Valley Baptist Health System consists of numerous entities, of which two are medical centers (to view an exciting video about Valley Baptist Health System click on the following link 2006 Annual Video Report). The Valley Baptist Medical Center - Harlingen (VBMC-H) is an affiliate of the Valley Baptist Health System (VBHS) and is an acute care hospital facility with over 600 beds and numerous specialty care areas and programs. It is a Level III Trauma center located in Harlingen in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The Valley Baptist Medical Center - Brownsville (VBMC-B) is a 243-bed hospital that has provided a broad range of quality medical and health care services to the Brownsville community since 1923. The rich Hispanic culture of the area, coupled with VBMC's close proximity to Mexico, provides Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students with the opportunity to experience training in a multi-cultural environment. The large influx of winter visitors from the northern states and Canada adds to this cultural mix. Harlingen is also located a short drive from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches at South Padre Island.

Clinical Pastoral Education within the Valley Baptist Health System at VBMC - Harlingen provides ecumenical professional training for clergy and others who will be engaged in future ministry. The CPE Center at Valley Baptist Medical Center - Harlingen is an Action/Reflection learning process under the direction and supervision of an ACPE Certified Pastoral Educator. The VBMC-H CPE Center is accredited by The Association For Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE), 1549 Clairmont Road, Suite 103, Decatur, GA 30033. telephone: (404) 320-1472 WWW.ACPE.EDU. The CPE program offers ACPE Accredited training for Level I CPE and Level II CPE. The program offers the opportunity to integrate theology and behavioral sciences into real life situations and crisis ministry. If you would like to ask questions about our CPE Center that may not be covered here or request an application packet, you may send an E-Mail message to the Pastoral Services Education Coordinator, Ms. Enrica L. Kirksey, by clicking on the E-Mail address of enrica.kirksey@valleybaptist.net and you will receive a prompt reply. After obtaining the CPE information you desire on this webpage, you may learn more about the Pastoral Services Department of Valley Baptist Health System by clicking on the following: http://www.valleybaptist.net/services/spiritualsupport and to learn more about the entire Valley Baptist Health System you can click here on http://www.valleybaptist.net/.

Clinical Pastoral Education provides a training environment for those aspiring to be institutional chaplains and others who are preparing for professional and vocational ministry. The learning gained in a CPE program is also applicable to a church parish, military ministry, industrial ministry or any other ministry setting.  The CPE program at VBMC-H offers students a variety of opportunities to reflect upon their experiences with peers, a certified pastoral education supervisor and other professionals.  Students will be involved in seminars and other training opportunities that assist them in the formation and understanding of one's pastoral identity. Pastoral skills will be gained that lead to increased professional competence.  Elements of the program include Didactic Seminars, Worship Conferences, Interpersonal Relationship Sessions, Pastoral Care Conferences, Individual Supervision and Crisis Ministry experiences while serving as the On-Call Chaplain in rotation with other students.  Clinical Assignments during each training unit provide opportunities for direct ministry to patients, families and hospital staff members. Students have the opportunity to observe surgical procedures, a post-mortem examination and other medically related training that increase understanding and empathy.

Students accepted for a CPE Residency are concurrently employed as full-time employees in order that they may receive all medical and other benefits of a VBHS employee.

CPE Residency Information