The Online End-of-Life Doula program is designed to train and qualify students as End-of-Life Doulas who have an ability to attend to the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of those working with end-of-life circumstances, while supporting their logistical needs too. Throughout the training, students will develop and practice their guiding and facilitation skills ensuring they have the empathic attending skills that are vital to help those facing grief, loss, and death. Students who take this program will understand their scope of practice and learn how to work with other health professionals, while applying strong ethical guidelines and practicing a high level of professional and respectful behaviour. Students will learn how to create trusting and supportive relationships as they open and close doula-client relationships.
Demand for End-of-Life Doula Professionals
Many hospices throughout the province and the country have reported a significant increase in the demand for their support, outstripping their ability to provide both professional and volunteer services in a timely fashion. The same holds true for local community service agencies who also have been pressed to meet the demands for evolving community services regarding end-of-life given the increase in drug overdoses and suicides.
Statistically there are 9.2 million baby boomers living in Canada currently. Of them 1.1 million are living right here in British Columbia! In this province we have 301 hospice beds in the entire province and 28,000 long term care beds with waitlists of 18 months. It is clear that the demand for end of life services in the family home within their community will be the primary way we can support our ageing population.
Recognizing the significance of community-based initiatives, our End-of-Life Doula program is tailored to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to support their neighbors during life’s most challenging moments. Our goal is to cultivate a network of trained end-of-life doulas who can collaborate with community service agencies and hospice societies, ensuring that residents receive the vital care and assistance they deserve.
Our curriculum fosters individual reflection and self-care in navigating topics such as death, dying, grief, and loss, equipping students to provide vital support throughout life’s transitions. Upon completion, graduates emerge as certified End-of-Life Doulas, ready to offer coaching, facilitate support groups, conduct workshops, and guide clients in practical, emotional, and spiritual preparation for the end-of-life.
Meet the Faculty
Stephen Garrett, MA Leadership, Grief Counsellor, and End-of-Life Coach
When you meet Stephen, you are meeting a man who lives life fully. A genuine heart and commitment to life have produced in Stephen the qualities of a warrior: integrity, strength, leadership, kindness, and wisdom. Arising out of his personal experience of hundreds of deaths Stephen’s heart passion and life energy are focused on changing the conversation we have about death from one of fear and denial to one of embrace and inspiration. Stephen combines his life experience with his Masters in Leadership and Training as he trains and mentors people interested in dealing with dying, death, and grief in new and inspiring ways.
Graduate Outcomes
Upon completion of the End-of-Life Doula program, graduates will have multiple career opportunities including going into private practice and starting their own business as an End-of-Life Doula where the need is rapidly growing. Graduates can also find work with organizations such as working with community groups as a grief and loss educator, working with bereavement groups as a coordinator or bereavement facilitator, to working in hospices as an End-of-Life support worker and facilitator.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in becoming a student at Rhodes Wellness College? Click on the Apply Online link below to get started! Here you’ll find all the admission requirements and all the important links for starting your application.
| Total Program Length | 24 weeks (129 hrs) |
| Number of Semesters | 1 |
| Total Tuition | $4,450.00 |
| Application Fee (Domestic) | $100 (non-refundable) |
| Application Fee (International) | $250 (non-refundable) |
| Materials & Supplies | $50 |
| Student Activities | $50 |
| Archive Fee | $75 |
| Delivery Method | Online |
| Language | English |
| Next Intake | July 9th, 2024 – December 17, 2024 |
| Schedule | Tuesday/Thursday 6pm – 9pm |
Admissions Requirements
- Successful completion of the admissions assessment process.
- Written personal statement.
- Personal and/or professional reference.
- Grade 12 or equivalent or mature student status – 19 years or older with an established work history or relevant experience.
- International study permit if applicable.
To view a comprehensive list of our admissions requirements, please click here.
For a comprehensive and detailed explanation of our policies, please visit the following pages:
