Grab the Certified End-of-Life Specialist (CEOLS) Program while it's on SALE!

You've thought about doula work...

but where do you begin?

Image

"I Feel Confident that I can serve..."

This course was transformative. I feel confident that I can serve the dying with love and knowledge of their needs. Thank you so much for creating this!

Ashely M., San Diego, CA

We'd Like to Help Make Your Dream of Doula Work...
a Reality

However You Wish to Serve.

If You're Curious

If you wonder how to take this calling and put it into action, then you are in the right place. There are many paths for doula work and we'll share the options and how to incorporate them. There is no one-size fit all, so you can customize your approach.

If You're Willing

If you're considering offering your services for hire or independently, you know we can help. You know you can make a difference in the lives and deaths of others and you're open to seeing how that might work, and in what capacity you might serve.

If You're ready

We're ready for you!! This is a transformational journey. Immerse yourself in the possibilities. Your impact on our current culture of death is an important and an exciting opportunity. We can help guide you on your way!

Well, then...

A Note from Patty Burgess

I believe with my whole heart that your work as an end-of-life doula is important and can change the world. We are experiencing a beautiful awakening when it comes to how end-of-life doulas are shaping death care in our culture - and YOU get to be a part of making a deep impact.

When my dear friend Rona died, I had no idea that I would later have a career supporting the dying, their loved ones, and training others how to “BE With" the dying.  Since then, I have made it my mission to help others who are drawn to this work, share their gifts and talents.  

We share "that thing" that draws us to death, dying, grief and loss.  Whatever brings you here has done so for a reason. We also share the pursuit of impacting and supporting more people as they navigate the end of life.

Symbolic tree faces - one leafless, one lush - sharing a kiss.

It's Not Just Training... It's Transformation.

Hourglass running out of time, symbolizing the growing need for end-of-life doula services.

As an Emerging Profession, There is Great Need...

End-of-life doulas, who provide non-medical, practical, emotional, and spiritual support, are an emerging profession gaining traction and recognition.

Once a term met with confusion, "end-of-life doula" is now embraced, partly due to increased awareness and media coverage. With over 10,000 people turning 65 daily, the demand for these services is rapidly growing.

While hospice provides vital end-of-life care, it often cannot fully meet all patient and family needs due to time and service limits. This gap has widened with post-pandemic healthcare shortages and an aging population, making doula support more essential than ever.

Originally Only for Hospice, Now Open to You...

This program was originally designed for hospice and palliative care volunteers and staff, and is currently being used by hospices across the country to train their workers. As we received more requests from doulas, family caregivers, mental health professionals, and colleges and universities, it made sense to provide this training to a wider audience beyond institutions.

We have opened it up to individuals and other healthcare professionals because it is time to make and impact on the way death care is delivered. As someone who is drawn to this work, you have an incredible opportunity to strongly impact our culture when it comes to death, dying, grief and loss.

We need you...

Young woman sitting, surrounded by colorful gears and a lit lightbulb, symbolizing the impact of expanding end-of-life care training beyond hospices.
Hands on laptop with various icons symbolizing the versatility of 'Certified End-of-Life Specialist' (CEOLS) certification for personal, business, and hospice volunteering use.

Your Certification and Designation...

Upon completing the training, you are granted the “Certified End-of-Life Specialist” (CEOLS) designation, which you may use in your personal or professional capacity.

About Certification:

Currently, there is no accrediting or oversight body for end-of-life doulas, meaning all certifications, or certificates, including ours, are “internal.” This signifies that you’ve met specific standards for our program ONLY, which includes module post-testing. While state or national accreditation doesn’t yet exist, clients typically would want to be made aware of any training taken or criteria met - particularly when visiting their loved one in the home setting, often unattended.

Our program is the only program that meets meets and exceeds Medicare requirements and the National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance - formerly NHPCO) training recommendations.

Why the Term “Specialist”?

The aim is to keep the focus broad, covering services across the entire end-of-life spectrum. The term “Specialist” reflects diverse interests and skills, from companion care and vigils to advance care planning and home funerals.

"Specialist" designates focused experience and training while remaining flexible across various fields where this work applies.

