Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)is required of all students preparing for Unitarian Universalist ministry.  CPE programs offer interfaith professional education for ministry. There are three main components in CPE:

• pastoral encounters with persons in need or crisis
• structured educational (didactic) sessions
• theological and ministerial reflection with supervisors and peers

CPE is a rigorous, challenging learning experience that most students find especially rewarding. 

Ministry students are required to complete one full academic quarter of clinical pastoral education (known as a basic unit), certified by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) program. CPE programs are usually held in hospitals, but they also take place in mental health facilities, correctional institutions, nursing homes, and more. Most students do their CPE quarter during the summer, though full-quarter programs take place at some sites during the academic year. Some facilities offer “extended” basic unit programs that provide part time experiences over six or nine months. It is recommended that students fulfill their CPE requirement early in their theological education. The theological and professional insights that result from Clinical Pastoral Education serve students well through the remainder of their ministerial education. Residential students typically take CPE in the summer following their first year of studies. 

Meadville Lombard and the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee accept programs certified by the ACPE. The field education coordinator at Meadville Lombard can help you decide which is the best program for you.