ACPE Certified Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Sutter Health California Pacific Medical Center

Sutter Health CPMC CPE provides a minimum of 250 supervised clinical hours alongside 150 structured educational hours for each training unit of CPE.  We currently offer student positions that include:

• A stipend of approximately $55,000.00
• Paid time off for major holidays and personal leave
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for students and their family
• Opportunities for a second year training in a healthcare specialty area and focusing on Board Certification Competencies
• 52 weeks that begin and end in September of each year

Our clinical areas span across four distinct medical facilities, each offering various specialties in healthcare.

Admission Policy

Sutter Health CPMC does not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, ethnicity, religious/spiritual tradition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or disability. 

Admission is determined by the following:

• Completed materials as required in the ACPE application
• Formal undergraduate degree from an accredited institution preferred (required for a Residency)
• Graduate degree from an accredited institution in a related field of study preferred
• At least one completed unit of CPE preferred for a Residency
• An Admissions interview

How to Apply

Select the link below to apply. Go to https://acpe.edu/education/cpe-students/cpe-application for more information about ACPE programs.

Priority is given to applications received before April 30 of each year. A rolling admissions process will take effect until all positions are filled.

For more information, please call (415) 600-2830 or send an email to the address above.

Clinical Site Descriptions

Across the years, Sutter Health CPMC has sought to keep its identity as the “hospital without walls,” and its CPE program is no exception. Since 1965, the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), has fully accredited our program to offer Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). ACPE is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) to accredit CPE programs in the United States.

Sutter Health CPMC holds a legacy of instituting healthcare education for generations of caregivers and fostering distinct learning environments across its clinical sites. Since its inception over a century ago, Sutter Health CPMC has assumed different names, affiliations, mergers, and locations to provide quality healthcare services in San Francisco. The Joint Commission recognizes this hospital as a Primary Stroke Center for an exceptional ability to provide high-quality stroke care.

Our four campuses located within the city of San Francisco all provide exemplary inpatient, emergency, and outpatient services that offer Chaplain Students an opportunity to support those receiving care from comprehensive medical services:

The Davies Campus, located near the Castro and Upper Market neighborhoods, is an inpatient hospital for general medical treatment and surgical procedures that includes: the Primary Stroke Center; the CPMC Neuroscience Center; the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center and Behavioral Health services; the Buncke Clinic for reconstructive surgery; and the CPMC Regional Rehabilitation Center.

The Mission Bernal Campus and Orthopedic Institute, located near the Mission and Bernal Heights neighborhoods, is an inpatient hospital for general medical treatment and surgical procedures that includes: an Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit; the Women's Clinic for pregnancy and gynecologic care; orthopedic care; 24-hour emergency care; and inpatient palliative care.

The Van Ness Campus, located near the Pacific Heights and Tenderloin neighborhoods, is an inpatient hospital for general medical treatment and surgical procedures that includes: the Transplant Center, Birth Center, Vascular Surgery and Intervention Service, and the Kanbar Cardiac Care Center.

The Pacific Heights Outpatient Center, located near the Pacific Heights neighborhood, is an ambulatory center for key medical services includes: dialysis; cancer radiation and infusion therapy; podiatry; ophthalmology; and same day surgeries.

Sutter Health CPMC is fully accredited to offer Clinical Pastoral Education by ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education, 1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328; office phone (404) 320-1472.

ACPE Center Annual Notice