Death doulas are on the edge of an emerging field. It’s essential to maintain a broad reach to serve aging, ill, and end-of-life populations while focusing on non-medical, holistic, emotional, and spiritual support.

Two women in chairs discussing end-of-life care services, representing the broad scope of 'Specialist' training in non-medical support and holistic care.

Praise for the Program

"I would urge access to this training!"

I’ve been carrying the memories of the harsh way my parents each ended their battles with cancer. There was the sadness, isolation they and the impersonal ways they were treated.

I would urge any families, laypeople or medical professionals working with those in terminal conditions to access this training. The techniques taught in this training open the door to sharing the experience, rather than going through the stages alone and in fear.

Kathleen M., Tucson, AZ

Kathleen M. from Tucson, AZ, recommends end-of-life doula training for better end-of-life experiences.

"Gave me the depth and breadth of understanding"

I was fortunate in my search for end-of-life training to come across this program! After sampling two other programs that did not give me the depth and breadth of understanding I was searching for, I found it with THIS program!

This media rich training makes all the difference for an on-line course. Patty has put together an informative, educational experience with a comprehensive array of topics. Thank you Patty for the passion and detail you have put into this outstanding course.

C. Forfar, Toronto, Canada

C. Forfar from Toronto, Canada, highly recommends this comprehensive end-of-life training program.

Small Call to Action Headline

Small Call to Action Headline

Why Getting the Same Training as Hospice Clients is Important?

1.

Built-in Referral source

Understanding the hospice culture and their comfort level that you are well-trained in the same skills that their volunteers and staff receive, is a greater likelihood that they will refer to you or work with you.

2.

Valuable TRusTED REsOURCE

This course will help you convey the role and benefits of hospice service to your clients which may generate referrals to hospice agencies. You'll be seen as by both parties a valuable, trusted resource, solidifying those relationships further.

3.

Dual Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, you are certified as both an end-of-life doula and a hospice volunteer. Most hospices accept our training. Volunteering is a wonderful way to gain experience and hours.

4.

Potential Employment

As hospices begin to embrace and integrate EOL doulas into their interdisciplinary team, those trained in the specifics of hospice culture and philosophy are the likely candidates for employment or collaboration.

Image: Colorful quotation marks symbolizing customer testimonials and reviews.

"My heart is full of joy and appreciation"...

This course has already been a life-changing gift! It is hard to express how much I’ve appreciated it. To me, more than an end-of-life course, this is a LIFE course! Even before I start seeing patients, I can already employ the skills and approach discussed here to my personal relationships and see the magic happening. My heart is full of joy and appreciation, and I’m confident I will carry the profound learnings from this program into my work as a hospice volunteer.
Andrea Soares, Alexandria, VA

This Training is Like No Other Because it's...

Experiential

This training promises to open your emotional bandwidth.
It will make you laugh, cry, ponder and wonder.

Inspiring & Engaging

Video-based teaching, with plenty of "eye-candy" to keep you engaged. The program is packed with experiential exercises, music, graphics, meditations, interviews, films, downloadable material, with links to inspirational resources.

A puzzle coming together with gears, symbolizing the transformative and engaging nature of this experiential end-of-life doula training.

Transformational

This training not only informs, but transforms. Death doula training should be an exploration into uncovering beliefs, fears, limitations and the beauty of your own unfolding.

Enhancing Personal or Professional Credentials

Although no healthcare background is required, this training is perfect for physicians, nurses, chaplains, social workers, mental health professionals, coaches, healing arts practitioners, and more. This designation evidences your advanced training.

More Praise...

Image: Social media heart bubbles representing positive feedback and testimonials.

This course was deeply meaningful...

I just completed your course. I made an erroneous assumption that there would be trite statements about death and dying. I could not have been more wrong. The course was deeply meaningful and very instructive. The emphasis on careful, deep listening and absence of judgment most impressed me.
Lila Suna, Washington, DC

Meeting and Exceeding Requirements...

This certification is an acknowledgement and evidence of your adherence to standards that exist for training in the hospice industry. It shows you have adopted a high level of standards for care.

Hospices are required to meet certain training criteria in order to receive reimbursement from Medicare. Our program is the only program that meets meets and exceeds Medicare requirements and the National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance)training recommendations.

