Empowering End-of-Life Doulas Worldwide
Welcome to the International End-of-Life Care Association (IEOLCA), a global leader in compassionate death doula education. Our certified online training program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide non-medical, holistic support during the dying process—whether for clients, loved ones, or members of your community.
End-of-life doulas offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families navigating the final stages of life. Your calm, grounded presence can bring peace, dignity, and clarity to one of life’s most sacred transitions.
As the demand for alternative end-of-life care grows, families are turning to trained death doulas for comfort, legacy planning, vigil support, and guidance through grief. Whether you’re pursuing a meaningful new career or deepening your ability to care for others, our flexible, self-paced certification program is designed to support your journey from the inside out.
Join a growing global community of heart-led caregivers. Read stories from real IEOLCA students on our Reviews page.
Why Now Is the Time to Become a Death Doula
There has never been a greater need for compassionate, personalized care at the end of life. As more families seek alternatives to clinical, medicalized dying, trained end-of-life doulas are stepping forward to offer the emotional, spiritual, and practical support our systems often lack.
Whether working alongside hospice, within your community, or supporting loved ones at home, death doulas help ease fear and uncertainty by bringing calm presence, deep listening, and unwavering compassion. You’ll fill a crucial gap in care by supporting the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through one of life’s most profound transitions.
Choosing to become a death doula is more than a role—it’s a calling. It invites you to hold space for others in their most intimate moments, to witness the truth of their experience without judgment, and to honor their final wishes with tenderness and respect. You become a bridge between life and death, a steady hand during life’s closing chapters.
This path also offers deep personal transformation. As you walk alongside the dying, you may find your own relationship with death softening. Your sense of purpose may expand. Your ability to be fully present—to yourself and others—may deepen in ways you never imagined.
Now is the time to answer the call. If you feel drawn to support others at the end of life, this work will meet you with meaning, growth, and profound connection.
About the International End-of-Life Care Association (IEOLCA)
At the International End-of-Life Care Association (IEOLCA), we provide heart-centered, accessible training for individuals who feel called to support the dying and their loved ones. Our self-paced online programs are grounded in compassion, presence, and practical knowledge—offering a transformative learning experience that prepares you to walk beside others with skill, clarity, and deep care.
Our Training Programs
End-of-Life Doula Certification
This comprehensive training explores emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of end-of-life care. You’ll learn how to offer non-medical support, guide legacy and vigil planning, and hold space during dying and grieving—all while deepening your own comfort with mortality. Ideal for aspiring doulas, caregivers, and professionals who want to make a difference.
Learn more here.
Doula Business Essentials
Ready to start your own death doula practice? This practical training helps you define your services, set rates, market your offerings, and develop the confidence to grow a sustainable business. Whether you’re newly certified or seeking to relaunch with focus, this course helps you turn your calling into a career.
Learn more here.
Want to learn more about our mission, values, and story? Visit our About page.
Why Choose IEOLCA?
We believe end-of-life work is more than a skillset—it’s a calling. Our programs are designed to nurture your personal growth while giving you practical tools to make a real-world impact.
- Comprehensive, Real-World Training: Learn practical skills in emotional support, vigil planning, legacy work, and holistic companioning—all grounded in trauma-informed, person-centered care.
- Flexible & Self-Paced: Complete your training on your schedule. Our online platform makes it easy to learn wherever you are in the world.
- Meaningful Reflection: Deepen your awareness and confidence with exercises, real-life examples, and journaling prompts to help you connect with your unique purpose in this work.
- Practical Tools for Practice: Access downloadable templates, planning tools, and resource guides to bring your learning into real-world client support.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or looking to expand your end-of-life care practice, IEOLCA is here to support you every step of the way.
Read what IEOCLA Students Are Saying
“I completed a death doula certification course through another organization, but I felt like something essential was missing. I wanted a program that would deepen my skills and truly support my growth. This course is exactly what I was looking for—it’s more in-depth, more reflective, and more personally enriching than the one I took before.”
– Annette K., IEOLCA Certified End-of-Life Doula
“This course has given me a new sense of purpose and direction in my life and career. I feel more confident in my ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others.”
– Claire E., IEOLCA Student
“Amy-Lynne Mahon’s passion for end-of-life care is contagious. I feel inspired to continue learning and growing in this field.”
– Tom M., IEOLCA Student
“I was blown away by the depth of knowledge and compassion shared in this course. I feel empowered to make a difference in my community.”
– Jocelyn L., IEOLCA Student
Common Questions About Our End-of-Life Doula Certification
What is an end-of-life doula?
End-of-life doulas provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families during the dying process. This support complements—but does not replace—medical or hospice care.
Who are these courses designed for?
Our training is ideal for caregivers, hospice volunteers, spiritual companions, clinicians, or anyone drawn to support others at the end of life.
Do I need prior medical experience?
No. Our training is accessible to people from all backgrounds. If you feel called to this work, you’re welcome here.
How does IEOLCA training work?
Once enrolled, you'll receive instant access to the full program. You can work at your own pace and revisit materials anytime. Your certification does not expire.
Ready to begin your journey?
Students around the world have joined our online Certified Death Doula Training to gain the skills, confidence, and clarity needed to support others through life’s most profound transition. Whether you're looking to begin a meaningful new career or deepen your existing work in caregiving, our End-of-Life Doula Certification Program is designed to help you make a lasting impact.
Start Your Journey as a Death Doula Today