End-of-Life Doula Training & Certification - Lifespan Doulas

Skip to content Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom End-of-Life Doula Training & Certification

Compassionate Community Death Care

Features of Our End-of-Life Doula Training Program

• Online self-paced study program
• Engaging blend of online teaching methods by an expert doula trainer (see sample lesson below)
• Payment plans available
• Easy access to instructor
• No expiration date on access to online course materials
• Course covers NEDA core competencies and prepares you to earn their Proficiency Badge (optional)
• User friendly! You do not have to be tech savvy.
• Estimated 65 hours of self-paced study
• Certification included in the course fee
• 30% discount for groups of six or more

Fee $797

Or$297 deposit + 5 monthly payments of $110

REGISTER NOW$797 (full price) or $297 (deposit) to get started now

What will I learn in this course?

Course provides a solid grounding in end-of-life basics and doula support skills. Click on the + to see a list of topics covered in each module.

Dying in America Expand

• the death positive movement
• how we die
• understanding hospice & palliative care
• hospice discovery exercise
• special end-of-life topics (artificial nutrition/hydration, CPR, DNR, Allow Natural Death, VSED, palliative sedation, medical aid in dying)

The Doula Model of Care Expand

• scope of practice for EOLDs
• role of the EOLD
• doula as educator
• accessing community resources

Accompanying the Dying Expand

• the dying process
• needs of the dying person
• life review & legacy projects
• holding vigil & vigil planning
• doula comfort measures
• spiritual comfort & ritual centered on the client’s beliefs
• companion arts to comfort the dying (music thanatology, Threshold Choir, pet therapy, aromatherapy, flower essences, Reiki)

Communication Skills for Doulas Expand

• the art of listening
• facilitating advance care planning conversations
• navigating difficult decisions
• promoting informed choices
• mediation, advocacy & patient navigators

Supporting the Family Expand

• family needs & functionality
• deathbed education for the family—what to expect & how to support their loved one
• respite care & alleviating caregiver burnout
• doula support strategies for families

Case Studies Expand

• assessing the needs of the dying person
• assessing the needs of the family
• discerning how the doula can help

After Death Care & Informed Choice Expand

• after death care basics
• choices regarding disposition of the body
• home funerals
• green burial

Grief & Bereavement Support Expand

• understanding the grieving process
• Bereavement Support Guide for Doulas

Self-Care for Doulas & Other Caregivers Expand

• caregiver stress & burnout
• exploring the shadow side of caregiving
• boundaries for doulas
• sustainability for doulas

Establishing an End-of-Life Doula Practice Expand

• doula forms & tools
• the EOLD certification process
• discerning your place in the doula world
• five key questions for start-up doula businesses
• risk management strategies for doulas
• getting the word out

Completion of this module is optional (not required for certification).

Try a free sample lesson.

Experience first-hand our engaging teaching methods and user-friendly online classroom. Study modules include downloadable tools and guides, videos, quizzes, case studies, skill-building exercises, templates for creating your own materials for use with clients, abundant resources, and more!

** FREE SAMPLE LESSON **Become an End-of-Life Doula Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to top

Our End-of-Life Doula Training program prepares you to ...

Open an income-generating community-based doula practice

Better support family & friends on their final journey

Enhance your support efforts as a hospice volunteer

Earn the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance's (NEDA) Proficiency Badge

Seek employment as a certified end-of-life doula

Explore creative ways to blend the doula model of care with your unique experience, gifts & passion

Be better prepared for your own passing.

Answer the call to serve the dying

End-of-Life Doula training for hospice staff, clinical care teams, community groups, and home care agencies

• Customized training for your staff or community group
• Hybrid training option combines self-paced study plus live, interactive online sessions.
• Emphasis placed on applying skills in a care team model rather than establishing an independent doula practice.
• Schedule a complimentary consultation with doula expert Patty Brennan to explore your organization's training needs and how we can help.
• Discounts for groups of six or more enrollments

Schedule a callwith Patty Brennan nowor call 734-663-1523 Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Do you have questions? Join our next FREE monthly webinar on March 4.

Our Top 5 Questions about Becoming an End-of-Life Doula webinar will provide an overview of the role of the end-of-life doula, the meaning of certification, your income potential, our training program, and how to get started on your path. Meet instructor Patty Brennan and get your questions answered before making an investment.

REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR WATCH A RECENT WEBINAR

End-of-Life Doula Certification

Our streamlined certification process can be completed shortly after training. Certification is included in the cost of training (books are not included).

• What does it mean to be a certified doula?

• End-of-Life Doula Certification Requirements

• Cross Certification for doulas who trained with another organization

Optional nationally-recognized credential available from NEDA, a professional umbrella group for end-of-life doulas.

