About CPEI
Clinical Pastoral Education International is part of a long tradition of learning through supervised practice, reflection and compassionate spiritual care. CPEI carries that tradition forward through accessible online and hybrid Clinical Pastoral Education.
Clinical Roots
Clinical Pastoral Education developed in the early twentieth century as leaders in theology and medicine explored ways to connect classroom study with supervised care in clinical settings.
Rev. Anton T. Boisen became one of the central pioneers of this movement. He emphasized learning from the experiences of real people — what he called “living human documents” — alongside traditional theological texts.
In 1925, Boisen offered the first unit of clinical pastoral training at Worcester State Hospital in Massachusetts. Students served in the clinical environment and learned through direct experience, seminars, reflection and supervision.
Dr. Richard Cabot of Harvard Medical School also helped shape the developing movement by advocating for supervised clinical experience and the use of case-based learning in theological education.
These early efforts helped establish principles that continue to influence Clinical Pastoral Education today: learning through practice, reflection, supervision and the integration of theology, identity and care.
Milestones
CPEI’s story is connected to the broader development of Clinical Pastoral Education while representing a newer chapter in access, institutional accreditation and online learning.
Anton T. Boisen offers the first unit of clinical pastoral training at Worcester State Hospital, bringing theological students into a supervised clinical learning environment.
The Council for Clinical Training of Theological Students is incorporated, helping organize and expand the emerging clinical approach to theological education.
Several organizations involved in clinical pastoral training come together to form the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, advancing the development of the CPE movement.
Clinical Pastoral Education International is founded in Florida with a commitment to inclusive, accessible and life-transforming Clinical Pastoral Education.
CPEI receives recognition from the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
CPEI becomes an IACET Accredited Provider, expanding its ability to offer recognized continuing education opportunities.
CPEI becomes 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 expands professional and educational pathways through recognition, approval and acceptance involving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, APC/BCCI, NACC and NAVAC.
CPEI continues to advance Clinical Pastoral Education through online and hybrid learning, supervisory education, credentialing, continuing professional development, affiliate relationships and a growing professional community.
The CPEI Story
CPEI was founded to make quality, inclusive and life-transforming Clinical Pastoral Education more accessible to students and spiritual care professionals across diverse settings.
From the Beginning
Accessible Learning
CPEI combines supervised clinical experience with online and hybrid learning, allowing students to participate in CPE while serving in hospitals, hospices, correctional institutions, congregations, community ministries and other care settings.
People, Community & Formation
CPEI’s history is not only institutional. It is also the story of students, educators, chaplains, credentialed professionals, affiliates and supporters learning and serving together.
Students
CPEI students engage in supervised learning, peer reflection and clinical practice that support personal formation and professional growth.
Educators
Supervisor-Educators help students integrate theology, self-awareness, identity, professional practice and ethical spiritual care.
Affiliates
CPEI Affiliate Organizations help make supervised clinical education available in healthcare, ministry and community settings.
Professional Community
Credentialed professionals and members contribute to continuing education, professional standards, collegial relationships and the ongoing development of spiritual care.
Professional Milestones
Recent accreditation and professional recognition have strengthened educational and professional pathways for CPEI students, graduates and spiritual care professionals.
Accreditation
CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Continuing Education
CPEI is an IACET Accredited Provider and may offer IACET Continuing Education Units for eligible continuing education activities.
Veterans
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.
Certification
CPEI is approved by APC/BCCI as a provider of Clinical Pastoral Education toward BCCI chaplain certification.
Professional Pathways
CPEI’s Clinical Pastoral Education is recognized or accepted within professional pathways involving the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains.
Looking Ahead
Guided by its mission, CPEI continues to equip chaplains and spiritual care professionals to serve with compassion and competence. Together with students, educators, members, affiliates and partners, CPEI is helping strengthen the practice of spiritual care for the future.
Expanding access to quality CPE through online and hybrid learning.
Supporting reflective practice, supervision and spiritual care identity.
Connecting students, educators, members, affiliates and partners.
Continue Exploring
Learn more about CPEI’s mission, educational programs, accreditations, recognitions and professional community.