The WVU Medicine Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) residency is a year-long, full-time program designed for students who wish to deepen their pastoral skills, examine their vocational commitment, and achieve competence in pastoral care ministry. The program follows the standards and guidelines of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE).

The CPE residency consists of three 15-week units over 52 weeks and includes:

  • Designing and leading worship services when on-call on Sundays
  • Participation in evaluations and educational seminars and conferences
  • Providing spiritual care to patients as assigned
  • Sharing on-call duty with staff, interns, and peers

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the CPE residency program, applicants must:

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree.
  • Be invited to participate in an admissions screening interview.
  • Be ordained or commissioned to function in ministry by an appropriate religious authority as determined by the ACPE (preferred).
  • Possess sufficient theological education to actively participate in discussions about theological concepts and ideas (seminary/theological education at the master’s level is preferred).
  • Successful completion of a minimum of ACPE Level IA is preferred for first-year residents. Successful completion of ACPE Level IIB is preferred for second-year residents.
  • Complete the application for Clinical Pastoral Education.
  • Submit all signed final evaluations (student’s and certified educator’s) with application.

For questions or more information, contact Matthew Johnson at 304-598-4000, ext. 73060, or [email protected].

Residency costs

  • Non-refundable application fee: $35
  • Per-unit tuition: $400
    • Unit 1
      • $100 one-time, non-refundable deposit at acceptance
      • $300 balance due on first day of unit 1
    • Units 2 and 3
      • $400 per unit due on first day of each unit

Make checks payable to WVU Hospitals.

Residency benefits

  • Annual stipend of $43,888
  • Monthly $50 food allowance
  • Group health insurance available on the first day of employment, including dental, vision, and long-term care coverage
  • Twenty-three days of paid time off, plus seven paid holidays
  • Free access to the WVU Medicine Wellness Center
  • Monthly group spiritual direction provided by a Shalem Institute spiritual director

Clinical Pastoral Education ACPE, Inc. Annual Notice of Privacy Rights for CPE Students