Education in spiritual care is the goal of our Clinical Pastoral Education program. At Mount Carmel, we serve together for healing of body, mind, and spirit. Spiritual care is important not only to what we do, but to who we are as spiritual beings. Education and training of health professionals has long been an important part of our mission here at Mount Carmel.

Clinical Pastoral Education, or CPE, is experienced-based education to improve the quality of ministry offered by spiritual caregivers of all faiths. CPE is a form of theological education that combines learning in the classroom with learning in clinical settings where ministry is being practiced. The textbooks of CPE include in-depth study of “living human documents,” both those receiving care – such as patients – and ourselves, the givers of care. The experiential learning of CPE happens through practicing ministry and reflecting on one’s ministry practice. CPE interns minister to patients, families and staff at our Mount Carmel hospitals, providing needed spiritual services, comfort and support.

Application & Admission

CPE information packets and CPE applications are available through the Clinical Pastoral Education office. Send the completed application form, including a non-refundable $25 application fee, to the attention of the Clinical Pastoral Educator. The next step toward admission is an interview conducted by the Clinical Pastoral Educator, Rev. Jill Rasmussen-Baker.

Upcoming Program Offerings

Extended CPE Unit

November 7, 2011 – April 16, 2012

This program is part-time. Classes are usually held one day a week, with flexible patient visiting time and some weekend hours as well.

Summer Full-Time CPE Unit

May 28, 2012 - August 3, 2012

This program requires 40+ hours per week for 10 weeks, including some weekend hours.

Fall Extended CPE Unit

September 10, 2012 – December 17, 2012

This program is part-time. Classes are usually held one day a week, with flexible patient visiting time and some weekend hours as well.

Spring Extended CPE Unit

January 14, 2013 – May 6 , 2013

This program is part-time. Classes are usually held one day a week, with flexible patient visiting time and some weekend hours as well.

Tuition & Costs

• Application Fee (Non-Refundable): $25
• Single Unit Tuition: $600
• Second Unit Tuition: $425
• Other Costs: transportation, meals while onsite, books you may wish to purchase

See "Tuition & Fee Schedule" in the CPE Information Packet for further details.

Full-Time Clergy & Hospital Chaplains

Full-time clergy and employed hospital chaplains have the option of applying approved ministry time done in their hospital, synagogue or parish toward the CPE program's required clinical hours.

Parking & Meals

CPE students receive free parking in designated parking areas and may purchase meals with an employee discount in hospital cafeterias. Students also receive a complimentary meal when on-call.

To receive an application or make other inquiries, please call or write

Jill Rasmussen-Baker, Clinical Pastoral Educator
Mount Carmel Health System
6150 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43213
614-546-4065
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mount Carmel's CPE program is accredited to offer Level 1 and Level II CPE by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE), 1549 Clairmont Road, Suite 103, Decatur, GA 30033; Tel. (404) 320-1472, www.acpe.edu