Clinical psychospiritual education
Supervised psychospiritual education is an experienced-based approach to learning spiritual care and counselling that combines care with qualified supervision and group reflection.
We partner with Alberta Health Services and various community agencies to offer clinical psychospiritual education (CPE) programs through two theological colleges: Ambrose University in Calgary and St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton.
Certified spiritual care practitioners (SCPs), or chaplains, are trained through CPE programs, with placements in various healthcare sectors and community agencies.
Program information
CPE involves a combination of clinical work, classroom and group learning, and individual supervision. The program requirements include:
- two basic units
- two advanced units
- 1,000 work hours following advanced learning
- two written professional papers
- a consultation
Supervisor-educators are qualified to supervise a learning group of at least three students and up to seven students in a single program.
Prerequisites
Students may begin CPE training after completing a qualifying bachelor's-level degree.
Practitioners learning at an advanced level must have completed at least the first year of a qualifying master’s-level degree.
Competencies
Certified SCPs participate in a peer review process in which they demonstrate personal growth, continuing education and professional development. As certified members of the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care/Association canadienne de soins spirituels, practitioners demonstrate competence in four key domains.
Professional identity
Being rooted in a spiritual, religious or cultural tradition that connects with self, other and the sacred for a holistic and spiritually oriented approach to care and therapy. This provides the foundation to integrate the above with psychotherapeutic modalities as a way of being with and for others during times of crisis, challenge and change.
Knowledge
Integrating psychological and spiritual, religious or cultural frameworks and engaging in evidence-informed professional practice supported by current research.
Professional ethical conduct
Advocating for excellent and equitable care congruent with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. This competency demonstrates accountability to clients; the public; religious, spiritual or cultural communities; employers; and relevant regulatory and professional organizations in all professional relationships.
Professional skills
Engaging in therapeutic relationships with individuals, groups, communities and organizations. Professional SCPs are trained to be attentive to the spiritual and the sacred in each encounter.
CPE application and screening process
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Contact one of the Alberta intake supervisor-educators with any questions you may have.
Calgary/Southern Alberta
Kathy Marshall-Spate
kathy.marshall-spate@ahs.caEdmonton/Northern Alberta
Darlene Pranke
darlene.pranke@covenanthealth.ca -
Download and complete the application form and compile all the documents listed.
Submit this material to whichever CPE intake supervisor-educator is closest to you geographically.
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You will be notified that your application has been received.
Following the application deadline, we will notify applicants whether or not they have been selected for an interview.
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If you are invited to a screening interview, you will have an opportunity to meet a team of people who teach in the CPE program.
The interview is a two-way process. You will be discerning whether you want to move forward in CPE, and the team will be discerning your suitability for the next available CPE program.
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If you are selected to take part in the next available CPE, you will receive a letter of offer from the supervisor-educator.
You need this letter before you can register at either Ambrose University or St. Stephen’s College.
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Upon receiving your letter of offer, register for CPE at one of the two designated theological colleges.
In your letter, you will be instructed to register for SC 715/716: CPE Unit through Ambrose University, Calgary, or for CPE 5889: Course-Based CPE Practicum through St. Stephen’s College, Edmonton.
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Depending on your location, you will still need to register through either Ambrose University or St. Stephen’s College.
Academic credits for all CPE program offerings are transferrable to your college, seminary or university.
CPE course fees
The cost of a CPE unit is $2,800. This fee is payable with registration. Successful completion of a CPE unit will result in six academic credits at a theological college.
2023-26 CPE dates
Unit availability is dependent on the number of applications. Program and offering dates are subject to change.
Intensive Spring CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)
May 6-10, 2024 (five-day orientation) to Jul. 19, 2024 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: Jan. 12, 2024
Intensive Fall CPE Unit (Calgary)
Sep. 3-6, 2024 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 15, 2024 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2024
Extended CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)
Sep. 3-6, 2024 (four-day orientation) to Mar. 14, 2025 (two days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2024
Intensive CPE Unit (Edmonton)
Sep. 3-6, 2024 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 15, 2024 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2024
Intensive Spring CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)
May 5-9, 2025 (five-day orientation) to Jul. 18, 2025 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: Jan. 10, 2025
Intensive Fall CPE Unit (Calgary)
Sep. 2-5, 2025 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 14, 2025
Deadline for applications: May 9, 2025
Extended CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)
Sep. 2-5, 2025 (four-day orientation) to Mar. 13, 2026 (two days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 9, 2025
Intensive CPE Unit (Edmonton)
Sep. 2-5, 2025 (four-day orientation) to Nov. 14, 2025 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: May 9, 2025
Spring Intensive CPE Unit (Calgary and Edmonton)
May 4-8, 2026 (five-day orientation) to Jul. 17, 2026 (five days/week)
Deadline for applications: Jan. 9, 2026
Update on CPE in Alberta
Contact
Rev. Kathy Marshall-Spate, Certified Supervisor-Educator
Intake CPE Supervisor, Calgary and Southern Alberta
c/o Spiritual Care Services
Foothills Medical Centre
1403 29 Street NW
Calgary AB T2N 2T9
Email: kathy.marshall-spate@ahs.ca
Phone: 403.944.0945
Dr. Darlene Pranke, Certified Supervisor-Educator
Intake CPE Supervisor-Educator, Edmonton and Northern Alberta
c/o St. Stephen’s College
8810 112 Street NW
Edmonton AB T6G 2J6
Email: darlene.pranke@covenanthealth.ca
Phone: 587.785.1536