It was designed specifically so that should you wish to volunteer, you are automatically dually qualified for volunteering AND to use the Certified End-of-Life Specialist designation whether you want to start a practice or seek employment opportunities.

What Hospice Clients Say...

Kaiser Permanente Logo

"This is an amazing
treasure trove
of EOL education!"

Baika Pratt-Heaton

Former Volunteer Coordinator

Coastal Home Health & Hospice logo

"You just increased
my effectiveness
x 10! "

Lynne Denne'

Doula, and Outreach Manager

Yolo Cares logo

"How did we do

it before

this program!"

Andrew Moore

Volunteer Manager

Buena Vista Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice logo

"This is an

answer to

a prayer!"

Paula Marie Jones

Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator

Gilchrist Hospice Care logo "Guiding the way."

"No other training

like this

on the market."

Diane Sancilio, LCSW-C

Director of Counseling and Support

Constellation logo

"I found a

fresh voice in the

end-of-life training field"

Jean berman

Volunteer & Community Engagement

Introducing...

The Foundational

Certified End-of-Life Specialist (CEOLS) Program

Take a look...

What’s Included in Your Program?

This 10 module self-paced, online training offers the foundational level of , skills learning, exercises, and immersion into the supportive nature of non-medical, practical, holistic end-of-life care.

It offers a springboard and base of knowledge from which to launch an end-of-life (EOL) doula, coach or guide practice, to work for hire, or volunteer in the end-of-life industry. It also grants the Certified End-of-Life Specialist (CEOLS) designation, upon successful completion of the program.

MODULE 1

Welcome & Overview

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, you will be able to fully connect with the impact your work can have in the world. Though this program was originally developed for the hospice industry, there is reference throughout the program not only to volunteers, but personal and professional caregivers. This material is especially relevant to end-of-life doulas and family members, as more than any other role, you will work closely with hospice professionals. You'll also understand what is required to receive the CEOLS designation.

Content

  • Overview and Welcome

  • Purpose/Focus of the Training

  • Course Guidelines

  • Training Candidates

  • Importance of Volunteering

  • Transformational Work

  • Power of Stories

  • Intro to "Quietings"

Content

  • Hospice 101:

  • Regulations and Standards

  • Eligibility, Benefits and Usage

  • Interdisciplinary Team Approach

  • HIPAA & Patients Rights

  • Myths & Misconceptions

  • Advance Directives

MODULE 2

Hospice 101

Learning Objectives:

In this module, you will learn about hospice philosophy, history, goals of care, benefits, eligibility, interdisciplinary team approach and the concepts of palliative care. It is important to understand the beauty and benefits of the hospice approach to care in order to educate your community and potential clients. You will often work side-by-side with hospice agencies in a non-medical supportive role. Ethical duties involved in hospice, such as confidentiality and boundaries are discussed here.

MODULE 3

Personal Death Awareness

Learning Objectives:

The Personal Death Awareness module is an impactful, eye-opening experience that will help you identify your own fears, beliefs, and concerns about your own mortality that may get in the ways of serving to the fullest. Experientially understanding the feeling of loss, lack of control and isolation that our clients will face deeply informs our capacity to embody empathy. In this way, we become a better guide and supporter of the choices the dying make—even when it opposes ours.

Content

  • Examining Death: Our Fears, Beliefs & Limitations

  • Intro - Personal Death Awareness Exercise

  • Exercise - Personal Death Awareness

  • Intro to the Personal Death Inventory Exercise

  • A "Quieting"

Content

  • Creating a "Safe Space"

  • Compromised Communication

  • Listening Styles

  • Empathetic Listening Exercise

  • HeartMath Technique

  • Communication Tools

  • Communication Barriers

  • Boundaries

MODULE 4

End-of-Life Communication

Learning Objectives:

Creating a supportive environment for the facilitation of better communication with the dying and their loved ones is a key component of EOL doula work. You will remain in touch with your own personal death awareness in order to be aware of personal triggers that can affect healthy communications skills. You’ll see how miscues and miscommunications in conversation lead to elevated levels of emotion and how to handle them when present with the dying and their loved ones.

