Clinical Pastoral Education & Training (CPE/T)
Director of Clinical Pastoral Education and Training (CPE/T): Rvd. Dr. John R. Muñiz, PhD, D. Min., M.Div., MPA, MBA, BS.
Director of Clinical Pastoral Education/Training (CPE/T): online and in-person program through intensives on didactics.
Note: The Clinical Pastoral Education/Training program follows the tradition, methodology, and clinical practices established by American Chaplain Anton T. Boison in the 20th century. He was a leading figure in the hospital chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education movements (en.m.wikipedia.org, 2025).
Training locations (must be approved by the Director):
Hospitals, clinics, hospices, nursing homes, community centers, military installations, and prisons.
The CPE/T Program:
Each unit of CPE/T consists of 400 hours of clinical practice, including 100 hours of didactic instruction. The employed method will involve clinical cases derived from engaging individuals who are experiencing illness, stress, anxiety, trauma, or other significant human experiences. The case studies will be discussed, processed, and reflected upon both in group discussions and
individually. These subjects will explore the theological, psychological, social, and emotional dimensions of the human experience. The didactic instruction will also cover advanced psychology, various psychoanalytic theories, and the history of the clinical pastoral movement.
Different aspects of chaplaincy will be explored, such as military, hospital, hospice, and corporate chaplaincy. The definitions of clinical pastoral education/training and the clinical method of training will be presented and discussed.
Special topics that will be covered are death and dying, fetal demise, trauma, sexual abuse, ADHD, Autistic children, and working with Alzheimer’s patients and families. Also, stages of grief, listening with the third ear, and self-reflection will be discussed.
This program consists of 400 clinical hours and didactics for each unit of CPE/T, a total of four units of CPE/T will be required for a total of 1600 clinical hours including didactics.
The CPE/T Program requirements
-
To complete the chaplaincy program, one must hold an accredited Master of Divinity degree or an equivalent qualification. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. An evaluation will be conducted if one possesses a degree in counseling or a related field.
-
The associate chaplaincy program requires an accredited bachelor’s degree in any subject area. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
-
Must be an ethical person and respect the dignity of human life.
-
Must be a member of a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue in good standing and be in the process of ordination or be ordained.
-
Must provide a letter of recommendation from your religious leader.
-
You must fill out the application form from CPSP.org. This will be provided.
-
You will need to join a chapter of CPSP. The Director will facilitate this process.
-
Must be willing to undergo a background check. The trainee will cover the cost of this background check.
-
Be concerned for the community's well-being and work in different contexts, cultures, and religious environments. One is a chaplain to all people, not just one’s faith group.
-
Must be open to learning, reflecting, adopting, and accepting constructive feedback from
peers and supervisors. This will be done professionally and ethically.
Tuition
This joint program is between the Lutheran Orthodox Church, Diocese of Puerto Rico, and Revelation University of Miami. The cost is US$1,000.00 for each unit of CPE/T. Four units of CPE/T are required for a total cost of $4,000.00. The cost of books is not included. However, there will be material that will be provided as part of the curriculum at no charge. A deposit of US$ 200.00 is required before starting the program. All payments will be made to the Lutheran Orthodox Church, C/O Rev. Dr. John R. Muñiz. Payment plans are available upon request. Revelation University will receive compensation directly from the Lutheran Orthodox Church through the Bishop’s office. There is no additional cost for this training.
Board Certification Process:
The board certification process can proceed after the trainee has completed four units of CPE/T. The trainee must belong to a chapter of the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP.org). The program's Director will assist each trainee in locating a chapter. Once the trainee becomes a chapter member, the application process for board certification begins. Then the trainee will be considered a candidate and will be prepared by the chapter for the board certification. All the required paperwork will be submitted to the board who will be conducting the certification review. The candidate will be required to submit two case studies, an autobiography, a theory paper on one's pastoral care and counseling techniques, a paper on suffering, and any other requirements deemed necessary by the committee. This is a lengthy
process, however, when this process is completed and the candidate achieves board-certified Chaplain status, he or she will be ready to work at any institution.
The Lutheran Orthodox Church and Revelation University collaborate with the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP), the organization that examines the candidate's credentials and conducts a certification interview. There are other organizations that provide certification; however, our director holds credentials with CPSP and will be working with the trainees to become certified with CPSP. This interview will involve at least three board-certified chaplains reviewing the candidate and the documentation submitted. Once the candidate satisfactorily passes the review process, they are granted board certification status. Membership must be maintained in both the chapter and at the national headquarters of CPSP.org. CPSP is one of the nation’s leading organizations in the pastoral care movement, clinical chaplaincy, and psychotherapy.
If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact the Clinical Director, The Rt. Rev. Dr. John R.
Muñiz, at 201-936-8885 or email him at bishopjohnmuniz@gmail.com.
What is I.R.B.O.?
It is a credential program created by a combined group of national and international organizations in the field of Drug Dependency, Counseling, Chaplaincy, and Therapeutic Communities, which arises from the need to certify mental health professionals who are trained to work in therapeutic communities.
Professionals who are certified must demonstrate that they have the skills to provide youth and adults with assessment, planning, counseling, treatment, case management, and continuity in particular.
They must be up to date on the type of rehabilitation treatment, also in pharmacology, and procedures required for voluntary admission, etc.
What is I.R.B.O.?
It is a credential program created by a combined group of national and international organizations in the field of Drug Dependency, Counseling, Chaplaincy, and Therapeutic Communities, which arises from the need to certify mental health professionals who are trained to work in therapeutic communities.
Professionals who are certified must demonstrate that they have the skills to provide youth and adults with assessment, planning, counseling, treatment, case management, and continuity in particular.
They must be up to date on the type of rehabilitation treatment, also in pharmacology, and procedures required for voluntary admission, etc.
