Self-Paced Death Doula Certification Online
Train at Your Own Pace With IEOLCA
Looking for a flexible, self-paced death doula certification program? The International End-of-Life Care Association (IEOLCA) offers a fully online training that allows you to begin anytime, study at your own rhythm, and gain the confidence to support individuals and families through end-of-life transitions. With 27 structured modules, expert-led videos, and a downloadable 164-page guidebook, you’ll be guided step by step through one of the most transformative journeys you can take. IEOLCA’s training programs have reached learners in over 75 countries, and our self-paced certification is designed to help you serve with compassion and clarity — wherever you are in the world.
🌿 Special Extended: Regular price $875 — now only
$185
Enroll by August 15 to lock in this special pricing!
- ✔ 27 self-paced video modules — learn at your own rhythm
- ✔ 40 hours of expert-led content and guided practices
- ✔ 164-page guidebook & 143-page resource companion
- ✔ Lifetime access for only $185 (regularly $875)
- ✔ Certificate of completion to begin serving confidently
Who Is This Death Doula Certification For?
This training is designed for anyone who feels called to offer presence, comfort, and compassionate support at the end of life. Whether you're a caregiver, hospice volunteer, healthcare professional, or simply someone drawn to this sacred work, you’ll gain the confidence and tools to support others with steadiness and heart. You’ll learn to sit at the bedside, guide gentle conversations, help create vigil plans and legacy projects, and hold space for families during life’s most tender and meaningful moments.
Why People Choose to Become Death Doulas
At some point, many of us are called to be present during life’s most vulnerable transitions. We sit at the bedside of someone we love. We feel the ache of loss and the beauty of presence. We recognize that death is not just a medical event—it’s a human one. And within that realization, a deeper calling may begin to stir: the desire to walk alongside others in their final days with compassion, steadiness, and reverence.
But what does that path look like? How do you begin? And how do you know you're "doing it right" when there's no roadmap?
Many people feel an intuitive pull to become a Death Doula, but they’re unsure how to begin or whether they’re truly qualified. Others may already be supporting loved ones or working in healthcare and want to offer deeper, more meaningful guidance at the end of life. Wherever you are starting from, this sacred calling deserves a clear and empowering way forward.
That’s why we created the IEOLCA End-of-Life Doula Certification Program: a fully online, self-paced training program designed to help you grow into this role with confidence, clarity, and heart. This program honors both the practical realities of end-of-life care and the emotional and spiritual depth it demands. It offers a structured path for people who feel called to serve—and need real tools to do so.
What’s Included in the Best Death Doula Certification & Online Training?
This comprehensive program includes 27 on-demand modules with practical, supportive video instruction and a beautifully designed 164-page printable Guidebook, which mirrors and expands upon the course content with reflection prompts and case examples.
You’ll also receive the 143-page Resource Companion, complete with downloadable client forms and planning resources so you can start offering support right away.
You’ll have lifetime access to all materials, so you can revisit them whenever you need to feel grounded and prepared. The entire Death Doula Certification Training is offered at a limited-time price of $185 USD, backed by our 60-day satisfaction guarantee — truly risk-free and heart-centered.
How to Become a Certified Death Doula — Your Online, Heart-Centered Path
Whether you're drawn to this work through personal loss, a desire to deepen your sense of purpose, or a vision of offering heart-centered support to others, the IEOLCA Death Doula Certification Program is here to meet you where you are—and guide you forward with care. Some come to this path as caregivers or family members who want to better support a loved one. Others arrive as professionals—nurses, hospice volunteers, chaplains, counselors—seeking to expand their skills with a more holistic, human-centered approach. And many feel the quiet call of the soul to be of service in a deeper way, even if they don't yet know what it will look like in practice.
No matter your background, this training is designed to help you walk alongside the dying with confidence, clarity, and compassion. It offers more than just information—it offers transformation. Through carefully structured, step-by-step modules, you’ll move through a thoughtful sequence that builds your understanding, your emotional readiness, and your capacity to hold space for others.
By the end of this course, you won’t just be more informed—you’ll be more prepared to serve. Whether your path leads to private practice, community volunteering, family caregiving, or spiritual accompaniment, you’ll emerge with the skills and mindset needed to offer presence, reassurance, and dignity during one of life’s most sacred transitions.
A Death Doula Certification Developed from Real-World Experience
THE IEOLCA END-OF-LIFE DOULA TRAINING was developed by an End-of-Life Doula and a seasoned Spiritual Health Practitioner with decades of combined experience in hospice, palliative care, spiritual care, mental health, and hospital settings. Together, they bring a rare blend of grounded expertise and soulful presence to this work.
The result is a certification program that goes far beyond surface learning. It blends practical, real-world tools with deep self-reflection. It challenges you to grow—not just as a doula, but as a human being. It guides you through meaningful learning, real-world applications, and personal transformation—all on your own schedule, in your own space.
Whether you feel called to begin a career as a death doula or simply wish to deepen your understanding of this sacred work, this program will transform your life. You’ll gain the skills, insight, and confidence to step into this role with compassion, clarity, and purpose.
