Overview

The CPE program at Trinity Community in Beavercreek, Ohio is a multi-faith clinical internship for developing professional skill in spiritual caregiving under the auspices of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). CPE at Trinity began in 2014, when the program was a satellite center of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Trinity was fully accredited by The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education as an independent center in May, 2016. Since that time we are proud of our 96% student completion rate for the program.

As an ACPE Center, Trinity is accredited to offer Level I and Level II CPE. This innovative CPE program integrates adult group learning and clinical practice through Trinity’s life plan retirement community. CPE students serve as chaplain interns in rehabilitation, memory care, skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living “neighborhoods.” Within the framework of Trinity’s mission to create abundant life for elders, students learn to provide spiritual care and support to residents, families, and staff from all walks of life.

Accepting applications for April 23-Sept 18, 2024

All Education will be done virtually with the exception of Orientation and Final Evaluations. Orientation week will be the first week of the unit (date TBD) and Final Evaluations will be the last week of the unit (date TBD). Clinical hours must be done at Trinity Community or an approved educational setting with an Educational Placement Agreement signed prior to the start of the unit.

For questions regarding CPE at Trinity, you can contact Rev. Becky King, Director of Spiritual Care for Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton for further information at (937) 426-8481.

The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education
1 Concourse Parkway, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 320-1742

Trinity Community of Beavercreek
3218 Indian Ripple Road
Beavercreek, OH 45440
(937) 426-8481

Basic Curriculum Design

The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) requires accredited CPE programs to offer CPE as a progressive learning experience through a two-level curriculum. Trinity curriculum is a four-unit, 1600-hour program that spans two levels. The Level I CPE program is pre-requisite for continuation into the Level II program. Students earn 400 contact hours in each Level I unit and 400 hours in each Level II unit. The design of this curriculum permits qualified applicants who enroll in CPE to graduate the program, having achieved the following five core competencies. Students may also enroll for the sole purpose of completing the Level I portion of the curriculum.

  • Self-Awareness
  • Interpersonal Awareness
  • Conceptual Ability
  • Pastoral Functioning
  • Theological Development and Management in Ministry

The process model of education that undergirds this curriculum is based on adult group learning that is voluntary, self-directed, relevant and practical, goal oriented, interactive, and self-reflective. Educational methods include theological reflection and didactic seminars, film and book seminars, interpersonal relationship group time, verbatim presentations, evaluations, individual supervision, and self-reflective creative projects.

Culturally Responsive Classroom and Teaching

Education through Trinity’s CPE program abides by the following principles of culturally responsive practice in education (Gary Howard, Principles for Building a Learning Community):

  • Students are affirmed in their cultural connections
  • Teachers are personally inviting
  • The classroom is physically and culturally inviting
  • Students are reinforced for academic development
  • Instructional changes are made to accommodate differences
  • The classroom is managed with consistent, loving control
  • Interactions stress collectivity as well as individuality

Application Information

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Tuition Fee: $700 ($600 if on our clinical staff)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Send your ACPE application (www.acpe.edu) and application fee to:

Please Contact Rev. Mary Catherine Cole (she/her), ACPE Certified Educator with questions regarding the program.
mcole@uchinc.org
(937) 941-7401

Application & Instructions for Clinical Pastoral Education

Trinity Statement of Non-Discrimination

In accordance with ACPE Standards and the policies of United Church Homes and the United Church of Christ, Trinity Community and its CPE programs shall not discriminate against CPE students and potential students. Discrimination because of race, gender, age, faith group, national origin, sexual orientation or identification, or disability is strictly prohibited. Equal access to educational opportunities is extended to all qualified persons. All members of the faculty and consultation group are expected to cooperate in making this policy valid in fact. This program is committed to training lay persons, clergy, and others in related caring professions.