This course covers all core competencies for end-of-life doulas as defined by the National End-of-Life Doula Association (NEDA). You will be prepared to pass the (optional) NEDA exam and earn their Proficiency Badge, if desired. There are additional fees to earn this credential; not included in the course fee.

What do our students have to say about their experience?

"As someone new to formal end-of-life doula training, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I’m so grateful I took this course. Even though it’s fully self-paced online, the instructor did a great job keeping it engaging. There was a good mix of formats—PowerPoint presentations, readings, reflection exercises, and videos featuring diverse voices. I appreciated that variety and felt like it helped the material land in different ways. The course provided a solid foundation and a wealth of resources I can use with future clients. If you’re looking for a flexible, accessible introduction to EOL doula work, this is a great place to start."

—Heather Brown, Fall River, MA

"When my father started his slide into dementia, I signed up for the course so I would have a better sense of what to expect, and to learn how to better support my mom. My father died this past Saturday. The training was tremendously useful to me and my family. In addition to the practical aspects—knowing what to expect, the signs of advancing death, how to navigate hospice and doctors, etc.—it also prepared me for so much on the psychological plane I would not have anticipated. I had high expectations for the training and the content is even more rich than I hoped!"

—Sean Doyle, Raleigh, NC

"Very informative and comprehensive training. I am currently employed as a hospice RN case manager, and much of what was covered I wish I had learned prior to starting my practice."

—Victoria Wenger, Jenison, MI

 

"Thank you so much for the opportunity to study and learn from this wonderful program. The information is so rich that I saved it to review over time as I slowly and carefully develop my practice. I appreciate your sensitivity and depth of knowledge."

— Susan Anglada Bartley, Portland, OR

“Wow! Amazing training. Thank you so very much for giving so completely of your knowledge and yourself. I felt the training was very comprehensive, well-presented, and flowed nicely."

—Reverend Dr. Kathaleen Martin, Sparks, NV

This training was AMAZING and I am SO glad I did it. Thank you for your brilliance, skillful content curating, presence, wisdom, and modeling of such respectful honoring of what is right and true for others as a doula way of being."

—Annie Girresch, St. Louis, MO

"Thanks again for providing this invaluable opportunity to learn the basics of end-of-life doula work. You are thorough, interesting, spot on with your observations and experiences ... appreciate you and admire your work!"

—Kim Petrucci, Portage, MI

"Patty you are an amazing woman! Thank you so much for this program and the career you have chosen. I feel truly empowered by the extensive amount of material and resources you have given us. If only we could clone you!

—Sandi Bianchi, Chicago, IL

"I think your program is worth the money and time. I was especially NOT looking forward to spending most of my weekend sitting in a chair, but you have really surpassed the Zoom course boredom and figured out how to engage and inform virtually. The chance to meet the other students was terrific. The two panelists were a great addition. I am also an educator and so kind of a connoisseur of learning programs. Your program met and exceeded my expectations."

—Wendy Nemitz, St. Paul, Minnesota

"I’m pleasantly surprised about how much I’m enjoying the modules. The information has been great and very therapeutic for me. It has allowed me to process my parents' passing in a whole new light."

—Christine Rhoden, Los Angeles, CA

"This course was great, challenging, enlightening, and still so much to learn and explore. A great foundation."

—Laurel McCaslin, Snohomish, WA

"I cannot thank you enough for putting together such a comprehensive and thorough course. I have already learned much about myself and my motivations for pursuing a career in end of life service. I better understand areas where I need to grow (e.g. effective boundary setting) and feel better prepared to identify both pitfalls and opportunities in the field."

—Tim McCoy, Spartanburg, SC

"With a background as a nurse practitioner and a PhD in psychology involving much grief therapy, I learned much much more than I ever anticipated. I even liked the certification exam.  It was good for further clarity and understanding—another teaching tool."

—Shirley Kirby, Jupiter, FL

"Thanks so much for everything, Patty. Your thoughtful delivery, thorough content, and generous heart make for a beautiful combination. I am grateful to have Lifespan Doulas. Although I'm sure I will be a bit nervous when the time comes to step forward with my first client, I will know that I have been trained by the best and am well equipped, heart and head, to go forth with confidence, to love and serve, and hopefully make a truly positive difference in the lives of others. Thank you again Patty. You are the secret sauce."

—Kelly Collins, Delray Beach, FL

 

"I am so impressed by the quality curriculum content and well-organized structure. The platform is also clean and easy to navigate."

—Juliana Balistreri, Rohnert Park, CA"

"The modules were AMAZING! Your curriculum is thoughtful, insightful, and has helped me tremendously as I currently volunteer for hospice. I feel so empowered after taking your course. Impressive!"

—Colleen Guglielmana, Pollock Pines, CA

“You have such a gift for presenting a huge amount of information in a way that is easy to follow and readily absorbed. I am gaining understanding in addition to information. I am not usually comfortable with learning from online reading, but I am finding it so easy to learn from your course. You are a fabulous teacher. Thank you so much for the thought you have put into your teaching so that it is so accessible.” 

