Hospital's chaplain education program earns accreditation
The Wilson Times
ROCKY MOUNT — The Nash clinical pastoral education program, a service of Nash UNC Health Care, has recently been granted full accreditation by the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy and the Commission for Pastoral and Psychotherapy Training.
In order to receive this recognition, Nash UNC’s pastoral education program went through a yearlong assessment that evaluated the quality of training and the ability to provide job opportunities for those interested in the graduate-level course.
The clinical pastoral education program has been offered at Nash UNC Health Care since 2015. Since opening, 19 individuals have completed one or more units of the program. Of the 19 students, three have used the training to become a board-certified clinical chaplain or pastoral counselor and one used the training to become a faith community nurse.
“This program is not just for those who want to become a certified chaplain, but for those who feel that they would benefit from the program by learning how to care and consult with those in need through ministry,” said Danita Perkins, chaplain at Nash UNC.
According to the Commission for Pastoral and Psychotherapy Training, accreditation assures trainees and potential employers that the training program meets the most rigorous standards of the profession.
Successfully achieving accreditation assures that Nash’s CPE training program is in good standing with clear support from hospital administration.
“Hospital chaplains are a key part of the patient and family experience,” said Lee Isley, president and CEO of Nash UNC Health Care. “When requested, they provide a listening ear, emotional support and spiritual guidance to patients, family members, friends and even other hospital staff. This accreditation acknowledges the high quality of education and training provided by our clinical pastoral education program, and the hard work of our community’s chaplains.”
For more information about the Nash Clinical Pastoral Education Training Center or Nash UNC’s pastoral care program, call 252-962-8534.
