Clinical Pastoral Education Program

About VA CPE

Through its clinical placements, our CPE program is committed to providing a relational environment for learning which fosters human growth and dignity. The instructional curriculum embodies the mission of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, as well as the mission and vision of Veteran’s Health Administration, “to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.”

The CPE program’s philosophy is that the clinical method of learning is enriched by diversity and seeks to provide a relational learning environment that is participatory and collegial.  This philosophy is congruent with the mission and core values of the VA Healthcare System, which is committed to being a workplace where diversity is honored and the whole health and well-being of employees and veterans are nurtured. As such, administrative personnel, Certified Educators, clinical mentors, and chaplain services staff are accountable for ensuring that appropriate standards of ethical conduct and protection of the rights of students and client populations served are maintained. 

Activities such as a daily gathering of staff and trainees for clinical collaboration and handoff, staff chaplain participation as clinical faculty in orientation, didactics, and clinical mentorships contribute to this relational and collegial learning environment. In addition, the VA commitment to training America’s future healthcare providers as a training ground for other disciplines contributes to the sense of collaborative learning in the organizational culture. The Atlanta VA CPE Program does not discriminate does not discriminate against persons because of race, gender, gender identity or expression, age, faith group, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability

Who can apply?

This ACPE-accredited CPE program does not discriminate against persons because of race, ethnicity, religious/spiritual traditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or disability.  General Requirements include but are not limited to:

• Graduate level Master of Divinity degree or equivalency accredited by CHEA or ATS (or currently enrolled in an accredited affiliate school of theology/ M.Div. program)
• Completed an introductory unit of CPE for residency program and four units of ACPE-accredited CPE for the Advanced Residency program
• US Citizenship
• Able to manage a degree of chaos, change, and other crisis situations normal to the culture of the learning context
• Open to learning from situations and through relationships (i.e. Veterans, peer group, staff and larger interdisciplinary teams)
• Able to learn and use computer technology, Microsoft software, and document patient encounters

Cost: There are no application fees or student fees, and therefore no refunds. Students may be required to purchase books/reading material for learning and pay activity fees as needed.

See tables below for additional information.

Access CPE Application here: CPE Application Forms

Completed applications for programs beginning in June must be submitted no later than Feb 1st for consideration. Applications for extended CPE are accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information or to apply for CPE at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, please contact:

Phone: 404-321-6111, ext. 206870               

or

Send your completed and signed 2-page application, short answers (page 1, #2-6), and resume to VHAATGCPEInquiry@va.gov

Center Annual Notice

This ACPE CPE program guarantees its students the rights to inspect and review education records, to seek to amend them, to have specified control over release of record information, and to file a complaint against the program for alleged violations of these Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) rights.

Directory information at this center includes the student’s name, date of birth, previous education, photograph, and the denomination or faith group they are part of. Students may opt out of public disclosure of this information by informing the Chief of Chaplain Service in writing.

Student records are outlined in the Student Records Policy and may be digital/electronic or on paper. Student records contain the following information: Student unit evaluation, Supervisor’s evaluation for each unit, application for the program, letters of reference or other communications associated with the application process.

Student records management is overseen by ACPE-certified educators at this center. 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 exempt from this right.

A student’s record will not be released without the written consent of the student.

Those with access to student records are under the direct supervision of the Chief of Chaplain Service, CPE Program Director, Certified Education Fellows under the direct supervision of an ACPE Certified Educator and enrolled as a CEC at this center, other certified ACPE Certified Educator contracted to supervise units of CPE, and the Administrative Assistant of the department. Each of these persons is considered “education officials.” Others with a “legitimate education interest” include human resources and the VA Designated Education Officer. Those with “legitimate education interest” may review an educational record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility for the administrative, educational, or research purposes carried out by the CPE program.