Professional Certificate in
End-of-Life Doula
Learning Style
100% Online Fully Online CoursesRegister By
9/13/26 No Application RequiredEarn CEUs
Earn 8 CEUs Finish in 8 WeeksSave Money
Get 25% Off Alumni DiscountEnd-of-Life Doula Certificate Program Overview
The End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate at the University of New England Online is an 8-week, 100% online program designed to prepare participants to provide compassionate, informed, non-medical support to individuals and families navigating terminal illness and end-of-life. Grounded in holistic, person-centered care, the program explores emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational aspects of dying, complementing care provided by medical and hospice teams.
Ideal for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community members, and individuals who want to be better equipped to support others through loss, this certificate builds skills in presence, advocacy, communication, and education throughout the dying and bereavement process. Participants learn how to support dignity, comfort, informed decision-making, and meaningful connection for both individuals and their loved ones. This death doula curriculum emphasizes reflective practice, ethical boundaries, and the importance of community-based support.
Taught by experienced faculty and delivered in an accessible, supportive online format, the program encourages thoughtful engagement with sensitive topics while fostering personal and professional growth. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion and CEUs, recognizing their preparation to serve as an End-of-Life Doula. This educational program does not provide licensure but equips participants with practical, transferable skills to deepen compassionate care at life’s end.
The 8-week program includes eight modules covering:
- Module 1: Overview and End-of-Life Doula Basics
- Module 2: Grief through the Lifespan
- Module 3: Communication
- Module 4: Planning for End of Life
- Module 5: End of Life from a Medical Perspective
- Module 6: Caregiving, Boundaries, and Professional Self-Care
- Module 7: Spirituality, Religion, and the Sacred at End of Life and Through Grief
- Module 8: Practical Support, Activities, and End-of-Life Rituals
Please Note: This certificate program is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, financial, or medical advice. An End-of-Life Doula role is unlicensed and unregulated. Upon completion of the University of New England End-of-Life Doula Certificate program, participants will receive a certificate of completion.
GET STARTED TODAY
How Can I Register?
Ready to take the next step? Getting started is simple, just follow the registration process to reserve your place and complete your program payment. With limited availability in each cohort, we encourage you to secure your spot early to ensure access to this experience.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or build new skills, this is your opportunity to move forward with confidence.
End-of-Life Certificate Doula Additional Modules
Enhance your skills and deepen your understanding with these optional modules. These are not required for completion of the core End-of-Life Doula course but offer valuable opportunities for those who wish to specialize further. We recommend that students complete the End-of-Life Doula (EOLD) course before enrolling in any additional modules. However, modules may also be taken concurrently if preferred.
This fully online certificate supports new and experienced death doulas in creating or strengthening a sustainable, values-driven practice. The course centers community care, emotional intelligence, and ethical entrepreneurship, offering practical tools to build a compassionate, authentic, and financially sustainable deathcare practice.
- Length: 4 weeks
- Cost: $250
- CEUs: 1.6
Designed for caregivers, death doulas, and community members, this course provides practical tools for supporting people living with dementia at end of life. Participants explore communication, relational presence, and ethical care grounded in compassion, inclusivity, and dignity for both individuals and families.
- Length: 4 weeks
- Cost: $250
- CEUs: 1
The fully online Pediatric End-of-Life Doula Certificate prepares doulas and caregivers to compassionately support children and families during end of life. Explore hospice systems, developmental awareness, grief support, and after-death care while building ethical, practical skills grounded in presence, sensitivity, and sustainable practice.
- Length: 4 weeks
- Cost: $250
- CEUs: 1.6
What are the Learning Outcomes?
As an end-of-life doula, participants will be able to:
- Provide Emotional Support: As an end-of-life doula, you have the opportunity to provide invaluable emotional support to individuals and their families during the challenging and sensitive end-of-life journey.
- Give Comfort and Peace: You can help create a peaceful and comfortable environment for the person nearing the end of their life by offering gentle companionship, listening, and being present with them.
- Deliver Education and Guidance: You can educate and guide individuals and their families through the dying process, providing information about various options, resources, and support services available to them.
- Help to Empower: End-of-life doulas empower individuals to express their wishes, make decisions about their care, and ensure their desires are respected, promoting a sense of dignity and control.
- Provide Bereavement Support: End-of-life doulas often provide bereavement support to the family after the individual has passed away, offering a compassionate presence during the grieving process.
- Create a Holistic Approach: End-of-life doulas focus on holistic care, considering physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and supporting individuals in finding comfort and meaning in their final days.
Important Dates
Register By
9/13/26Registration Deadline
Courses Start
9/14/26Start Courses Soon
Next Registration Deadline
1/10/27Explore the Program
What is the Tuition?
Tuition for our End-of-Life Doula certificate program is $750. This competitive tuition covers the comprehensive curriculum, expert instruction, and invaluable information provided throughout the duration of the program. By investing in this program, you will gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and insights to become a compassionate and skilled death doula.
Alumni Discount Available: Contact ceonline@une.edu to claim your code for 25% off.
Tuition Subject to Change
Why Choose UNE?
Flexible Online Formats
Flexible online formats designed for working professionals, career changers, and lifelong learners balancing goals, schedules, and responsibilities confidently.
Applied Learning
Applied, real-world learning focused on practical skills, clear outcomes, and immediate relevance across diverse professional contexts and industries.
Faculty
Expert instructors, supportive advising, and intentional design ensure learners gain confidence, momentum, and meaningful progress through every program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The End-of-Life Doula Certificate Program will be offered 3 times per year, and will run for 8-weeks, starting in January, April, and September.
There are no required prerequisite courses or work experience to participate in our End-of-Life Doula Certificate Program. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to join us on this transformative journey. While no specific qualifications or experience are necessary, we do encourage participants to have a genuine interest in supporting others through the challenging end-of-life process. Compassion, empathy, and a willingness to learn are the most important attributes for this program.
UNE Online’s End-of-Life Doula Certificate program is delivered 100% online and asynchronous, meaning there are no scheduled meeting times for class. You can complete the coursework when it is convenient for you.
You will receive a certificate of completion and 8 CEUs.
You will be assessed on your participation in discussion boards, completion of assignments, and comprehension of course material. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion students must receive an 80% or better in the program.
You will be able to reach your instructor through the course. Courses are held in the learning management system, Brightspace, and there is easy messaging available to communicate with your instructor. The instructor also hosts Zoom office hours.
No, there are no required textbooks for the End-of-Life Doula Certificate. However, we strongly recommend the following books as companions to the course material:
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- Caring for the Dying: The Doula Approach to a Meaningful Death by Henry Fersko-Weiss LCSW
- Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley
Please email ceonline@une.edu with any registration issues and our team can help to assist with your registration.
There are no refunds, but if you need to delay your start, we are happy to help you to do that for up to one year.
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