—Jennifer Schwartz, Honaunau, HI

“I enjoyed Patty very much. She was well spoken, intelligent, and demonstrated confidence and knowledge as a pioneer in the doula field. Her material went beyond my expectations as to equipping a doula for her business practice or volunteer work. I'm glad I chose Lifespan!”

—Julia Rupp, Archbold, OH

“Wow! What an unbelievable course this was. I found the material so healing and informative. I feel so much more at peace with what to do and how to do it. Truly priceless.” 

—Kimberly Stokka Meredino, Denver, CO

"I have appreciated your timely replies to all my inquiries. My learning style is to ask questions and share opinions. Thanks for allowing for this."

—Marie Kohler, Maplewood, MN

"My presence with the dying, and the Lifespan training, are beginning to be sought out and requested. There is great value in this! Thank you for being such a great trainer and providing us with what is needed to have confidence going into a very special place with families."

—Julia Rupp, Archbold, OH

"This course is amazing. Incredibly thorough and so well thought out, organized, and chock full of engrossing and pertinent information. The course is so pleasantly user-friendly, as well. Wonderful job."—Kyra Brown, San Francisco, CA

"Your training has made me a better caregiver and advocate for my grandmother, and regardless of whatever happens next for me as a doula, that alone has been the greatest gift."

—Julie C.

"I realize there are many training programs for EOLDs, however, I mean it sincerely when I say I believe yours is the best. You seem to have created the perfect educational balance between developing competency in EOLD skills and also the business focus. Providing non-judgmental support of individual paths and your willingness to be available for guidance are a stellar gift to your students."—Patricia Berni, St. Louis, MO

“This is wonderful! Very much enjoying this course and finding so much to learn in such a thoughtful and insightful framework. I am a hospice social worker and all the information on hospice is just <chef's kiss>! I am even more inspired to do this work now and excited about the possibilities. Highly recommend!!”

—Cat Thomas, Olympia, WA

"I have learned so much during this course. I look forward to applying this knowledge in my work as a nurse. One day I will have my own practice in holistic healing and this will be one of the many services I can offer to the community. Thank you again for all your research and hard work you have put into this course." —Janette Thomas, RN, Sarasota, FL  

"This has been an outstanding, fulfilling, cathartic, highly educational, and eye opening training. Truly."

—Kelly Collins, Delray Beach, FL

"I just want to express to you my thanks for providing an excellent course! As an RN with over 40 years' experience in a variety of settings, I truly learned so much!"

—Debbie Finger, Millville, DE

 

"I got so much more than expected from this course. Each module held my interest. I talk and share with my friends and Church family more than ever. Thank you Lifespan Doulas."

—Pearl Robinson, Raleigh, NC

 

"The self-paced format was perfect for me and I appreciate the great amount of your work and expertise. I enjoyed the program at every step and it really did help me get my experience more structured and get a much deeper understanding of what it is to be an end-of-life doula."

—Varvara Kuchuk, Tbilisi, Georgia

“I learned so much and it confirmed my decision that this is what I want to do. I love all the resources that are now at my fingertips when needed. I love the continuing education that is included as well.”

—Tammie Tanner, Canton, MI

Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to top Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Frequently Asked Questions

See Registration Overview for details about payment plans, fees for two or more certifications, discounted training bundles, refund policy, and FAQs.

REGISTER NOWEnd-of-Life Doula Training$797 (full price) or$297 deposit + 5 monthly payments of $110

By the end of your doula training, you will have ...

A deep appreciation for the doula model of care ~ the essence of support

A brain full of exciting ideas for your doula practice

Access to the best available resources on end-of-life

Templates & tools for creating your own practice

FREE Webinars: Top 5 Questions about Becoming a Doula The Doula Business Guide End-of-Life Doula Training Birth Doula Training Postpartum Doula Training Doula Certification Doula Business Guide Online Training START HERE!Registration Overview CONTACT US Patty BrennanOwner, Trainer, Author Find a Doula Into the Fog: Navigating My Mother's Journey through Dementia Lifespan Blog Lifespan Resources for Doulas & Families https://www.facebook.com/LifespanDoulas https://www.instagram.com/lifespan_doulas_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifespandoulas/

Sign up for our monthly newsletter!

• CompanyThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Name* First Name Last Name
• Email*
• What type of doula work are you interested in?*
  • Birth/postpartum topics
  • End-of-life topics

SEARCH

Privacy Settings

Copyright © 2006–2026 Lifespan Doulas, LLC | Located in Ann Arbor, MI | PRIVACY POLICY | COOKIES POLICY | TERMS OF SERVICE | COPYRIGHT NOTICE