Designed by one of the most trusted and qualified organizations in the field, this training equips you with everything you need to start your own death doula practice — or bring this meaningful knowledge into your personal or professional life.
Whether you plan to work independently or within a care team, you’ll be well-prepared to walk alongside others in one of life’s most profound transitions.
What You’ll Learn in the IEOLCA Death Doula Certification Program
The IEOLCA End-of-Life Doula Certification Program is a comprehensive, self-paced training designed to fully prepare you for compassionate doula work. With approximately 40 hours of instruction, the course is broken into 27 learning modules that include short, accessible videos, hands-on exercises, and real-world tools you can immediately apply. You’ll move through the content at your own pace, in a sequence that is intentional, supportive, and transformative.
The training is divided into three distinct phases—Foundations, Core Training, and Integrative Practice—each building on the last to deepen your knowledge, expand your emotional readiness, and equip you with practical skills. Along the way, you’ll have the support of two powerful tools: our 164-page IEOLCA Guidebook, which mirrors and expands upon the course content with reflection prompts and case examples, and our 143-page Resource Companion, packed with templates, planning forms, worksheets, and scripts to use with clients and families.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid foundation in doula scope and ethics, dying process care, legacy projects, vigil planning, communication, grief support, and professional preparation. Whether you’re coming to this work as a caregiver, healer, volunteer, or spiritual companion, this certification gives you everything you need to confidently support others through life’s most sacred transition.
Phase 1: Foundations Training for End-of-Life Doulas
This phase includes eight foundational modules that introduce you to the core emotional, cultural, and ethical aspects of end-of-life doula work. These lessons build the inner awareness and historical perspective you’ll need to support others with compassion and clarity.
Begin your journey with personal reflection and the emotional roots of doula work.
1. Welcome to Your End-of-Life Doula Training: Orientation to the course, what to expect, and how to navigate your self-paced journey.
2. Introduction to Self-Directed Learning: Learn how to stay motivated and build habits that support meaningful and steady progress.
3. Exploring the Call: Reflect on what draws you to this work and deepen your connection to your personal "why."
4. History of Deathcare & the Reemergence of Doulas: Understand the historical context of deathcare and how doulas are reclaiming this role in modern society.
5. Understanding the Doula Role: Define the scope, responsibilities, and ethical foundations of death doula work.
6. Self-Awareness Practices: Explore tools for emotional regulation, reflection, and presence that are key to compassionate care.
7. Cultural Considerations in Doula Work: Learn how to offer inclusive, respectful support across diverse beliefs, values, and traditions.
8. Exploring Our Mortality: Engage with your own understanding of death, grief, and impermanence to better support others.
Phase 2: Core End-of-Life Doula Training
This phase includes fifteen practical modules that guide you through the hands-on skills, communication techniques, and legacy tools that doulas use to support individuals and families through the dying process.
Practical tools, communication skills, rituals, and grief support.
1. Revisiting Life’s Moments: The Life Review: Learn how to guide clients through meaningful storytelling and reflection.
2. Creating a Dying Plan: Support clients in outlining their wishes, values, and care preferences for their final chapter.
3. The Dying Process Part 1: Learn to recognize and support the physical changes as someone approaches death — including fatigue, decreased appetite, withdrawal, changes in breathing, and circulation shifts — to ensure comfort and understanding during this transition.
4. The Dying Process Part 2: Explore the emotional and spiritual journey of dying, including navigating fears, unfinished business, existential questions, and honoring cultural or spiritual beliefs to provide compassionate presence and holistic support.
5. Compassionate Presence During the Dying Process: Cultivate skills in being grounded, calm, and supportive at the bedside.
6. Creating a Vigil Plan: Learn how to plan and hold space for vigils that reflect a person’s values and bring comfort to loved ones.
7. Rituals and Ceremonies: Explore how to co-create meaningful rituals for life’s final transition.
8. Guided Imagery: Practice using soothing, imaginative tools to bring calm and connection during difficult moments.
9. End-of-Life Projects: Creating Legacies and Meaning: Support clients in crafting legacy items, messages, and memories for their loved ones.
10. Compassionate Communication: Learn how to navigate sensitive conversations with honesty, empathy, and care.
11. Understanding Grief: Gain insight into the grieving process and how doulas can support both anticipatory and post-death grief.
12. Supporting Families and Circles of Care: Help clients and their loved ones stay connected and supported throughout the dying journey.
13. Common Doula Challenges: Examine real-life dilemmas and how to navigate them with professionalism and compassion.
14. Ethics, Boundaries, and Professionalism: Clarify your responsibilities and stay aligned with ethical, heart-centered care.
15. "Dos and Donts" of Doula Work: A summary of practical best practices for sustainable and effective doula care.
Phase 3: Integrative Practice for Death Doulas
This final phase includes five reflective modules designed to help you internalize your learning, build confidence, and prepare for the real-world challenges of doula practice. You’ll revisit your values, refine your role, and complete your final assignment with clarity and care.
Reflection, integration, and real-world preparation.
1. Applying Your Skills in Practice: Cultivate mindful presence, self-awareness, and the emotional steadiness required to serve others with compassion and clarity.
