Access
Flexible by Design
Online and hybrid modalities make Clinical Pastoral Education accessible to students who may not be able to relocate, pause employment or attend a traditional residential program.
Why CPEI
CPEI combines rigorous formation, flexible online and hybrid learning, inclusive community and practical preparation for students, chaplains and spiritual care 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.
Programs are designed for adult learners who need meaningful supervision, peer reflection, clear expectations and flexible delivery that can fit alongside ministry, employment, family and service.
The CPEI Approach
CPEI is designed for learners and institutions that need flexible access without sacrificing depth, accountability or professional standards.
Access
Online and hybrid modalities make Clinical Pastoral Education accessible to students who may not be able to relocate, pause employment or attend a traditional residential program.
Formation
CPEI asks students not only to complete program requirements, but to reflect deeply, respond ethically and grow in the practice of compassionate spiritual care.
Community
Students learn through small-group engagement, individual supervision, peer learning and reflective practice that support the development of pastoral identity and professional competence.
Standards
CPEI emphasizes documented policies, competency-based learning, assessment, evaluation and continuous institutional improvement.
Inclusion
CPEI serves learners from varied faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, professional settings and vocational paths.
Growth
Students and graduates can continue into credentialing, supervisory education, continuing education, professional development and engagement within the CPEI community.
Education Pathways
CPEI offers certificate programs for those developing professional spiritual care competencies and for experienced professionals preparing to supervise and educate others.
Clinical Pastoral Education
The Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education supports spiritual care practice, professional formation, reflective learning and preparation for further professional pathways.
Supervisory Education
The Certificate in CPE Supervisory Education prepares qualified professionals to develop competency in pastoral supervision, teaching, evaluation and educational leadership.
A Broad Spiritual Care Community
CPEI supports learners, professionals and partner organizations 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 professionals who want to deepen their understanding of spiritual care, reflective practice and human needs.
For experienced professionals preparing to supervise learners and support Clinical Pastoral Education.
For healthcare organizations, ministries, educational institutions and community organizations seeking to partner with CPEI.
For chaplains and spiritual care educators seeking credentialing, continuing education, professional resources and connection.
Program Snapshot
CPEI programs are structured to provide clear expectations, strong supervision and accessible pathways for adult learners.
Flexible delivery supports students in a variety of locations and professional settings.
Each certificate program consists of four courses totaling 1,600 hours.
Course scheduling includes intensive and standard formats depending on the offering.
Current tuition is $1,375 per CPE or SEC course/unit.
Professional Pathways
CPEI’s accreditation and professional recognitions support educational quality and create important pathways for students, graduates and spiritual care professionals.
CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
CPEI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training as a provider of continuing education units for eligible activities.
CPEI is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to offer education benefits to eligible veterans, active-duty service members and other qualified individuals.
CPEI’s Clinical Pastoral Education is accepted or recognized within professional pathways that include APC/BCCI, NACC and NAVAC.
Clinical Pastoral Education is formation for the moments when presence matters most. CPEI helps learners develop self-awareness, reflective practice, ethical grounding and practical spiritual care skills for service with compassion and competence.
Take the Next Step
Explore CPEI’s programs, review the application process, or learn more about how Clinical Pastoral Education works.