Residency Program - Clinical Pastoral Education

Ochsner Medical Center Chaplain Residents are an integral part of the spiritual care team as well as the interdisciplinary team. Chaplain residents provide regular on-call coverage including weekends.

• Stipend: (approximately) $35,568 + paid time off and full employee benefits.
• Tuition: Covered for all students completing clinical hours at Ochsner facilities.

This residency program includes four full units of Accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and offers advanced training in clinical pastoral care, emphasizing the evidence-based practice of spiritual care.

Residents experience clinical assignments that provide in-depth exposure to specialty areas, enabling each resident to become an integral part of the healthcare team as a part of a strong spiritual care and education department, functioning with a high degree of autonomy and accountability. They participate in all aspects of the ministry of the department, including participating in the 24/7 spiritual care coverage cycle. This means that residents will be on-call a substantial amount of time during the year on weekends and holidays.

Between each unit there is are “clinical weeks” in which regular CPE course work ceases for a period of two weeks. The resident functions primarily as a staff chaplain. Asynchronous educational modules are offered during these time periods and residents may utilize their vacation time during these periods.

The CPE Residency Program is a rigorous course of study and professional training. Applicants for the residency program should demonstrate a high commitment and interest in pursuing such intensive pastoral care training and must be able to clearly articulate their professional goals and motivation for intensive training. Residents are employed by the hospital and must meet all Ochsner Medical Center’s standards for employment.

Requirements

Required:

• A bachelor's degree and some theological education from your religious tradition.

Preferred:

• A theology degree at the master's level from an accredited school or equivalent.
• One prior unit of CPE.
• Ordination or commission to function in ministry or in the process of.

Note: If your spiritual/religious tradition does not prioritize/recognize traditional graduate education, provide proof of mentorship/training in that tradition in the form of a letter of endorsement.