MODULE 5

Clinical Care at End-of-Life

Learning Objectives:

A 20-year clinical care nurse explains the role and scope of the hospice clinical team and the doula/personal caregiver/volunteer in managing pain and symptoms. You will learn about the liability and ethical issues inherent in an end-of-life situation. You will be able to identify potential risks for yourself and client safety relating to universal precautions, and safety and environmental hazards in the home setting. You will become familiar with the signs and symptoms of approaching death, as well as appropriate responses and comfort measures. Actions to take when a death occurs in various settings is also covered here.

Content

  • Clinical Experience at End of Life

  • Pain and Symptom Management

  • Universal Precautions

  • Signs/Symptoms of Dying/Death

  • Safety in the Home

  • Hospice Physician Interview

  • Hospice Aide Interview

  • Death in Various Settings

Content

  • What We Face Today

  • Hospice Chaplain Interview

  • Hospice Social Worker Interview

  • Hospice Volunteer Coordinator

  • Bereavement Coordinator

  • Video Montage - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion

MODULE 6

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Learning Objectives:

In this module you will be able to acknowledge the impact of cultural and spiritual aspects of the death journey for your clients - however differing they may be from each other, or from your own belief system. You will learn about the inequities in our healthcare system as it relates to marginalized groups at the end of life. You will come to understand the concept of “presence” for the dying and their loved ones. We learn how doula work can support the psycho-social and spiritual needs of patients and their families/significant others. You will come to understand more about the spiritual needs of those who are not religious or don't belong to a faith-based community, and where to refer should the client or family undergo a spiritual crisis.

MODULE 7

Grief & Bereavement

Learning Objectives:

As a doula you will work with those who are grieving and come to understand appropriate responses to death and loss. You will be able to identify the existing models of grief recovery, as well as relaying the myths and misconceptions about grief. You will recognize the value of engaging in grief recovery for yourself, and understand what signs might be present to indicate the need for a referral.

Content

  • Alchemy of Grief

  • How to Support a Griever

  • To Say and Not to Say

  • Family Dynamics

  • The Difference Between Grief and Mourning

Content

  • Self-Care in End-of-Life

  • The New Self-Care

  • Slow Down

  • Stay Here

  • Allow Some Space

  • Let Things Be

  • Pay Attention

MODULE 8

Self-Care/Managing Stress

Learning Objectives:

Becoming resilient and managing personal stress is especially important while caring for people at the end of life. You will be able to identify your own personal stress triggers, and find the most appropriate and nurturing ways to alleviate your stress. You will be able to see the signs of burn-out and be willing to address them appropriately, create healthy boundaries, and develop on-going strategies to nurture yourself, to better serve others. Taught by an end-of life doula, volunteer, stress and resilience coach.

MODULE 9

Legacy

Learning Objectives:

As a doula, you may choose to work with patients and families on legacy projects. You will be able to help the dying and their family create memories and living legacies, while assisting the dying person in understanding their inherent worth and contribution to the world. You will create an environment of loving presence as the dying and their loved one's move closer to their final moments.

Content

  • Legacy & Last Words

  • Funny, Heartfelt & Wise Eulogies

  • Legacy

  • Introduction - Dialogue with Death

  • Exercise - Dialogue with Death

  • What gift Will You Leave

Content

  • Putting it all Together

  • Visit Etiquette

  • Life Review & Reminiscence

  • Working with Dementia Patients

  • BE-ing With the Dying

  • Needs of the Dying

  • Parting Words

MODULE 10

Wrapping Up

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module you will understand the various supportive tasks that you can perform for the family/loved ones. Understanding visit etiquette and the needs of the dying will help you become better prepared for any interpersonal exchange. This is a wrap up module summarizing the most important points of the course and how to get started on your doula work.

What CEOLS Graduates are Saying...

Image: Social media heart bubbles representing positive feedback and testimonials.

What a priveldge!

I want to tell you how meaningful and rich this training has been for me. It confirms that I will get more than I give from this work - what a privilege!

Theresa Bernsten, Seattle, WA

Image: Colorful quotation marks symbolizing customer testimonials and reviews.

Such a beautiful and informative program!

