CPE curriculum at Vanderbilt University Medical Center emphasizes pastoral relationships and integration of head and heart. CPE curriculum integrates personal history, behavioral sciences, theology, spiritual direction, and professional development. Spiritual care staff, clinical specialists, professional advisory group and community members lend their experience in their areas of specialty and interest.
The ACPE welcomes individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religious/spiritual tradition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, life philosophy, or national origin.
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Vanderbilt University 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 overnights on weekdays and weekends. A $49,162.50 annual stipend is provided, along with paid time-off and full employee benefits.
Our CPE Residency Program includes four full units (early August thru late July each academic year) of ACPE-accredited clinical pastoral education and offers advanced training in clinical pastoral care, emphasizing the integration of head and heart.
Residents experience clinical assignments that provide in-depth exposure to specialty areas, enabling each resident to become an integral part of the health care team as a part of a strong Spiritual Care Department, functioning with a high degree of autonomy and accountability. They participate in all aspects of the ministry of the Spiritual Care Department, including participating fully in the 24/7 coverage cycle. This means that residents will be on-call a substantial amount of time during the year, including overnights on weekdays and weekends, as well as working full shifts on weekend days, as needed.
Residents are engaged in meaningful, challenging ministry, while strengthening their personal, professional, and theological capacities through reflecting upon, understanding, and growing from the lived experience of ministry. Residents are able to enhance their sense of personal, professional identity, to strengthen their capacity for theological reflection, to improve their pastoral ministry skills, and to deepen their own spirituality.
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 spiritual care training, and must be able to articulate clearly their professional goals and motivation for the intensive training. Because of the intensity, the residency program requires a full-time commitment without any other part-time or full-time study or job in order to have the maximum benefit of integration and transformation the residency program can offer. Residents are employed by the hospital and therefore must meet all of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s standards for employment.
International applicants should apply at least 12-15 months before the beginning of each residency to allow for enough time to secure Visa and other necessary documents.
For any inquiries or to submit an application, contact:
Rev. Frank Mächt
Director, Department of Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education
ACPE Certified Educator
frank.r.macht@vumc.orgChris Cox
Administrative Assistant, Department of Spiritual Care
CPE Registrar
william.c.cox@vumc.org
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VUMC has offered a Fall extended unit (between July-December) and a Spring Extended Unit (between January-June). These units are part-time (16-20 hour commitment depending on length of unit) and are geared towards those with other professional or educational responsibilities.
However, for the 2026-27 academic year, our internship program is currently on hold. We may begin to offer placement in 2027. Please inquire regarding any updates.
Rev. Frank Mächt
Director, Department of Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education
ACPE Certified Educator
frank.r.macht@vumc.orgChris Cox
Administrative Assistant, Department of Spiritual Care
CPE Registrar
william.c.cox@vumc.org
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We currently do not plan to offer CPE full-time Summer units.