Health Leadership & Learning Network, York University
healthcare continuing education
The Death Doula
Professional Certificate
DDPC
Step into one of the most meaningful roles in the caring professions.
The Death Doula Certificate Program offers a comprehensive pathway into the field of end-of-life support, equipping individuals with the practical skills, emotional preparedness, and business acumen essential for this sacred work.
Through three progressive modules — Foundations, Advanced Care, and Business Development — you’ll develop the competence and confidence to launch or grow a professional doula practice.
Graduates complete a capstone business plan and the option of a supervised practice is provided through a private practitioner, preparing them for impactful work supporting individuals and families during life’s final chapter.
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This program is ideal for those drawn to death care through personal calling, professional practice, or spiritual service.​
​WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM
Here’s why this program stands apart:
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Holistic Training: Blend of practical, emotional, and business skills to fully prepare you for real-world practice.
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Real Experience: A mandatory live actor-based simulation day ensure you graduate with tangible experience.
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Expert Mentoring: Personalized supervision and guidance from seasoned doula professional.
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Career-Ready: Build a real business plan to launch your professional practice right after graduation.
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Community Support: Ongoing monthly education rounds and mentoring post-certification for up to 6 months.
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Flexible Learning: Hybrid format — attend live online classes while progressing with self-study and reflection at your own pace.
Whether you're beginning a new career path or expanding your current role in end-of-life care, this program offers an empowering, compassionate, and practical path forward.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
PROGRAM AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This program is perfect for: Aspiring End-of-Life Doulas Hospice Volunteers Healthcare Professionals expanding into death care Spiritual Care Providers Grief Support Workers Therapists and Counselors Career changers passionate about compassionate care Anyone supporting a loved one through their final journey
VIEW PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
Program Dates
Fall 2025 Session Dates:
(All modules and the EELM are required)
Module 1: Sept 29, Oct 1,6,8,
Module 2: Oct 20,22,27,29
Module 3: Nov 10,12,17,19
EELM: Dec 1,3
Online live instruction with self-directed learning and a Capstone Project
Fee:
$2500.00
Plus applicable taxes
The fee includes the cost of all listed courses and the evaluation
​​Module 1 – Foundations: Introduction to the role of a death doula, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, stages of dying, providing emotional, spiritual, and physical support.
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Module 2 – Advanced Care & Simulation: Trauma support, grief communication, navigating cultural and spiritual rituals, ethics, legal considerations, simulation day with actor role-play.
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Module 3 – Business Development: Practice design, marketing, legal and ethical frameworks, professional growth strategies, and completion of a capstone business plan.
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Learning includes:
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Cross-cultural death practices and Indigenous perspectives
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Navigating Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
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Professional resilience and self-care strategies
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS - Post Certificate**
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Mentored practice experience
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Access to post certificate mentored community of practice​​​​​​​
THE LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Jennifer McCrae, CT, CDCP End of Life & Grief Specialist ADEC Certified Thanatologist | Dementia Care | Infant & Pregnancy Loss | Holistic Wellness
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Jennifer is a Credentialed Thanatologist, Grief and Loss Specialist, End-of-Life Doula, and Educator.
As a Death and Grief Specialist, she supports individuals, families, and workplaces through the challenges of dying, death, and bereavement, with a special focus on dementia care and infant and pregnancy loss.
Blending practical tools with holistic practices like yoga, breathwork, and energy healing, Jennifer offers compassionate, personalized care and education to foster peace and resilience during life’s most difficult transitions.
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Jennifer's practice is Soul Transition
On successful completion of all program components, classes, and assessments, learners will receive a Micro-credential (badge) and Certificate of Completion that represent the DDPC Confirmation of learning can be provided. Contact us at info@chenetwork.ca
**The mentored practice is hosted by a practicing Death Doula as part of their own practice and is not part of the Canadian Healthcare Education Network. Graduates are not guaranteed a spot and must follow an application process, provide a vulnerable sector check, and other checks, and proof of insurance amongst other requirements, as determined by the mentor. Spots are limited
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