I want to thank you for such a beautiful, informative program. I hope to bring your teachings into my practice with cancer patients and their families.

Judy ViCava, Bucks County, PA

Image: Social media heart bubbles representing positive feedback and testimonials.

Intense and Beautiful!

I LOVED the CEOLS training modules. Intense and beautiful! Please know I thanked you in my heart several times.

Nathan Bier, Sacramento, CA

Foundational

Certified End-of-Life Specialist Training Program

INCLUDED

valued at

Certification Program

$2497

10 Module resource Pages

$497

Personal Death Awareness Exercise Transcript

$97

Dialogue With Death Exercise TRanscript

$97

Letter of Reference, CurriculUm, course Progress, for Hospice VolunteerIng

$197

Image: Various PDFs, educational video screenshots, and resources on desktops and laptops, representing the Certified End-of-Life Specialist Training Program.

INCLUDED

Certification Program $2497

10 Module resource Pages $497

Personal Death Awareness

Exercise Transcript $97

Dialogue With Death

Exercise TRanscript $97

Letter of Reference, CurriculUm, course Progress, for Hospice VolunteerIng $197

Access to [BRAND NEW] Course and Monthly Membership

Profitable Pathways - EOL Doula Business Academy $2497

Founding Members Ongoing Membership to Profitable Pathways EOL Doula Business Academy - $17 month $2497

Done 4 U Webpage

as Part of the EOL Certified doula Network $497

DONE 4 U

Editable Brochure Template $97

Done 4 U

Editable Business Card Template $97

Done 4 U

Editable Lead Magnet $97

And so much more

with the Profitable Pathways EOL Doula Business Academy Membership

Total Value = $3,385+

Regular Price = $1,497

Today’s Price = $997

Payment plans available

Total Value = $3385+

Regular Price = $1497

$500 DISCOUNT!

Today’s Price = $997

Payment plans available

Any Questions? Contact us at support@lifepathlearners.com

Main Offering Example One $997

Main Offering Example Two $197

Main Offering Example Three $2997

Main Offering Example Four $97

Main Offering Example Five $297

BONUS Offering Example ONE $997

BONUS Offering Example Two $197

Image: Headshot of Patty Burgess, a renowned speaker and educator in end-of-life matters and founder of LifePath Learners.

Patty Burgess

Your Trainer and Course Facilitator

Patty is a leading national end-of-life doula trainer and healthcare entrepreneur, impacting the field through her work as one of the founding members of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) and a charter member of NHPCO’s EOL Doula Council.

She has trained over 25,000 individuals and is dedicated to professionalizing and legitimizing doula work. Inspired by her experience supporting her friend Rona from diagnosis to death, Patty became a hospice volunteer, trainer, and community educator.

She founded an end-of-life training company, Teaching Transitions, recently acquired for multiple six-figures, allowing her to focus fully on training doulas. Her newly re-branded company, LifePath Learners, offers comprehensive courses and business support, advancing the growing end-of-life doula movement.

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS WE Hear...

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these live classes or recorded?

The classes are recorded for your convenience on the CEOLS Training Program. This way there is maximum flexibility as to how you want to go through the program. It is self-paced and ready to be viewed when you are.

What type of support is there?

You can always reach us at: support @ lifepathlearners.com. We are here to answer your questions at any time. If you need further on-going 1:1 support we may offer either phone, Voxer, or chat support if your question cannot be answered in email.

What If I want to start or grow an end-of-life doula business?

We would love to support you in the business side of your end-of-life doula work. Specifically for that endeavor, we offer our Profitable Pathways: End-of-Life Doula Business Accelerator Membership. This is an ongoing membership program that has four components. Coursework, Coaching, Community and Resources. This membership goes beyond a one and done business course, that when it is over, you are left unsupported. you can cancel at any time and still retain some of the most important modules for lifetime access. If interested, please get i touch at support @ lifepathlearners.com.

Can I purchase the Business Track at a later date?

Sure thing! You can certainly purchase at a later date, though we cannot guarantee it will be at the same price. We may add bonuses or bundle with another offer, which could change the pricing, but it will always be available for you.

How many hours is the training?

