Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a program "committed to advancing experience-based theological education for seminarians, clergy, and lay persons of diverse cultures, ethnic groups and faith traditions." (adapted from ACPE mission statement). CPE provides interns with practical, on-site experience outside of the local church and the opportunity to witness the challenges and joys of ministry to those needing clinical care. Palmer students accepted into a CPE program may serve in a hospital, hospice or other clinical site. Students work directly with a supervising chaplain in the areas of visitation, counseling and chaplaincy training, and are educated in their role as hospital or clinical site staff, often discovering ministry opportunities with other employees. CPE sites are nationally accredited through several governing bodies. Among these are the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), and the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP).