persons, they develop skills in interpersonal and interprofessional relationships.
At The University of Virginia Health System, the heart of CPE is in ministry with patients, families 
and staff, and learning from that ministry through reflection, discussion, and evaluation with other students and a supervisor. At UVa, CPE students utilize verbatims, case studies, and other ministry descriptions to present their ministry for supervision. The focus in some seminars will be on what is happening to the student, as much as on what is happening to the patients, families and staff receiving ministry.
Each CPE program at UVA requires at least 100 hours of educational time, and at least 300 hours of clinical time which includes regular overnight on-call responsibilities. Residents also provide on-call hospital coverage at least one weekend day each month.
There will be discussions which assist in understanding theological issues arising from experience. There will be invaluable opportunities to learn from the behavioral sciences while also reflecting theologically, and the student may draw from both in understanding the human condition. CPE students will be challenged 
to think about groups and social structures as well as individuals in defining their ministry. Being part of a dynamic learning group with other students and a supervisor will provide opportunities for mutual supervision, care giving, challenge and appreciation.
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*The University of Virginia Health System Department of Chaplaincy Services and Pastoral Education does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. The University of Virginia Health System operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty, staff, and students. The University of Virginia Health System is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.