The full foundational CEOLS training is 30 hours, but the final certificate you see is for 10.5 hours because the resource section is optional to be completed at your won pace. However, the remaining 20 hours is covered in the Resources Pages by all the material there, totaling 30 hours.

If I want to volunteer for my local hospice, how do I let them know I have completed this training and share my credentials?

Most hospices accept our training program for those who wish to volunteer. Upon request we will supply your progress, scores and curriculum for the hospice to verify your certification. We cannot guarantee that your hospice will accept our training, but our experience shows that most do. Additionally, not all hospices have the same robust and thorough raining that we do. You can be assured that our program meets and exceeds the training requirements that hospices are responsible for providing.

100% Quarantee

Peace of Mind

We want you to feel comfortable with your purchase.

Take a look around and view a few modules. If the program is not for you, let us know within 3 days and we will return 100% of your money. Enjoy a hassle-free experience and get started with this important work today!

Is this Training for You?

If any of these apply to you, the CEOLS program may be for you...

  • You want to become an end-of-life doula but have no healthcare and/or business background

  • You want a doula certificate to present your training, expertise, and credentials

  • You have been profoundly affected (negatively or positively) by a family member or friend's death, and know it can be different than how our culture currently handles death, dying, grief and loss

  • You are drawn to compassionate, inspired, loving service, and feel that work or volunteering in this field is a good match for you

  • You are a healthcare professional and want to enhance your professional skills, OR are considering EOL doula work as a career and want business support.

  • You want to enter the hospice or palliative care field for work or to start a business

  • You are deeply curious and feel like death holds a mystery you want to explore, and you want to help others not be so fearful

  • You're overwhelmed caring for a friend or family member and know it can be better

  • You see death as a path for personal growth, self improvement & spiritual study, and feel like you can impact others with this knowledge

  • You work as an alternative healing practitioner, mental health professional, , life coach or other elder care worker, and want to add EOL services to your offerings


  • You have a personal fear or limitation around death, dying, grief and loss that you would like to address

Image: Social media heart bubbles representing positive feedback and testimonials.

"Literally opened up a whole new world for me..."

This training literally opened a whole new world for me. It helped me to learn about many ways of meeting a person where they are and letting them lead me to the best way to care for them. This training also gave me the courage to take ownership of the skills I had learned, including launching my own independent, End-of-life Specialist business. I am so grateful for inspiring me to follow this path in life.

Michelle A., Montpellier, Vermont

Foundational

Certified End-of-Life Specialist Training Program (CEOLS)

INCLUDED

valued at

Certification Program

$2497

10 Module resource Pages

$497

Personal Death Awareness Exercise Transcript

$97

Dialogue With Death Exercise TRanscript

$97

Letter of Reference, CurriculUm, course Progress, for Hospice VolunteerIng

$197

Image: Various PDFs, educational video screenshots, and resources on desktops and laptops, representing the Certified End-of-Life Specialist Training Program.

INCLUDED

Certification Program $2497

10 Module resource Pages $497

Personal Death Awareness

Exercise Transcript $97

Dialogue With Death

Exercise TRanscript $97

Letter of Reference, CurriculUm, course Progress, for Hospice VolunteerIng $197

Access to [BRAND NEW] Course and Monthly Membership

Profitable Pathways - EOL Doula Business Academy $2497

Founding Members Ongoing Membership to Profitable Pathways EOL Doula Business Academy - $17 month $2497

Done 4 U Webpage

as Part of the EOL Certified doula Network $497

DONE 4 U

Editable Brochure Template $97

Done 4 U

Editable Business Card Template $97

Done 4 U

Editable Lead Magnet $97

And so much more

with the Profitable Pathways EOL Doula Business Academy Membership

Total Value = $3,385+

Regular Price = $1,497

Today’s Price = $997

Payment plans available

Total Value = $3385+

Regular Price = $1497

$500 DISCOUNT!

Today’s Price = $997

Payment plans available

Any Questions? Contact us at support@lifepathlearners.com

Main Offering Example One $997

Main Offering Example Two $197

Main Offering Example Three $2997

Main Offering Example Four $97

Main Offering Example Five $297

BONUS Offering Example ONE $997

BONUS Offering Example Two $197