2. Integrating Your Learning: Synthesize everything you’ve learned throughout the training and explore how your unique gifts will shape your doula identity.
3. Aligning Your Why with Community Needs: Reconnect to your original motivation and reflect on how your purpose aligns with the needs of your community.
4. Business Essentials: Learn practical tips for setting expectations, managing boundaries, and navigating real-world scenarios with professionalism.
5. Final Reflections & Continuing the Journey: Complete a meaningful integration exercise that allows you to reflect on your readiness and share your personal growth journey.
Your Learning Tools: Guidebook & Resource Companion
The IEOLCA training includes two essential learning tools designed to support every step of your journey: a 164-page printable Guidebook and a 143-page Resource Companion. These downloadable volumes provide structure, insight, and practical tools—giving you both the knowledge and confidence to grow into this work with heart and skill.
Downloadable volumes to support your learning and future practice.
The 164-page Death Doula Guidebook is your comprehensive learning companion, designed to walk hand-in-hand with the training modules. It includes expanded content, real-world examples, reflection exercises, and self-assessment prompts to deepen your learning experience.
The 143-page Resource Companion is a practical toolkit filled with downloadable templates, client planning forms, legacy project worksheets, business tools, and communication scripts to help you begin your doula practice with confidence and clarity.
Together, these two volumes support not just your training, but your transformation—so you feel equipped and empowered to offer heart-centered care at end of life.
IEOLCA End-of-Life Doula Certification
Upon completing the program, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, acknowledging your comprehensive training and preparing you to confidently support individuals and families through the end-of-life journey.
Receive your official certificate of completion and begin offering compassionate doula care.
What Our Students Are Saying
IEOLCA students come from all walks of life, from all over the world. We support caregivers, healthcare workers, hospice volunteers, and people simply called to serve. What unites them is a shared desire to bring presence, compassion, and dignity to the end-of-life experience. This training honors their lived experience while offering clear guidance, practical skills, and a supportive path forward.
“Exactly what I was looking for.”
“I completed a death doula certification course through another organization, but felt like something essential was missing... This course is exactly what I was looking for.”
– Annette K.
“An amazing journey.”
“I’m really enjoying this process. It’s giving me such a sense of direction and well-being. This has been an amazing journey.”
– Lisa F.
“Confidence and purpose.”
“This course has given me the confidence to pursue a career in holistic care. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.”
– Barbara W.
“Inspiration to grow.”
“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.
“Deeper connection, greater confidence.”
“This course helped me connect with others on a deeper level... I feel more confident in my ability to listen and support others.”
– Rachel C.
60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
We have taken all the risk out of this. The value of this program is over $875. But today, we are offering the entire certification program for only $185. We can offer this discount because it’s only for a limited time.
And it comes with our personal 60-day money-back guarantee. Use it, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the entire cost of the program.
Try the course risk-free for 60 days — your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IEOLCA certification program self-paced?
Yes! The training is completely self-paced and fully online. You can begin anytime and move through the 27 modules at your own rhythm — whether that’s over a few weeks or several months.
Do I need any prior experience to take this course?
No prior experience is needed. This course is designed for beginners and experienced caregivers alike. Whether you're new to end-of-life work or already serving in a support role, you'll find guidance, clarity, and practical tools.
Is this a recognized death doula certification?
While death doulas are not licensed by any government body, IEOLCA is a respected training provider with students in over 75 countries. Our certification is recognized and valued by families, communities, hospice teams, and care organizations around the world.
How long will I have access to the course?
You’ll receive lifetime access to all training materials — including videos, guidebooks, and downloadable resources — so you can revisit them anytime you need.
What does the training include?
The program includes 27 on-demand modules (approx. 40 hours of training), a 164-page Guidebook, a 143-page Resource Companion, and a Certificate of Completion. Everything is available instantly when you enroll.
What is the cost of the certification program?
The full course is currently offered at a limited-time price of $185 USD (regularly $875). This includes lifetime access to all materials and your official certificate.
Can I take this course while working or caregiving?
Yes. Many of our students balance work, caregiving, or other responsibilities while completing the course. You can start, pause, and resume whenever it fits your schedule.
Will I receive any support while studying?
Yes. While the course is self-directed, you’ll receive email support and access to all written materials, templates, and guidebooks to help you feel confident and supported throughout your journey.
You have what it takes. Get started today.
Feeling called to this path is no coincidence. It reflects a part of you that’s ready to serve — and it’s time to listen.
Proud to begin a new chapter — trained, prepared, and ready to serve.
This course is here to support your next step — whether you’re just beginning or ready to go deeper. It’s accessible, affordable, and designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and connected to your purpose. You don’t have to do this alone. Let us walk with you as you begin your path.
Start Your Journey with the Best Death Doula Certification Today
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The International End-of-Life Care Association (IEOLCA) offers globally accessible, self-paced certification programs for aspiring death doulas, caregivers, and end-of-life companions. With students in over 75 countries, IEOLCA provides practical, heart-centered training designed to prepare individuals to support the dying and their families with presence, compassion, and confidence.