Support Children and Families Through a Child’s Death

Pediatric End-of-Life Doula Specialist Certificate 

Offer compassionate, non-medical support to children at the end of life, along with care and guidance for their families and support networks. Through advanced training, you’ll gain the skills to navigate emotional, developmental, and family dynamics in pediatric end-of-life care with confidence and empathy.

We have opened a new section starting in April and there is still space in the June session. Register today!

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Program Snapshot

Spring Start Date

April 7, 2025

Summer Start Date

June 2, 2025

How Often

Twice per year

Cost

$600

Learning Format

Online

Online Learning Type

Asynchronous

Duration

4 weeks

Time Commitment

10 hrs./wk.

Credential

Professional Certificate

VA Benefit Eligible

No

Credits

Non-credit

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. 
Death doula training

Join a Trusted Leader in End-of-Life Doula Training

  • 3,000+ 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.

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. 

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. 

Instructors

FAQ

Learn about options for discounts, grants, loans, scholarships, and more on our tuition and financial aid page.

The textbook for this course will be determined soon.

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 you need to cancel your attendance, you must notify us via email at learn@uvm.edu or call us at (802) 656-2085 at least three business days prior to the start date of the course to receive a full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee. If a medical condition necessitates cancellation/withdrawal (documentation provided), this will be reviewed by our Studies Committee for any type of refund.

You have the goal; we can 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. 

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