What makes CPE at UNC unique?
We Value Diversity
UNC Hospitals and the CPE Program value diversity in all its forms: identities, age, culture, class, color, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, first language/preferred language, marital/partnership status, political ideology, race, spiritual/values-based orienting system, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Our students, staff, and patients come from a variety of backgrounds and our education program is stronger for it.
Trauma Informed Education & Care
We practice and teach trauma informed care and education, with particular attention to both primary and secondary trauma.
Accessible and Unique Programs
Among our unique program locations and formats you can find an option that works for you. Read more about these programs below.
Meaningful Mentorships
CPE students are mentored in a variety of ways, including through their educator, site placement mentor, and/or through an individualized mentor relationship with an experienced professional chaplain.
Paid Internships in Chapel Hill
CPE interns at the UNC Medical Center learn to offer trauma-informed care in a leading-edge clinical setting that is both a university teaching hospital and a Level 1 trauma center. Chaplain interns experience the richness of learning and serving in interdisciplinary teams on their clinical units, supported by educators, chaplain residents and staff chaplains. Part-time (fall and spring) as well as full-time (summer) internships are available; students meet for one day or two half-days of educational seminars and provide two (in fall or spring) or four (summer) days of clinical coverage each week. Students also participate in day and night coverage of house chaplain (on-call) shifts. Contact us for more information.
Paid Internships at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus
Students will learn through experience at a community non-profit or congregation, as well as caring for patients at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus. Didactic seminars, case studies, and other educational opportunities will take place at the UNC Hillsborough campus. Community opportunities may include work with agencies addressing homelessness, addictions, disability, aging, or offering care which supports other marginalized populations. Students may also choose to complete a portion of their clinical hours in congregational settings. Students participate in the Hillsborough Campus on-call rotation. Contact us for more information.
First-Year Residency at UNC Medical Center
This 12-month, full-time residency program of three units (July-June) is offered for persons interested in deepening spiritual care skills and/or professional chaplaincy. Students provide patient and staff care focused in particular clinical areas, and participate in the house chaplain (on-call) rotation. Each resident is mentored by a professional staff chaplain to enhance professional development. A college degree and education in one’s spiritual or religious tradition is preferred, and completion of at least one unit of CPE is required. Contact us for more information.
Second-Year Residency at UNC Medical Center
Students who have completed a year-long residency can apply to UNC’s second-year residency, which has included specialization in areas such as Palliative Care, Oncology and Trauma. Second-year residents engage a tailored curriculum, including intensive faculty support for preparation of materials for board certification as a chaplain. Students provide patient, family and staff care in particular clinical areas, participate in the house chaplain (on-call) rotation, and are mentored by a professional staff chaplain. Contact us for more information.
Certified Educator CPE
For persons interesting in becoming ACPE Certified Educators, UNC Hospitals is accredited to offer Certified Educator Clinical Pastoral Education. Applicants must have completed four units of CPE and be admitted into the ACPE Certified Educator Program. Contact us for more information.
Benefits and Tuition
Internships
UNC provides support to interns, including hourly pay, consultation, referrals, and supervision. Tuition is $450 per unit, with discounts for returning students.
Residency Programs
Residents receive a competitive salary, along with paid time off and healthcare benefits through the UNC Office of Graduate Medical Education. Tuition for the residency year is $950.
Apply
Prospective students are welcome to contact us for more information about our programs.
For internships, UNC uses a rolling admissions policy. Students are encouraged to apply early as applications are taken until units are full.
Residency applications are due December 31st. Interviews follow for a start date of July 1st.
UNC Hospitals does not charge an application fee.
Contact Us
Clinical Pastoral Educaion, Department of Pastoral Care
UNC Hospitals | 101 Manning Drive | Chapel Hill, NC 27514
984.974.4021 | pastoral.education@unchealth.unc.edu
Accreditation Statement
The UNC Hospitals Department of Pastoral Care CPE Program is accredited to offer Level I, II, and Certified Educator CPE by ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education, 1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800; Atlanta, GA 30328; (404) 320-1472; www.acpe.edu.