Why CPEI
CPEI combines rigorous formation, flexible online and hybrid learning, inclusive community, and practical preparation for students, chaplains, and supervisor-educators serving in complex real-world settings.
An Unparalleled Experience
CPEI provides high-quality clinical pastoral education for learners preparing to offer spiritual care in hospitals, hospices, correctional settings, congregations, community organizations, military and veteran settings, and other places where people seek meaning, support, and care.
Our programs are designed for adult learners who need strong supervision, meaningful peer reflection, clear standards, and flexible delivery that fits the realities of ministry, employment, family, and service.
CPEI is intentionally designed for learners and institutions that need flexible access without sacrificing depth, accountability, or professional standards.
Access
With online and hybrid modalities, CPEI makes clinical pastoral education more accessible to students who may not be able to relocate, pause employment, or attend traditional in-person programs.
Formation
CPEI prepares students not only to complete program requirements, but to reflect deeply, respond ethically, and care well in moments of crisis, grief, transition, and spiritual need.
Community
Students learn in small cohorts that support honest reflection, peer learning, supervision, and the development of pastoral identity and professional practice.
Standards
CPEI emphasizes transparent policies, documented processes, competency-based learning, assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Inclusion
CPEI welcomes learners from diverse faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, professional settings, and vocational callings.
Growth
Students and graduates can continue into credentialing, supervisory education, continuing education, professional development, Cadres, and service within the CPEI community.
CPEI offers education for those preparing for professional spiritual care and for experienced professionals called to supervise, teach, and lead.
Clinical Pastoral Education
The CPE program prepares students for spiritual care practice, professional formation, and credentialing pathways.
Supervisory Education
The Supervisory Education program prepares qualified professionals to teach, supervise, evaluate, and lead in clinical pastoral education.
Education With Impact
CPEI’s Annual Report highlights strong student satisfaction and continued enrollment growth, reflecting a learning model designed for accessible, high-quality pastoral education.
Student satisfaction responses indicated that students achieved their goals, would recommend their studies, and were satisfied with their experience.
The Annual Report identified a 79% increase in new CPE/SEC enrollments.
The Annual Report identified a 70% increase in diverse student population, including faith group diversity.
CPEI supports learners and partners across many care settings, disciplines, and vocational paths.
For those seeking formation, supervised practice, and preparation for professional chaplaincy or related spiritual care roles.
For religious leaders seeking deeper pastoral formation, reflective practice, and clinical experience.
For counselors, social workers, nurses, physicians, and others who want to strengthen spiritual care skills.
For experienced professionals preparing to supervise students and lead clinical pastoral education programs.
For hospitals, hospices, community agencies, and other organizations seeking accessible, high-quality CPE programs.
For chaplains and supervisor-educators seeking credentialing, continuing education, peer connection, and professional engagement.
CPEI programs are structured to provide clear expectations, strong supervision, and accessible pathways for adult learners.
Flexible learning options designed for today’s students and care professionals.
Each certificate program includes four courses/units totaling 1,600 hours.
CPEI offers intensive and standard course formats depending on program and scheduling.
Tuition is listed by unit/course for transparency and planning.
Professional Pathways
CPEI’s programs are connected to professional pathways through accreditation, recognitions, authorizations, and partnerships that help expand opportunities for students and spiritual care professionals.
CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.
CPEI is authorized to issue IACET Continuing Education Units for eligible continuing education activities.
CPEI is approved for VA Educational Benefits for eligible students enrolled in preparatory CPE and SEC courses.
CPEI’s CPE is recognized or approved by professional chaplaincy organizations including APC/BCCI, NACC, NAVAC, and EBCC.
Clinical pastoral education is formation for the moments when presence matters most. CPEI helps learners develop the self-awareness, theological reflection, ethical grounding, and practical skills needed to serve people with compassion and competence.
Explore CPEI’s programs, review the application process, or connect with us to learn which pathway is right for you.