Who is an HHA Death Doula and how are we called to Serve?
An HHA-trained Death Doula is a compassionate, skilled professional who brings presence, peace, and practical support to individuals and families facing death. We serve across four essential domains of care: planning, helping navigate decisions and wishes; legacy, honouring what matters most; at the bedside, offering presence, ritual, and comfort; and grief, walking with families through the aftermath of loss.
We do not replace medical teams we complete the circle of care by tending to the emotional, spiritual, and practical dimensions of dying, death, and bereavement. We show up when others don’t know how, are not able to or need extra care and support.
Learn more about Death Doulas and their vital role in end-of-life care on our HHA Death Doulas page.
Program Overview
Why Train with Home Hospice Association?
At Home Hospice Association, we believe that death deserves the same care and dignity as birth. Our Death Doula Certificate Program blends compassion with professional excellence — combining hands-on learning, case-based exploration, and real-world application to prepare you to meet people where they are: at home, in any institutionalized setting, or on the street. Whether you’re called to serve your community, expand your professional practice, or deepen your understanding of death and grief, this program offers more than education. It offers transformation.
When you train with HHA, you receive:
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A nationally respected Certificate of Completion rooted in community-based hospice care
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Flexible online learning that fits your schedule and pace — from anywhere in Canada
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Monthly live sessions led by expert facilitators with real-world end-of-life experience
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A supportive peer cohort and alumni network across the country
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A dedicated Candidate Advisor to support your personal learning journey
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Unlimited access to HHA programs and resources for continued professional growth
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Ongoing invitations to Death Worker Learning Nights — guest speakers, case studies, and “What Would You Do?” sessions to keep you inspired and informed
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Free admission to HHA community events — including Death Doula social gatherings and support circles
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Opportunities to grow with us — including speaking invitations, mentorship, and paid partnerships
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Our program is designed for you to learn at your own pace, with the flexibility to complete most of the coursework on your own time. Here are the key details:
Who Is This Program For?
If you're wondering whether you belong here — you do.
This program is for people who feel called to walk beside others in times of death, dying, and grief. You might be:
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A caregiver, nurse, or therapist wanting to expand your scope
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A community or spiritual leader responding to local needs
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Someone personally touched by loss, seeking to turn pain into purpose
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A changemaker ready to reimagine how we live — and die — in Canada
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No credentials required. No experience needed.
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Just the calling to serve — and the courage to say yes.
How long does the training take?
You’ll have immediate access to the full program upon registration. The course is self-paced, so you can move through it on your schedule. Most people complete it in 4 to 10 weeks, but you’ll have lifetime access — there’s no deadline.
Are there live classes?
Yes. We offer monthly live virtual sessions with experienced facilitators. These include case studies, Q&A, and peer connection. While optional, they’re a meaningful way to deepen your learning and feel part of our national network.
Is the training entirely online?
Yes. The program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to learn from anywhere in Canada or beyond. You’ll also gain access to mentorship, resources, and community engagement opportunities — all virtually.
What makes HHA’s Death Doula Training different?
Most programs teach you what a Death Doula is. We prepare you to actually become one and to step into this role with support, confidence, and connection. What sets us apart:
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Our training is rooted in real-world practice, not just theory
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You gain access to actual community care pathways after certification
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We offer lifelong learning and leadership opportunities — not a one-time course
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Every candidate is matched with a personal advisor for mentorship and guidance
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You join a national movement, not just a classroom
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This isn’t just training. It’s mobilization for people who are called to serve.
Do I need any prior experience?
No prior experience is required. Whether you’re a caregiver, a professional, or simply someone feeling called to this work, you belong here. If you have the heart, we’ll help you build the skills.
What will I receive when I finish the program?
You’ll receive:
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A Certificate of Completion from Home Hospice Association
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Ongoing access to Death Worker Learning Nights and continued professional development
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Invitations to participate in real-world programs and outreach opportunities with HHA and our partners across Canada
Many of our graduates go on to:
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Support individuals and families in their community
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Facilitate workshops, education sessions, or community conversations
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Partner with organizations through Home Hospice Association initiatives like
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The Bello Project
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H.O.P.E. Mobile Hospice
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Debriefing Helpline and grief care programming
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You won’t just complete a certificate.
