Program Dates

We accept applications for all programs at any time.  The calendar month when applications will begin to be reviewed is specified under each program listed below, and beginning in that month we conduct interviews and offer acceptances on a rolling basis until the program is full, generally 2-3 months in advance. Regular tuition for extended and full time programs is $500. There is no fee to apply.

Levels of CPE Offered

Beginning in January 2024, all new students will begin CPE at Level 1a according to the New ACPE Outcomes and Indicators and proceed according to the ACPE Student Achievement policy.  Students who have completed CPE units previously may begin at a different level based on the ACPE Certified Educator's assessment; this level will be communicated in the admissions letter.   Ascension St. Vincent Hospital is accredited to offer Levels 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b by ACPE.

2024-2025 Chaplain Residency

August 26, 2024 to August 15, 2025 
Residents are paid a stipend of $43,488 and are overtime-exempt, benefit eligible associates for one year.   Residents serve five eight hour shifts a week (40 hours), one of those shifts being a night or weekend eight hour shift every 2-3 weeks.   Three units of ACPE credit, starting at Level 1b.


One completed unit of ACPE Certified CPE and a Masters Degree or equivalent is required as a pre-requisite.

Tuition of $150.00 per unit ($450 for the year)

Applications now being received and reviewed.

Fall 2024 Extended Program (Indianapolis)

August 26 to December 20, 2024 
Five days of orientation (August 26 to 30 )

Following orientation,  15 hours of chaplaincy care per week and 4 hours of group education.
Group education on Wednesdays, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
 Four hours per week, and six eight hour weekend Chaplain on Duty shifts also required at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital (Indianapolis).
The other ten hours per week of chaplaincy care could be done at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital (Indianapolis), Anderson, Kokomo or outside facility by a signed clinical placement agreement.

Applications now being received/reviewed (updated March 2024)

One unit of ACPE credit 

Spring 2025 Extended Program (Indianapolis)

January 6 to May 9, 2025

Five days of orientation (January 6 to 10)

Following orientation,  14 hours of chaplaincy care per week and 4 hours of group education.
Group education on Wednesdays, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
 Four hours per week, and six eight hour weekend Chaplain on Duty shifts also required at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital (Indianapolis).
The other ten hours per week of chaplaincy care could be done at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital (Indianapolis), Anderson, Kokomo or outside facility by a signed clinical placement agreement.

Applications now being received/will be reviewed beginning in July 2024

One unit of ACPE credit

Diversity and Inclusion 
Our CPE Program is committed to practicing the Ascension Core Value of Reverence: Honoring the Dignity and Diversity of Life.

We see diversity of all kinds as a strength and central to our vision that spiritual care leaders contribute to healthier communities, defining healthier communities as ones that "welcome diversity, practice inclusion at every level and have a holistic understanding of wellness."
We are inspired by the Ascension ABIDE Hallmarks and invite students to critically reflect on their own practice of spiritual care as well as our CPE program offerings in this light.