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Registration Now Open! Training begins August 2025.

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The Industry's Most In-Depth Comprehensive
Training Program

The HeartWay's immersive Training & Certification sets the standard as the most foundational program for End-of-Life Practitioners (ELPs) and Death Doulas. 

Our comprehensive training program delves into every aspect of an ELP, approached through a rich multidisciplinary lens — weaving together historical, mythological, and therapeutic perspectives. You'll gain a deep understanding of this profoundly meaningful work, including how to advocate effectively for your clients while skillfully navigating end-of-life medical systems and communities. 

While many Death Doula and End-of-Life Practitioner programs offer only brief weekend workshops, they often fall short in fully preparing individuals for the depth and complexity of this sacred work. At The HeartWay, we believe this path requires a far more comprehensive, immersive, and integrative approach to truly support both practitioners and those they serve. 

The work of an ELP goes far beyond a typical job, which is why deep, multidimensional training is absolutely essential for those called to this path. 

The Industry's Most In-Depth Comprehensive Training Program

The HeartWay’s immersive Training & Certification sets the standard as the most foundational program for End-of-Life Practitioners (ELP) and Death Doulas.

Our comprehensive training program delves into every aspect of an ELP, approached through a rich multidisciplinary lens — weaving together historical, mythological, and therapeutic perspectives. You'll gain a deeper understanding of this profoundly meaningful work, including how to advocate effectively for your clients while skillfully navigating end-of-life medical systems and communities. 

While many Death Doula and End-of-Life Practitioner programs offer only brief weekend workshops, they often fall short in fully preparing individuals for the depth and complexity of this sacred work. At The HeartWay, we believe this path requires a far more comprehensive, immersive, and integrative approach to truly support both practitioners and those they serve. 

The work of an ELP goes far beyond a typical job, which is why deep, multidimensional training Is absolutely essential for those called to this path. 

What Does an End-of-Life Practitioner Do?

What Does an End-of-Life Practitioner Do?
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When you serve and support someone through their end-of-life journey — the most profound and sacred transition — you undergo a powerful transformation as you witness life's great mystery unfold.

Now is your moment to step forward and share this profound gift. Embrace your next evolution by becoming an End-of-Life Practitioner and Death Doula, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those navigating this essential passage. Your soul's journey and life's work can come together to create healing, presence, and compassionate care where it's needed most. 

Take the step. Become the change. Transform the end-of-life experience—for others and for yourself.

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Who is this training for?


If you’re committed to reshaping the way we care for those facing serious illness, the dying, and their loved ones, this training offers the tools and wisdom to support that transformation. 

Our ELP Training program is thoughtfully designed for individuals across a wide spectrum of caregiving and healing professions, including: 

  • Front-line nurses and healthcare providers
  • Social workers and clinical case managers
  • Physicians, therapists, and other clinicians
  • Clinical and healthcare leaders
  • Educators and facilitators in health and human services
  • Family and home-based caregivers
  • Healing arts and integrative wellness practitioners
  • Hospice and palliative care volunteers

And all who are called to embrace life by honoring death.

This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of this sacred life. End-of-Life Doulas and Practitioners stand at the threshold of formal recognition — following a path similar to that of chiropractors and acupuncturists in their early days. The field is gaining momentum, and those stepping into it now are helping shape its future. 

Who is this training for?

If you’re committed to reshaping the way we care for those facing serious illness, the dying, and their loved ones, this training offers the tools and wisdom to support that transformation. 

Our ELP Training program is thoughtfully designed for individuals across a wide spectrum of caregiving and healing professions, including: 

  • Front-line nurses and healthcare providers
  • Social workers and clinical case managers
  • Physicians, therapists, and other clinicians
  • Clinical and healthcare leaders
  • Educators and facilitators in health and human services
  • Family and home-based caregivers
  • Healing arts and integrative wellness practitioners
  • Hospice and palliative care volunteers

And all who are called to embrace life by honoring death.

This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of this sacred life. End-of-Life Doulas and Practitioners stand at the threshold of formal recognition — following a path similar to that of chiropractors and acupuncturists in their early days. The field is gaining momentum, and those stepping into it now are helping shape its future. 

 

"I have learned to fall in love with Death in such a holistic way and I now feel empowered with the tools I have gained, to walk people through that side of themselves as both their ally and their guide.”
 
