Health Leadership & Learning Network, York University
healthcare continuing education
This Program is recognized by the
End of Life Doula Association of Canada
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.
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The program is recognized by the End of Life Doula Association of Canada (EOLDAC). This recognition provides students and graduates with a clear pathway to register and join a national professional community dedicated to compassionate end-of-life care across Canada, supporting the development of their practice as part of a professional community.
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Through EOLDAC, students and graduates can connect with other practitioners, access professional development opportunities and educational resources, and be part of a growing network supporting individuals and families at the end of life.
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Graduates may apply for Registered Membership, which can include listing in the public Hire a Doula directory, access to professional tools and resources, and formal association with the national organization.
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
​​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​​
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Apply for Membership and Register with the End of Life Doula Association of Canada​​​​​
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
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
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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The Death Doula
Professional Certificate
DDPC
Program Dates
Summer 2026 Session Dates:
(All modules and the EELM are required)
Module 1: May 4,6,11,13
Module 2: May 19, 20, 25, 27
Module 3: June 1,3, 8, 10
1 - 5pm ET each day
Note: May 13 and June 10th, 2 - 6pm ET
Online live instruction with self-directed learning and a Capstone Project
Fee:
$2500.00
Plus tax
The fee includes the cost of all listed courses and the evaluation
IMPORTANT - Additional Costs not included in the program: Students are responsible for obtaining the following books on their own (e.g. via library, Kindle, hardcopy and used are fine)
1. Dying Well by Ira Byock
2. Caring for the Dying by Henry Fersko-Weiss
3. One additional book on death and dying of your choosing
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
