CPEI Receives DEAC Approval to Offer Its Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education in Spanish

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Applications Now Open for First Spanish-Language Cohort Beginning August 30 

ORANGE PARK, Fla. - July 17, 2026 - Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) to offer its Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in Spanish.

 

The approval marks an important step in CPEI's mission to make quality Clinical Pastoral Education more accessible and to prepare chaplains, pastoral counselors, and spiritual care professionals to serve people in a wide variety of settings. CPEI is currently the only institution accredited by DEAC to offer Clinical Pastoral Education, and the newly approved Spanish-language program expands access to that accredited certificate for Spanish-speaking students.

 

The newly approved Spanish-language program offers the same curriculum, faculty support, and educational experience as CPEI's English-language Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education. Developed by CPEI's academic leadership in partnership with native Spanish-speaking CPE Supervisor-Educators, the program was designed to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking students while meeting DEAC's standards for Spanish-language instruction.

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population in the United States reached 65.2 million in 2023, representing nearly one in five Americans. By offering its Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education in Spanish, CPEI hopes to make professional CPE more accessible to Spanish-speaking students preparing to serve their communities.

 

"Our mission has always been to prepare compassionate, competent spiritual care professionals who are equipped to serve wherever they are called," said Dr. Dallas E. Speight, Chief Executive Officer of CPEI. "Receiving DEAC approval to offer our Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education in Spanish allows us to reach more students. As healthcare organizations and communities become more diverse, education must keep pace. We hope this program will prepare more Spanish-speaking chaplains and spiritual care professionals to serve those who need them."

 

"This has truly been a team effort," said Dr. Gregory A. Delort, Chief Academic Officer. "Our goal was never simply to translate course materials. We wanted to build a program that feels natural for Spanish-speaking students, from the curriculum and learning resources to faculty support. We're excited to welcome our first cohort this fall."

 

Clinical Pastoral Education is a supervised, hands-on learning experience that helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness needed to provide compassionate spiritual care. By adding a Spanish-language program, CPEI is expanding opportunities for more students to prepare for ministry and chaplaincy in healthcare, hospice, military, correctional, congregational, and community settings.

 

Applications are now being accepted for CPEI's first Spanish-language CPE cohort beginning August 30, 2026. The application deadline for the Fall 2026 term is August 3, 2026. Early application is encouraged.

 

For more information or to begin the admissions process, visit www.cpei.edu or contact the CPEI Registrar at registrar@cpei.edu.



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About Clinical Pastoral Education International

 

Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) is a DEAC-accredited institution dedicated to preparing chaplains, pastoral counselors, and spiritual care professionals through high-quality education and professional training. CPEI offers two certificate programs-Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and Supervisor Education & Clinical Pastoral Supervision (SEC)-along with continuing education and professional credentialing for individuals serving in healthcare, hospice, military, correctional, congregational, and community settings.





A Note Of Thanks




L to R: Dr. Greg Delort, Chaplain Beth Jones,
Dr. Dallas E. Speight, and Chaplain Jeanet Berruecos


L to R: Dr. Greg Delort, Chaplain Beth Jones,
Dr. Dallas E. Speight, and Dr. Elias D. Burgos

CPEI extends its sincere appreciation to Chaplain Jeanet Berruecos and Dr. Elias D. Burgos for their invaluable assistance during the DEAC review process. Chaplain Berruecos serves as an Educator Supervisor with Georgia Theological University's East Campus in Huntsville, Alabama, and Dr. Burgos serves as an Educator Supervisor with its West Campus in Sacramento, California. Georgia Theological University is a CPEI affiliate. Their many hours spent reviewing, editing, and refining CPEI's Spanish-language materials were instrumental in helping ensure the quality and accuracy of the documents submitted for DEAC review. We are deeply grateful for their expertise, dedication, and generous support.