 Lisa Stuhley, RMT, ELP
”I have learned to fall in love with Death in such a holistic way and I now feel empowered with the tools I have gained, to walk people through that side of themselves as both their ally and their guide.”
— Lisa Stuhley, RMT, ELP
 As a student in Training & Certification Program, you’ll receive:
  • Two Textbooks. These are not just textbooks; they are comprehensive manuals you'll return to again and again — both throughout your training and in your work as a practitioner. You'll receive two extensively developed textbooks, thoughtfully designed with: Clear Learning Objectives, Engaging lessons and reflective assignments, Guided Practices and tools, Practical resources and Reference Materials. 
  • Online Student Portal & Interactive Training. You will be able to connect, share, and deepen your learning together. Experience "hands-on," highly interactive virtual and in-person training sessions with Dr. Deerheart, designed to engage you fully and bring this meaningful work to life.
  • Video and Audio Recordings of Every Virtual Class. After each live session, you'll receive both video recordings to stream anytime for review.
  • Receive 80 supervised internship hours.
  • Continuation Educational Units through the Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) for Nurses and Licensed Marriage Family Therapists through CAMFT.
  • Resources and Materials for Integration
As a student in Training & Certification Program, you’ll receive:
  • Two Textbooks. These are not just textbooks; they are comprehensive manuals you'll return to again and again — both throughout your training and in your work as a practitioner. You'll receive two extensively developed textbooks, thoughtfully designed with: Clear Learning Objectives, Engaging lessons and reflective assignments, Guided Practices and tools, Practical resources and Reference Materials. 
  • Online Student Portal & Interactive Training. You will be able to connect, share, and deepen your learning together. Experience "hands-on," highly interactive virtual and in-person training sessions with Dr. Deerheart, designed to engage you fully and bring this meaningful work to life.
  • Video and Audio Recordings of Every Virtual Class. After each live session, you'll receive both video recordings to stream anytime for review.
  • Receive 80 supervised internship hours.
  • Continuation Educational Units through the Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) for Nurses and Licensed Marriage Family Therapists through CAMFT.
  • Resources and Materials for Integration

End-of-Life Practitioner Training FAQs

How can we help you?

Please fill out this form if you have any further questions.

Virtual Training Schedule

LEVEL I

Orientation
August 30, 2025

Classes
September 18-21, 2025
October 17-19, 2025
November 13-16, 2025

 LEVEL II

Orientation
March 28, 2026

Classes
April 16-20, 2026*
(*In-person in Nevada City)
May 15-17, 2026
June 12-14, 2026

INTERNSHIP

Supervision begins:
January 2026

Course Requirements

ONLINE AND IN-PERSON SESSIONS
This is not a self-paced, pre-recorded course. All sessions are LIVE via Zoom for Level I.
Classes are from 8:30am PT to 5:30pm PT with scheduled breaks and lunch.

Level II begins with a 5-day intensive, IN-PERSON session in Nevada City, CA. Internship is done where you live, with support and supervision hours.

PREREQUISITES
There are no specific requirements except a big heart and desire to do this work.

Online Meeting Schedule

LEVEL I

Orientation
August 30, 2025

Classes
September 18-21, 2025
October 17-19, 2025
November 13-16, 2025

 LEVEL II

Orientation
March 28, 2026

Classes
April 16-20, 2026*
(*In-person in Nevada City)
May 15-17, 2026
June 12-14, 2026

Course Requirements

ONLINE AND IN-PERSON SESSIONS
This is not a self-paced, pre-recorded course. All sessions are LIVE via Zoom for Level I.

Level II begins with a 5-day intensive, IN-PERSON session in Nevada City, CA. Internship is done where you live, with support and supervision hours.

PREREQUISITES
There are no specific requirements except a big heart and desire to do this work.

Payment Options

Payment Options

Pay In Full

Payment Plan

Request Tuition Assistance

Pay In Full

1-Pay

$5,500

(1-Pay is due by August 15, 2025)

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Payment Plan

12-Pay

$485/mo

(includes deposit and materials fees.)

BUY NOW

Request Tuition Assistance

Meet Dr. Andrea Deerheart


Andrea Deerheart, PhD, is the founder of The HeartWay, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to embracing life through honoring death. Her pioneering work draws on her wisdom gathered over decades spent providing loving care and healing to those on the journey of conscious living and dying. Andrea’s primary work and teaching focus on issues related to aging, radiant well-being, cultural mythology, death and dying, and living a more compassionate life — as well as grief, loss, and mindful, compassionate care.

The author of the recording Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions, Andrea is also a 500hrRYT yoga instructor (the highest international standard for yoga teachers), a Certified Yoga Nidra Instructor, and a sought-after consultant, educator, writer, and poet. 

Guest Faculty

You’ll learn from our guest presenters, each with specific expertise,
as you deepen and enrich your journey.

Guest Faculty

You’ll learn from our guest presenters, each with specific expertise, as you deepen and enrich your journey.

Dan Vicario, M.D.

Medical & Integrative Oncologist

Marc Halpern, AYD, DC

Founder: California College of Ayurveda

Co-Founder: National Ayurvedic Medical Association & California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine 

Tom Daniel, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant

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