Laurentian University's End-of-Life Doula program has received national accreditation from the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada, a recognition of the high-quality curriculum, expert instruction, and comprehensive resources.
The micro-credential program is comprised of four courses totalling 100 hours in length. Laurentian University's Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning, who developed the program with the support of Home Hospice North, started offering the first introductory course in Spring 2023 until the program in its entirety was first offered in Winter 2024. In the year since the program started, there have been 12 graduates with another 20 learners currently in the program.
For those like Rikki Sibbald, who feel called to provide compassionate support to those in need, the End-of-Life Doula program offers the training needed to turn that calling into action.
Rikki, Laurentian alumna in Psychologie and Éducation, is originally from New Liskeard but has been teaching with the Conseil scolaire Viamonde in Penetanguishene since completing her program in 2010. Although very different from her chosen career, she had long been drawn to end-of-life care. After a couple experiences with caring for relatives in their final days, Rikki often wondered how she could deepen her understanding of death, grief, and the support families need during that time.
"I've always been interested in death and dying," she says. "I considered nursing because the caregiver in me is strong, but my love for academia was stronger so I went into teaching instead. Over the years, I kept searching for programs or certifications in compassionate end-of-life care but I could only ever find options in the States."
That changed when she stumbled upon Laurentian's End-of-Life Doula program.
"I punched the words into the search bar one day, as I would do periodically over the years and when I saw that Laurentian offered it, it felt like a sign. Even more perfect? It was online, so I didn't have to take time off work or be away from my husband and kids. And Laurentian is my alma mater, so it just felt right."
Rikki enrolled in January 2024 and completed the program later that fall. The non-credit micro-credential trains individuals to support people in their final days, guiding them and their loved ones through the emotional, practical, and ethical aspects of dying. It covers everything from communication and grief support to funeral practices and legal considerations.
Throughout the program, Rikki was struck by the depth of knowledge she gained and the diversity of her classmates. "There were healthcare professionals, but also people like me people who just felt drawn to this work," she says. "It was incredibly supportive, and the instructors were amazing. Having a Francophone professor also made a big difference because I want to be able to offer support in both English and French."
For now, Rikki is looking for ways to bring this knowledge to her community by partnering with local organizations, libraries, and hospices to support those facing loss through grief discussions called "Death Cafés". Down the line, she hopes to turn this passion project into a retirement plan, offering respite care for families so that no one has to worry that their loved-one will die alone.
Laurentian's recent accreditation affirms the strength of the program. The End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada praised the program for its well-structured curriculum, high-quality teaching competence, and excellent student resources.
"This program opens doors," Rikki attests. "It's changed the way I think about death, and it's given me the tools to help others do the same."
Laurentian's End-of-Life Doula program is delivered through the Micro-credential and Non-credit Programming department, and is offered in both English and French. It is open to anyone interested in providing compassionate, end-of-life support. Registration is open on a continuous basis with the next deadline of April 26, 2025. For more information, visit Laurentian University's Continuing Learning page.
