16 Months
(Part-Time)
16 Months
(Part-Time)
Online (Virtual Classroom)
All learning resources and assessments are assessable via our eLearning portal
This qualification is for people wanting to provide professional, non-medical support to individuals approaching the end of life and those important to them. You will develop the knowledge and practical skills to work compassionately alongside people living with life-limiting illness, advanced ageing or terminal conditions, supporting them and those close to them before death, throughout the end of life phase and after death. You will also learn how to work collaboratively with health professionals, palliative care providers and the person’s wider circle of care.
An End of Life Doula does not replace medical or clinical care. Instead, they provide practical, emotional, social and spiritual support that complements existing health services and helps people make informed choices that reflect their wishes, values and preferences.
It is recommended that you have completed introductory or unaccredited End of Life Doula training before commencing this qualification to ensure you have a sound understanding of the diversity and demands of the End of Life Doula role.
Essential Skills Training and Recruitment proudly delivers this qualification with the expertise of experienced End of Life Doula educators from Preparing the Way PTW Pty Ltd, recognised as a leading provider of end-of-life doula education across Australia and New Zealand
The role of an End of Life Doula requires compassion, emotional resilience and the ability to support people through some of life’s most significant moments. This includes supporting people approaching the end of life, witnessing death, providing after-death care within your scope of practice and offering support to families and those close to the person as they experience grief and loss.
This course is suitable for people who:
This qualification provides pathways to work as an independent End of Life Doula or enhance your existing role within the health, aged care, disability, palliative care or community services sectors.
Many end-of-life doulas also run their own businesses or collaborate with organisations in aged care, disability, hospice, and funeral services to deliver personalised, non-clinical care.
To enrol in this course, you must meet ALL entry and study requirements, including having suitable technology access and digital skills to engage in online learning and complete assessments.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This qualification explores sensitive and emotionally confronting topics, including death and dying, witnessing death, after-death care and supporting people experiencing profound grief or trauma. These topics can feel deeply personal and may be challenging for some learners.
If you have experienced a recent bereavement, have personal experience of trauma or may find providing physical care to a person approaching the end of life distressing, we encourage you to consider whether now is the right time to undertake this study.
Please prioritise your wellbeing throughout the course. Speak with your Trainer or our Student Support Team if you feel distressed or need support at any time.
There are no formal entry requirements for 11440NAT Certificate IV in End of Life Doula Services.
The course is delivered in the following mode
Attend fortnightly, interactive trainer led workshops, delivered online in the virtual classroom. All learning and assessment resources will be available online in your Student Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: Your camera and microphone must be turned on during virtual classroom workshops.
Student Portal
On enrolment you will receive access to your Student Portal. This is where you will find all course information, links to virtual classroom workshops, learning and assessment materials, and where you will complete and submit your assessments.
Assessment Strategies
Each unit will comprise of a number of assessment tasks which may include short knowledge tests, projects, case studies, research, written reports and participating in practical activities such as observations, roleplays and presentations.
Practical Assessment Requirements
This qualification includes practical assessment activities designed to reflect real-world End of Life Doula practice. As part of your assessments, you will be required to participate in role plays and simulated scenarios, and complete some activities with real or simulated clients.
Training Plan
You will be issued with a personalised training plan that outlines your units of study and assessment due dates. This helps you stay organised and on track to complete your qualification within the expected timeframe.
Study Commitment
You should allow additional time outside of class to complete assessments. While the time needed may vary depending on your experience, learning style, and support needs, as a general guide, you should allow an extra (6) – (8) hours per week to stay on track with your coursework.
This qualification consists of (15) units in total.
CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS036 Support relationships with carer and families
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCINM002 Meet community information needs
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCPAL003 Deliver care services using a palliative approach
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP005 Engage with health professionals and the health system
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
NAT11440001 Explore end of life care options and the role of the end of life doula
NAT11440002 Provide holistic support through the end of life phase in preferred environment
NAT11440003 Undertake holistic after death care
NAT11440004 Provide holistic funeral and bereavement support
If you don’t want to commit to the length, cost and demands of the full qualification, we also offer the End of Life Doula Skills Group, which is comprised of the (4) nationally accredited, end of life doula specific units. For more information click here.
The price for this qualification will vary and is based upon specific eligibility requirements for government subsidies available at the time of your enrolment. As part of our Enrolment Application and Pre-Training Review process, we will assess your eligibility for any applicable funding or concessions. Once this is complete, you will be provided with a formal quote outlining your exact course fee before your enrolment is finalised.
