The CPE Interns visit patients in all areas of Anne Arundel Medical Center which enables
them to have a rich and diverse experience in a large, community hospital.
Each student must complete at least 300 hours of clinical ministry at AAMC between September, 2025 and May 2026.
AAMC has one extended unit per year. In 2025 the unit will begin on September 23, 2025 and end on May 19, 2026.
The CPE program meets virtually for most of the program. There are generally three on-site days for education during the course of the CPE unit.
The CPE program uses an application called “Canvas” for all educational information including handbooks, schedule, syllabus, weekly seminar topics and agenda, medical center information and assignments.
On-boarding prior to the start of the CPE unit involves clearance through the volunteer office in order to meet the medical center’s policy for safe patient care. Prospective CPE students will need to agree to a background check and provide documentation about immunizations or titers. More information can be provided.
Virtual class meets on Tuesdays from 2:30-6:00 using Zoom. There are breaks for holidays, sacred or holy days.
Clinical Hours Available for CPE Students are:
Monday through Friday- 9am-7:30pm
Saturday- 9am-3pm
Sunday- 2pm-6pm
A student may choose 10 hours per week for clinical work within these parameters. It is suggested to do at least 3 hours per shift on-site.
There is no on-call requirement.
Prior to acceptance, the Use of Clinical Materials Form must be completed and signed.
What Students Need:
Time:
10 hours per week for supervised ministry in the Anne Arundel Medical Center
3 and 1/2 hours per week for group on Zoom
1 hour per week for outside class reading and preparation
1 hour each month for individual consultation and coaching with the CPE Educator
Tuition:
$300
$100 of tuition is due upon acceptance into the CPE program. The remainder of the tuition, $200, is due on the first day of the unit unless an arrangement has been made for a payment plan. A portion of tuition is refundable until the 3rd week of the CPE unit.
Energy:
Hospital ministry can be taxing emotionally, spiritually and physically. Before beginning CPE it is important to assess the space that one has on those fronts in order to have a successful learning experience.
Technology:
Each CPE Intern will need stable internet access and a tablet or computer. It is important to be on camera for the class time.
What does a typical Education Session include?
Centering- each class will include a consistent exercise to reduce distractions, encourage full presence for learning and teach a transferable skill to preparation for ministry.
Check-in - Agenda for the Day- Administrative Details- there will be time in each class to review class agenda and other details for the educational experience.
Self-Care - there will be a student led self-care exercise to begin each session.
Clinical Presentations - verbatims and case presentations are the heart of CPE. Each CPE student will present at least three patient or staff spiritual care encounters as part of their learning experience,
Didactics - there is usually a didactic at each session. These include presenters on topics that address the ACPE outcomes and indicators for accredited programs. There are hospital team members and medical professionals who present on their areas of expertise such as ethics, palliative care, and neonatal loss.
Group Dynamics - the CPE program focuses on group dynamics theory and uses an unstructured group time to practice the theory.
Closing - each class ends with administrative reminders, a wrap-up about student learning, a review of group dynamics and a prayer.
ACPE Curriculum is offered on Four Levels
Level 1A, Level 1B, Level 2A and Level 2B
Anne Arundel Medical Center offers all four levels of CPE.
Level 2A
Demonstrating knowledge and articulation of theory with practice analysis
Level 1A
Introductory knowledge, identification and awareness
Level 1B
Deepening articulation of theory and practice as well as deeper knowledge of self
Level 2B-Integration and evaluation of knowledge and practice