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You’ll join a national movement — and step into meaningful action.
Do you offer scholarships or payment plans?
We do not currently offer scholarships or payment plans. However, we’ve worked hard to keep the tuition at an accessible rate of $700, to maximize the ability of people like you to step into this vital role in your community — quickly and meaningfully.
Will I be able to put this training into practice after completing it?
Yes. Many graduates are now actively supporting individuals and families — both independently and through HHA initiatives like The Bello Project, H.O.P.E. Mobile Hospice, and the Debriefing Helpline. This training leads to real work in the world — not just a certificate.
Not Quite Ready to Register?
Form to come
You don’t need to have it all figured out to start.
If something in you is stirring but you’re not 100% sure this path is for you begin with our free guide: 5 Signs You’re Meant to Be a Doula and or Register for our next Ask Me Anything Event
What is the number one reason you wish to be an HHA Death Doula?
We’ll never spam you. You’ll only hear from us about end-of-life education and opportunities to serve.
Death Doula Certificate Program: What You’ll Learn & How It Works
Our Death Doula Certificate Program combines self-paced learning, live immersive training, and practical experience to prepare you to walk beside individuals and families through death, dying, and grief. You’ll be trained in the four core domains of care: planning, legacy, bedside, and grief.
Your learning journey includes:
1. Compassionate Companioning Modules
(Online, self-paced)
7 foundational lessons on caregiving, ethics, communication, grief, self-care, and spiritual support.
3. Cohort Training Weekend
(Live online via Zoom)
A 2.5-day immersive weekend with your learning cohort (Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday daytime), exploring real-world care practices like advance care planning, active dying, and vigils.
2. Independent Study Modules
(Online, self-paced)
Explore community-specific topics such as children and grief, public education, culturally sensitive care, and pet loss support.
4. Death Doula Projects
(Online & applied)
Case studies, community-based assignments, and opportunities to begin practicing in real-life care settings.
You’ll Also Receive:
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A Certificate of Completion from Home Hospice Association
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A dedicated Candidate Advisor to guide your learning
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Ongoing invitations to Death Worker Learning Nights and continued professional development (Learn more Here)
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Access to real-world opportunities after graduation — through HHA initiatives and community partnerships
Download our detailed program overview here.
How to Register + What Happens Next
Ready to Begin? Here’s What You Need to Know
Tuition & Registration
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Tuition: $700 CAD (inclusive)
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Payment: E-transfer to funds@homehospiceassociation.com
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Payment by Credit Card: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/fcfd712c-b8a3-4a39-b41b-a8e57c6678c1
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Registration is confirmed upon receipt of full payment
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Choose your cohort weekend during registration
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Please allow 1–3 business days for your access to be set up
Please note: Registration fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend your selected cohort weekend, you may transfer to a future session with a minimum of 45 days’ notice.
What to Expect After Registration
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Receive access to your learning modules within 1–3 business days
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Begin self-paced learning right away
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Attend your live cohort weekend (2.5 days on Zoom)
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Complete your final projects and receive your certificate
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Continue growing through ongoing education, peer support, and opportunities to apply your skills
Important Policies & Information
To help you make an informed decision, here are key details about our training structure and student policies:
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Technology Requirements: You’ll need internet access, a Google account, and the ability to join live Zoom calls.
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Time Commitment: Most students spend 3–5 hours per week on self-paced learning
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Language: All content is currently delivered in English.
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Certification Note: HHA issues a Certificate of Completion. There is currently no formal regulatory body for Death Doulas in Canada, but HHA is a nationally respected organization.
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Professional Conduct: All Candidates are expected to uphold principles of confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and compassionate professionalism in all community-facing interactions.
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Learning Support Timeline: Your Candidate Advisor is available to support you during your active coursework and up to 90 days post-certification.
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Accessibility & Accommodations: We welcome learners of all backgrounds. Please reach out if you require accommodations; we will do our best to support your needs.
Meet the Facilitators
