Extraordinary Care with a Higher Degree of Caring
What is Clinical Pastoral Education?
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is interfaith, professional education for ministry.
It brings theological students, qualified laypersons, and ministers of all faiths
(pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, and others) into supervised encounter with persons
in crisis. Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback
from peers and teachers, CPE participants develop new awareness of themselves as
persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection
on specific human situations, they gain a new understanding of ministry. Within
the interdisciplinary team process of helping persons, they develop skills in interpersonal
and interprofessional relationships. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about CPE
CPE supports the Nebraska Medical Center’s Mission to be “dedicated to excellence
and innovation in compassionate, quality healthcare through teamwork, education,
and research.” The CPE program is ideally situated in this 685-bed state-of-the-art
university medical school teaching hospital. The program is directed by a qualified
supervisor and is supported by an experienced team of professionals including administrators,
staff chaplains, physicians, nurses, and community clergy.
The CPE program teaches participants how to assess and support the spiritual needs
and strengths of patients, families, and staff in a compassionate, ethical, and
competent manner. The CPE program is committed to a clinical and educational environment
that fosters trust, teamwork, professional growth and open communication as well
an appreciation for the diversity of our patients, their families, our staff and
the community. CPE participants are assigned to clinical units within the Nebraska
Medical Center according to the learning goals of students, coverage needs of the
Pastoral Care Department, and availability of staff chaplains for clinical coordination
and mentoring.
What are the CPE programs offered?
The programs are as follows: (1) a full-time yearlong residency (20) a part-time
extended internship and (3) a full-time summer internship. A stipend is provided
for full-time residents and summer interns. Extended interns will complete one unit
in approximately 30 weeks. Summer interns will complete one unit in 10 weeks. The
Nebraska Medical Center CPE Program is accredited to offer CPE Level I and II.
Who comprises the faculty?
Rev. Thomas F. Backer is the Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor at the Nebraska
Medical Center. Tom recently completed his supervisory education with Alegent Health’s
CPE Program and is certified as an ACPE Associate Supervisor.
Tom holds a B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University, an M.Div. from Gordon Conwell
Theological Seminary, and an M.A. in Theology from Creighton University. Tom is
an ordained minister with Baptist General Conference and is a Board Certified Chaplain
with the Association for Professional Chaplains. Tom has experience as a hospital
chaplain, hospice chaplain, associate pastor, missionary, and a congressional aide.
Tom is also an adjunct instructor with UNMC’s Department of Family Medicine’s Residency
Program. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Michael and Bridget.
Who can apply?
The yearlong residency is designed for individuals seeking board certification as
healthcare chaplains as well as qualified lay and clergy persons who are seeking
in-depth competency in pastoral care and counseling. The extended and summer internships
are open to qualified lay as well as clergy persons who are interested in pastoral
formation and pastoral care experiences.
How do I apply?
Request an application from the Clinical Pastoral Education Department (402.552.6345).
Applications may also be downloaded from the ACPE website, www.acpe.edu.
What happens after I apply?
Upon receipt of your completed application materials and payment of the $25.00 application
fee, your application will be reviewed. In most cases, if you are a qualified applicant,
you will be asked to come for an on-site interview. Notification of a decision regarding
your application will be timely.
For more information, please contact:
Rev. Thomas F. Backer, BCC
The Nebraska Medical Center CPE Supervisor
987529 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-7529
(402) 552-6345
tbacker@nebraskamed.com
What national body/agency accredits the Nebraska Medical Center CPE Program?
The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
1549 Clairmont Road, Suite 103
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 320-1472
acpe@acpe.edu
The Nebraska Medical Center CPE Program is accredited by ACPE to offer CPE Level
I and Level II programs.