At least three quarters of the intern’s scheduled time in CPE (400 hours) is spent in direct patient/client contact. This is a primary focus of the CPE program. The uniqueness of SVRH as an ACPE training center is in the overall culture of SVRH that values and integrates chaplains as an active part of the interdisciplinary care team. Each CPE intern assigned to SVRH for their clinical time has a staff chaplain assigned to them as a site preceptor and mentoring colleague.

Individual and group supervision provides opportunities for in-depth interaction and feedback regarding a person and his/her ministry. Through the process of such encounters, interns gain both increased self-understanding and insight on the effects of their person and ministry on others. A wide variety of professionals provide presentations on topics relevant to the discipline of spiritual care and those we serve.

Adapting HIPPA secure technology used in Tele-Medicine, our CPE program is offered to students across the state of Montana, as well as Colorado and Wyoming. Teleconferencing is utilized for individual and group supervision 70% to 80% of the time in the extended units. This option allows students in the extended unit to use approved clinical placements far from the training center in Billings, receive virtual supervision and limit on-site training in Billings to approximately four times during the unit.

Typically, a 24–25-week extended unit of CPE is divided between a weekly 4-hour peer group seminar and 8-10 hours of clinical time scheduled with the staff chaplain/preceptor on site. In addition, most students do 3-4 hours of weekly individual study and reflection. The peer group seminars include case review, theological reflection seminars, didactic presentations, reading discussion, group process, and use of various media for reflection and learning. Clinical time is spent providing spiritual care to patients, families, and institutional staff in one’s clinical placement. CPE interns take part in the on-call rotation gaining valuable experience in crisis intervention and spiritual care.

This program is designed for clergy, seminary students, religious professionals and selected laypersons. Application is made in writing, utilizing a form provided by the satellite center. A final decision on acceptance into the program is made after a personal interview with the CPE supervisor.

High school diploma or GED certificate and an openness to interpersonal work. One needs to have computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Internet usage. Please inquire for further information.

The course is $1,500.00, subject to change.

Extended units begin in September of each year and end the following March. A second unit is offered April through September of the same year.

Rev. Karen Brannon, D.Min., Ed.D.