Outlined below is the approximate fee range for this qualification:
| Full Course Cost | New Entrant Traineeship (NSW Only) |
NSW Smart and Skilled (NSW Only) |
|---|---|---|
| $12,195** | Not Applicable |
$240- $2,310 Eligibility Criteria Apply |
** The Full Course Cost will be discounted by $2,200 for eligible participants who have completed the 4-day End of Life Doula Intensive Course with Preparing the Way.
Your fees are always protected, and we have safeguards in place to keep your payments secure. All transactions are processed in Australian Dollars (AUD) through trusted gateways like eWAY and Stripe, with your card details encrypted and never stored by us.
For extra convenience, you can also pay quickly and securely using Link, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Eligible students may be able to access government-funded training support through the following program:
NSW Smart and Skilled – For NSW residents, this program may cover part or all of your course fees, depending on your eligibility.
Funding availability is subject to eligibility criteria and government guidelines. We’ll assess your eligibility during the enrolment application process and provide you with a course fee quote based on your circumstances. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office for more information.
We offer flexible payment plans to make it easier to manage your course fees. You can choose to pay in weekly or fortnightly instalments, helping to spread the cost over time. Our team is here to support you in setting up a plan that works for your budget.
We understand that circumstances can change. Our refunds policy outlines your rights and options if you need to withdraw from your course. It includes details about eligibility, notice periods, and how to request a refund.
There are four main steps in our enrolment process. These help us make sure the course is suitable for you, understand any support you may need and, where applicable, assess your eligibility for available government funding.
1. Complete your Enrolment Application
Complete your online application and provide the information and documents we need to assess your enrolment.
2. Complete your Course Readiness Check
After submitting your application, we’ll send you a link to complete a short online activity that helps us understand your current language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills. Please set aside around 15–20 minutes to complete it.
3. Complete your Course Suitability Check-in
If you haven’t already spoken with our team, we’ll contact you for a short phone conversation about the course, its suitability for you and any support you may need.
4. Accept your Course Fee Quote
Once the required steps are complete, we’ll send you a quote confirming your course fees and any funding or subsidy that applies. You’ll need to review and accept your quote before we can finalise your enrolment.
All steps must be completed before we can confirm your enrolment.
Government subsidised places are limited and not guaranteed. If you don’t complete your enrolment application promptly, you may miss out on securing a place.
If we’re unable to offer you a place, we’ll contact you to discuss the outcome and any other suitable options that may be available.
We are unable to enrol international students at this time, with the exception of students located in New Zealand.
As a student, you’ll have access to a range of support services to help you succeed in your studies. This includes one-on-one trainer support, access to learning resources, help with technology, and guidance with study or personal challenges.
Click here to access our Student Support Services Guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of the support available to you throughout your course.
Complete the enquiry form below and we will be in touch shortly.
Can I apply for this course outside Australia?
This course can be delivered to international students based in New Zealand only.
Please note: You will not be charged any fees until we have been able to assess your eligibility for funding. A $0 amount will be shown in the online application. The Customer Relationships Officer will provide you with a quote for your course fee as part of the Pre-Training Review process. On acceptance of the quote, a deposit will be required to finalise your enrolment.
Graduates of the 11440NAT Certificate IV in End-of-Life Doula Services may choose to further their studies in complementary fields to expand their scope of practice, manage their own business, enhance employment opportunities, or deepen their understanding of person-centred care. Depending on your career goals you may choose to continue your education with:
Note: Essential Skills Training and Recruitment does not offer all qualifications listed above.
Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions.
Check out the Death, Dying, Diagnosis and Doulas Podcast with Julie Fletcher.
Explore our Student Information Page for more helpful details about studying with us.
| Course Start Date | Course End Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 13/10/2026 | 18/01/2028 | Online – Virtual Classroom |
*We reserve the right to cancel or postpone courses when minimum numbers are not met.
Registration Code: 91729 | Legal Name: Trissig Pty Ltd
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Acknowledgement of Country and Diversity
Essential Skills Training and Recruitment acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of Australia and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. As an inclusive organisation, we embrace diversity and create spaces where everyone belongs. We welcome people from all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures and abilities and we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and supportive environment where everyone feels safe, valued and heard.
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