Overview
Transform Pediatric End-of-Life Care with Compassion and Expertise
Death is universal, yet society often avoids conversations about dying—especially with children.
This avoidance leaves pediatric end-of-life care an underserved area, as many professionals feel unprepared to face the unique emotional and developmental challenges of working with dying children and their families.
UVM’s Pediatric End-of-Life Doula Specialist Certificate provides advanced death doula training, equipping experienced professionals to address this critical gap with confidence and compassion.
This training prepares end-of-life specialists to navigate the emotional, developmental, and systemic complexities of pediatric cases. You’ll learn to guide families through honest conversations, support siblings and caregivers, and offer non-medical advocacy in moments when traditional healthcare systems often fall short.
Graduates of this program will:
- Understand how developmental stages influence a child’s experience of dying.
- Facilitate sensitive discussions about treatment plans, grief, and decision-making, empowering both children and families.
- Navigate complex family dynamics and ensure that siblings, parents, and caregivers feel seen and supported.
- Approach pediatric end-of-life care with confidence and empathy, transforming fear into preparedness.
What sets UVM apart
Supportive Community
Join a network of practicing doulas through an alumni Facebook group, book clubs, networking events, annual retreats, and quarterly newsletters.
Credibility Through UVM
The first End-of-Life Doula program influenced by UVM’s Robert Larner College of Medicine faculty. Our program produces graduates recognized for their expertise and trusted by families seeking compassionate care.
Instructors from Diverse Fields
Learn from instructors with advanced degrees and active careers in end-of-life care, psychology, and healthcare. Their combined expertise ensures a well-rounded view of end-of-life care.
Continuously Evolving Curriculum
Our program expands with each session, adding new resources and materials based on student feedback to meet the evolving needs and interests of our community.
Self-Care and Personal Growth
Our program goes beyond professional training. Graduates leave not only ready to care for others but with deeper self-awareness and tools for self-care in end-of-life work. Many describe it as both a doula education and a journey of self-discovery.
Extensive Professional Network
UVM End-of-Life Doula alumni are affiliated with the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UVM, opening doors to additional learning and networking opportunities. When alumni join the Osher Directory, they gain broader visibility and connection within the integrative health community.
What sets UVM apart
One of the Few Pediatric-Specific Doula Training
This program addresses a vital gap in end-of-life care by focusing specifically on the needs of terminally ill children and their families.
Credibility Through UVM’s College of Medicine
Earn a trusted certification from the first End-of-Life Doula program affiliated with a medical school. Influenced by UVM’s Robert Larner College of Medicine faculty, our program produces graduates recognized for their expertise and trusted by families seeking compassionate care.
Real-World Expertise to Prepare You for Practice
Learn from seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge in pediatric end-of-life care, psychology, and family systems. They’ll share strategies to prepare you for real-world challenges.
Join a Trusted Leader in End-of-Life Doula Training
- 4,000+ Certified Doulas Thousands of professionals have trusted UVM to guide their journey in providing compassionate end-of-life care.
- A Pioneer in Doula Education UVM has set the standard for excellence in end-of-life doula education with programs that consistently fill to capacity.
One of the Few Pediatric-Specific Doula Trainings
This program addresses a vital gap in end-of-life care by focusing specifically on the needs of terminally ill children and their families.
Admissions
Who should register?
This program is designed for professionals with some experience in end-of-life care, including:
- Child life specialists
- Counselors and social workers
- End-of-Life doulas
- Hospice staff
- Nurses and physicians
- Palliative care staff
- Social workers
Expand your expertise as a certified end-of-life specialist with practical tools and insights to enhance your care for pediatric patients and families.
While this course does not have formal prerequisites, students should have foundational knowledge of end-of-life care. If you are new to this field, we recommend completing UVM’s End-of-Life Doula Certificate first before enrolling.
Curriculum
Specialized Certificate in Pediatric End-of-Life Care
This four-week online program is designed to provide both practical knowledge and emotional preparation for addressing the unique challenges of pediatric end-of-life care. Each week focuses on a different aspect of working with terminally ill children and their families, using a blend of asynchronous learning, self-reflection exercises, and optional live virtual sessions.
Course topics include advocacy, family dynamics, and specialized skills in pediatric grief counseling and non-medical support.
Student Stories
What people are saying about our End-of-Life Doula certificate program
Join an extensive professional network
UVM End-of-Life Doula alumni are affiliated with the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UVM, opening doors to additional learning and networking opportunities. When alumni join the Osher Directory, they gain broader visibility and connection within the integrative health community.
FAQ
Learn about options for discounts, grants, loans, scholarships, and more on our tuition and financial aid page.
The required textbook is Shelter from the Storm: Caring for a child with a Life-Threatening Condition by Joanne Hilden, M.D. And Daniel R. Tobin, M.D. With Karen Lindsey.
No. Non-credit courses do not currently qualify for tuition remission.
No, we do not have payment plans, you must pay in full by credit card when you register.
If a student needs to cancel their attendance, they must notify us via email at learn@uvm.edu or call us at (802) 656-2085 at least 10 business days prior to the start date of the course to receive a 75% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline.
Advising and Student Support
You have the goal; we’ll help you achieve it
We are dedicated to helping you access UVM. It is our role to get to know your experience and goals, assist you in choosing courses, guide you through registration, and serve as your resource throughout your time at UVM.
Curious if your past college credits apply at UVM? Want to understand where a program will take you after completion? Looking for resources for financial aid, tutors, or UVM policies? We’re here to help.
