Companionship & grief support
Non-clinical presence before a death, and support for the people left behind.
2 roles in this field
Bereavement Counselor
Explore the path to becoming a bereavement counselor, including required skills, education, job outlook, and career insights.
Death Doula
Discover how to become a death doula and support individuals and families through the final stages of life with care and compassion.
Certifications in this field
Certified ThanatologistThey’ve studied death, dying, and bereavement from a professional, clinical, or academic lens. Certified Clinical Trauma ProfessionalThey’ve completed trauma-informed clinical training, often used with grief clients. Certified Grief CounselorThey’ve completed specialized coursework in grief theory, process, and support strategies. Fellow in Thanatology Death Midwife / Home Funeral Guide CertificationThey’re trained to guide families in caring for their loved one’s body at home after death. INELDA End-of-Life Doula Certification NEDA Certificate of Proficiency for End-of-Life Doulas University of Vermont End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate
Where to train
University of Maryland, Baltimore – Aging and Applied Thanatology Graduate CertificatePost-baccalaureate graduate certificate, 12 credits, online Marian University – Thanatology (Graduate Certificate and MS)Graduate Certificate in Thanatology; Master of Science in Thanatology Hood College – Thanatology and Trauma, Crisis, Grief & Loss CertificatesGraduate Certificate in Thanatology; Graduate Certificate in Trauma, Crisis, Grief and Loss University of Vermont – End-of-Life Doula Professional CertificateUniversity professional certificate, online INELDA – End-of-Life Doula TrainingProfessional training program, leads to INELDA certification
Other fields
Funeral & deathcare operationsThe people who run services, care for the body, and keep a funeral home working. Death investigation & forensicsDetermining how and why someone died, and the specialized work that surrounds it. Clinical & bedside careMedical, spiritual, and therapeutic care for people in their final months and days. After-loss & legacyUntangling the practical, digital, and financial aftermath, and preserving a life story. Estate, financial & legacy planningThe professionals who help people plan, protect, transfer, administer, and give away assets during life and after death.