Wherever You’re From, You’re Welcome Here
At AdventHealth, part of our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ means extending a warm welcome to everyone who comes to us from other countries. Our CPE centers welcome students from around the globe with open arms. If you’re planning to apply from abroad, here are some tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
How to Apply From Abroad
Find answers and guidance below, and for more information, please contact Kimberly Yates at [email protected].
- Plan in Advance
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Submit your completed CPE application to the CPE registrar approximately one (1) year prior to the scheduled start date of the CPE unit. The Student Visa process can take six to nine months to complete after the completed application is received.
- Apply With a CPE Center and Contact ACPE
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Students applying for a one-year residency (stipend position) require a J-1 Work Study Visa — the only type recognized for CPE training. Applicants will need to have secured an acceptance letter from the CPE center prior to applying for a J-1 Visa with the ACPE. AdventHealth CPE resident applicants must provide confirmation of having received credit for a minimum of one unit of CPE from an ACPE-accredited center as a prerequisite. We only accept international students as residents who have been sponsored by ACPE for the J-1 Visa.
Students applying for a summer unit (unpaid internship) can participate in one unit of Summer CPE with a 90-day Visitor Visa, also referred to as a Travelers Visa (does not require sponsorship by ACPE). The prospective student should work directly with the embassy or consulate in their country of origin.
International applicants for all CPE programs at AdventHealth are responsible for all expenses, including but not limited to travel, housing and living expenses, transportation to and from classes and clinical sites, as well as program tuition. The J-1 Visa has specific insurance requirements as listed on the APCE website.
Again, the Visa process can take six to nine months to complete after an application is submitted and must be secured before you can begin CPE. Additional considerations are discussed on the ACPE website or through contact with ACPE.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
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Q:Question: Who Is Responsible for Housing and Expenses?
A:Answer:Housing and all living expenses (rent, electricity, phone, etc.) are the student’s responsibility. The J-1 Work Study Visa is not a sponsorship from AdventHealth CPE. As a part of the application process, you will be required to demonstrate financial means as well as proof of insurance.
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Q:Question: How Do I Find Transportation?
A:Answer:Students are responsible for their own transportation. Depending upon the area in which you apply, local public transportation options exist (like Greater Orlando’s SunRail commuter rail system), as well as paid ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. If you will not be renting a vehicle or have assistance from locals, you can explore public and ride-share transportation options.
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Q:Question: What Is the Requirement for English Language Proficiency?
A:Answer:Students must demonstrate the ability to read, write and converse fluently in English. All printed material is in English. The CPE acceptance interview will be conducted in English.
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Q:Question: What Are Your Safety Protocols and Immunization Requirements?
A:Answer:CPE students serve in a clinical environment and with the possibility of coming into contact with patients, families and visitors who may have a transmissible disease. Safety precautions are in place and personal protective equipment (PPE) is available for all students.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThere are several immunizations that are required to work in a hospital environment. All students are required to show verification they have been vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella and rubeola (MMR) and varicella (chickenpox). Additionally, it’s recommended that students stay current on their seasonal flu vaccine, Tdap (tetanus), as have completed the full hepatitis B vaccine series.
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Q:Question: Am I Required to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
A:Answer:CPE students are required to show proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOn January 12, 2022, the United States Supreme Court handed down two rulings related to the federal mandates. The Court ruled that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandate, which is for employers with more than 100 employees, will remain suspended. However, they ruled that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate, which requires health care workers to be vaccinated, will resume.
The CMS mandate applies to AdventHealth’s workforce. All health care-related workers at AdventHealth must show proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the U.S. FDA) at least two weeks prior to arrival or possess a request for a medical exemption signed by a licensed medical doctor.
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Q:Question: What Is the Health Clearance Process Like?
A:Answer:All CPE students need to pass a Health Clearance Exam upon arrival. Your acceptance letter will provide details on when and how to schedule the exam. Your immunization records will be reviewed at this appointment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerAs part of the exam, students will participate in a mask fitting, drug screening and a tuberculosis test. If you have had a positive PPD (tuberculosis test) or a BCG vaccine in the past, you will be required to provide a recent chest X-ray report that is less than six months old.
The basic exam (mask fit, drug screen, PPD) is at no cost to the CPE student. Any additional testing required, such as a chest X-ray, is the student’s financial responsibility.
If a student is unable to provide verification of the mandatory immunizations, they are available through a self-pay contract. It is not advisable to wait until the exam to receive mandatory immunizations. Some immunizations require a two-week or more interval before the second dose is given. The program schedule does not allow for a lengthy delay to your start date, which would exclude you from participation.
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Q:Question: What if I Don’t Have a U.S. Social Security Number?
A:Answer:A criminal background check is required as part of the onboarding process with Human Resources. If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number assigned to you, you must obtain a clear criminal background report in your home country prior to travel. Please check with your local law enforcement agency to learn the protocol in your country
The report may not be more than six months old at the time of your arrival to the U.S.
Level 1, 2 and Certified Educator Clinical Pastoral Education at AdventHealth Orlando CPE System Center is accredited by: ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education, 1 Concourse Parkway Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328 www.acpe.edu Call404-320-1472