Capstone University launches CPE Center Accreditation Board

Capstone University has launched a new accrediting body for on-site clinical pastoral education training, positioning itself as an alternative for learning centers that need nationally recognized accreditation. The move comes as Medicare reimbursement rules and prior accreditation gaps put pressure on chaplaincy training sites to secure compliant oversight.

Why it matters: - Capstone University’s new accreditation board could help CPE learning centers regain or secure recognition needed to offer accredited training. - On-site chaplaincy training programs can face reimbursement risk if they lack proper accreditation for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements. - The board is aimed at strengthening clinical pastoral education standards across the chaplaincy and spiritual care field.

What happened: - Capstone University announced the Capstone CPE Center Accreditation Board on Nov. 2, 2026. - The university said organizations that provide on-site CPE training can apply for accreditation through the new board. - Capstone said approved sites can begin offering fully accredited CPE units after required verifications. - Capstone said it can offer the program through its partnership with Carolina Christian College, which is accredited by ABHE.

The details: - Learning centers seeking accreditation must present their CPE supervisors to Capstone for interviews and vetting. - Capstone said supervisors must demonstrate the proper credentials and training to oversee CPE programs. - The Graduate Academy of CPE Supervision, or GACS, is available for people seeking to become CPE supervisors, educators or diplomates. - Capstone said GACS uses a research-based, standardized curriculum. - Supervisors at accredited sites must become adjunct professors of Capstone University. - Capstone said CPE at accredited sites functions as an extension of the university and may be treated as equivalent to college coursework. - Students who complete Capstone-accredited CPE units may apply for university credit. - Organizations interested in developing a CPE learning center can get help from Capstone to start the process. - Capstone said the new board is open to learning centers already affiliated with other CPE groups, including ICPT, BICPT, CSCPF, CPSP, CPEI, WHSO, HCMA and ACPE. - ABHE is approved by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.

Between the lines: - Capstone is entering a space that has reportedly faced an accreditation gap since October 2024, when a well-known organization withdrew from the DOE renewal process and did not pursue DOE accreditation afterward. - The move positions Capstone as a direct solution for training sites that need a path back to recognized oversight. - Capstone framed the effort as a way to keep chaplaincy aligned with research-informed professional standards. - The university’s pitch also ties accreditation to funding compliance, which raises the stakes for hospitals and other sites that depend on CMS reimbursement.

What's next: - Capstone said CPE learning centers interested in accreditation can contact the Capstone CPE Center Accreditation Board to begin the process. - The university asked prospective applicants to email info@capstoneuniversity.org for more information. - Capstone is expected to use the new board to expand accredited on-site clinical pastoral education programs.

The bottom line: - Capstone University is turning accreditation into a new service line, with compliance, reimbursement and training quality all wrapped into one offer.