Lancaster General Hospital has long been identified as an equal opportunity employer, and this is the policy regarding admission to the CPE program.  Persons are accepted without discrimination, regardless of race, gender, age, religious affiliation, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or disability. Equal access to educational opportunities is extended to all qualified persons. Applicants will be evaluated for readiness to learn and to provide ministry. The CPE student needs to sustain sufficient physical and emotional health to deliver pastoral care. The student must demonstrate the capacity to consistently establish and maintain relationships at significant levels and be open to learning, change and growth. The student must demonstrate a capacity to endure at least moderate amounts of stress, which is a normal part of institutional culture. The minimum requirement for Level I CPE is a high school diploma, GED, or ordination from an appropriate religious authority. The qualifications for the residency program include a previous unit of CPE and some graduate-level theological education.

When an application is received the CPE supervisor reviews it.  The applicant receives a letter or email acknowledging receipt of the application.  At the supervisor’s discretion, the applicant may be invited to an admissions interview.  If so, the references on the application are contacted.  After the interview and review of references, a decision is made and the student receives a letter or email either accepting or declining the application.  If the student is accepted, he/she is asked to notify us within 15 days with a non-refundable deposit to reserve his/her spot. Students are accepted for a particular program until it is filled. Therefore, it is recommended that students apply at least four months prior to the start of the program. Later applications will be considered if space is available.

Clinical Pastoral Education

Lancaster General Hospital

555 N. Duke Street

Lancaster, PA 17604-3555