This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Program accreditation
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
Program goal
To provide clinical education for pastoral care professionals as well as other health care providers in the spiritual care of patients and families within an interdisciplinary context
Student learning outcomes
- Develop a personal/professional individual learning plan (ACPE Standard 2, Outcome 1.9)
- Initiate peer and individual consultation (ACPE Standard 2, Outcome 1.3)
- Initiate patient/family visits and conduct spiritual assessment (ACPE Standard 2, Outcome 1.7)
- Demonstrate various types of spiritual care applications and skills tailored to specific patient encounters (ACPE Standard 2, Outcome 1.6)
- Demonstrate growth in one’s personal and professional identity formation (ACPE Standard 2, Outcome 1.1)
VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs
The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.
It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.
Degree candidacy requirements
A graduate student admitted to a program or concentration requiring a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation, must qualify for continuing master’s or doctoral status according to the degree candidacy requirements of the student’s graduate program. Admission to degree candidacy, if applicable, is a formal statement by the graduate student’s faculty regarding the student’s academic achievements and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following degree candidacy policy as published in the VCU Graduate Bulletin for complete information and instructions.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on degree candidacy requirements.
Graduation requirements
As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.
Other information
Students receive a Department of Patient Counseling student handbook during orientation.
Admission requirements
| Degree: | Semester(s) of entry: | Deadline dates: | Test requirements: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Summer | May 1 |
In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, applicants must have successfully completed undergraduate training and hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution reflecting ability to perform at the graduate level. Students must apply and be accepted to VCU’s Graduate School to participate in our Clinical Pastoral Education program. This program also requires the submission of a resume, the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education application materials and a personal interview with faculty. Application fact sheets and narrative instructions can be found on the ACPE website.
Applicants holding degrees from recognized foreign institutions should display an acceptable level of English proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL paper-based examination or 100 on the Internet-based examination. Ability to communicate orally and in writing must be presented to the Department of Patient Counseling Admissions Committee.
Degree requirements
In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, students must complete 12 credit hours of study according to one of the established curricula. Course substitutions require faculty approval.
Curriculum requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core requirements | ||
| PATC 515 | Basic Patient Counseling | 9 |
| Electives | ||
| PATC 500-level or higher elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this certificate is 12.
Contact
Angela H. Flack, M.Div.
Assistant professor, director of education, graduate program director and adviser
aflack@vcu.edu
(804) 828-0540
Additional contact
Marilyn J.D. Barnes, M.P.H.
Assistant professor and chair
barnesmj5@vcu.edu
(804) 828-0540