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Providence Portland Medical Center offers clinical pastoral education (CPE), bringing together theological students, qualified laypersons, and clergy of all faiths (pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and others) into supervised encounter with persons in crisis. The CPE program is an in-depth learning opportunity for people who wish to develop or enhance their personal, professional, and theological competency in the art of spiritual care. CPE asks that students take risks, try new approaches to ministry, reflect on their assumptions, and believe that every experience is an opportunity for learning. The program is accredited by ACPE, the standard for spiritual care and education, a U.S. Department of Education recognized organization.

Our curriculum embodies the mission of the ACPE as well as the mission and core values of Providence St. Joseph Health. We believe that learning is enriched by diversity. We are committed to providing a clinical learning environment that fosters human growth and dignity. Our educational philosophy is participatory and collegial. This philosophy is congruent with the mission and core values of Providence St. Joseph Health, where we are committed to being a workplace where diversity is honored, the spirits of caregivers and patients are nurtured, and where the core values of compassion, respect, justice, excellence and stewardship guide our work.

Providence Portland Medical Center CPE Programs
Additional links

We begin accepting applications for 2022-2023 CPE Residency Program on October 18, 2021.

2022-2023 Residency Program
  • September 19, 2022 to September 16, 2023
    Tuition: $500 per unit
    Applications accepted from October 18, 2021 until program is filled. Electronic copies preferred; email to Sandra Walker.
  • Application fee: $35
    • Application fee may be mailed to:
      CPE Program Spiritual Care Department
      Providence Portland Medical Center
      4805 NE Glisan St.
      Portland, OR 97213
Extended Units

At this time, we are not accepting applications for Extended Units of CPE.

Rev. Sandy WalkerRev. Sandy Walker is an ACPE Certified Educator by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. She is ordained and endorsed for specialized ministry by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Sandy has supervised CPE students in a variety of clinical venues for over twenty years. Her educational philosophy is informed by narrative theory, developmental psychology, and constructivist teaching. Her style is collaborative and relational. Sandy served on the ACPE Certification Commission for twelve years and currently serves as a member of the ACPE Pacific Area Accreditation Committee.