If you're drawn to offering compassionate end-of-life care and wondering, how much is death doula training?, you’re not alone. With the growing awareness of holistic support at the end of life, more people are pursuing certification as a death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or death midwife.
The good news? Training programs are available at a range of price points to fit most budgets and learning styles. In this blog post, we’ll break down what you can expect to pay for death doula training, what’s typically included, and how to choose the right program for your goals. More: The Best Death Doula Training Programs in 2025
What Is a Death Doula?
A death doula is a non-medical professional trained to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families during the dying process. Doulas may assist with:
- End-of-life planning
- Advance directives
- Legacy and memory projects
- Vigil presence at the bedside
- Grief and bereavement support
Training is key to gaining the knowledge, confidence, and structure needed to serve clients in this deeply personal role.
So, How Much Is Death Doula Training?
💸 Low-Cost Training: $99 – $300
These programs are usually self-paced, online, and designed to be accessible to as many people as possible.
Example:
DNT Network’s End-of-Life Doula Certification is just $99. It includes:
- Fully online, self-paced curriculum
- Practical assignments
- Affordable certification with no hidden fees
- Access to a growing network of students and professionals
This type of training is ideal for those looking to get started quickly and affordably.
💰 Mid-Range Training: $500 – $1,200
These programs often include live Zoom sessions, small group mentorship, and structured pacing. You may also receive:
- Deeper dives into specialized topics (like hospice care collaboration, legacy planning, or trauma-informed care)
- Optional certification exams or practicum experiences
- Access to communities or alumni networks
Some popular programs in this range also offer payment plans to make tuition more manageable.
🧾 High-End or In-Person Training: $1,500 – $3,500+
These are typically multi-day intensives, in-person retreats, or hybrid programs that include:
- Personalized mentoring
- Live workshops or summits
- One-on-one coaching
- Extensive practicum requirements
- Guest speakers, panels, and in-depth content
These programs may also help with business development and offer certificates with a strong brand or network attached.
What’s Included in Death Doula Training?
While programs vary, most death doula training includes:
- Foundations of end-of-life care
- Communication and active listening
- Grief and bereavement support
- Advance planning and ethical boundaries
- Legacy and life review work
- Self-care for doulas
- Business-building strategies (in some programs)
Some programs require completion of interviews, reflective writing, or final projects to receive certification.
Do You Need to Be Certified?
There is no legal requirement to be certified as a death doula. However, getting certified offers several benefits:
- Boosts your credibility with clients and hospice partners
- Helps you learn best practices and avoid common pitfalls
- Connects you with a professional community
- Makes it easier to market your services or get listed in directories
How to Choose the Right Training Program
Ask yourself:
- What’s my budget?
- Do I prefer self-paced learning or live instruction?
- Do I want to get started quickly or take a deep dive over months?
- Is mentorship or networking important to me?
- Will I need help starting my doula business?
If you’re looking for a flexible and affordable place to start, DNT Network’s certification offers one of the best values in the industry.