The need for well-trained professionals in palliative and end-of-life care has never been greater. Patients facing chronic illnesses deserve compassionate, respectful, and expert care, whether in a hospital, at home, or within community settings. While the importance of this specialized care is widely recognized, comprehensive training for healthcare providers remains limited, often leaving professionals feeling unprepared to best support their patients during these critical times.
The demand for palliative and end of life care is rapidly increasing across all age groups. In the U.S. alone, approximately 6 million children annually are diagnosed with conditions that could benefit from palliative care. Furthermore, with an aging population, the need for adult end of life care services is set to surge. It’s estimated that around 60% of American adults currently live with chronic conditions, and by 2040, a significant 20% of the US population – about 80 million individuals – will be over 65 and potentially in need of these specialized services. This growing demographic shift underscores the urgency for more healthcare professionals equipped to provide quality end of life care.
Recognizing that palliative care requires a team-based approach, this End Of Life Care Certificate Program is designed for clinicians from various disciplines to learn and grow together. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a richer learning environment and promotes better patient outcomes. The evidence-based practices taught within the program are invaluable for a wide array of medical professionals, including:
- Nurses and Nursing Assistants
- Medical Students, Doctors, and Physician Assistants
- Pharmacists
- Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists
- Social Workers
- Chaplains
- Allied Health Professionals
Regardless of your specific role in patient care, this program will equip you with the evidence-based knowledge and skills necessary to deliver confident, competent, and compassionate care. You will learn to support patients and their families throughout the entire care continuum – from the initial diagnosis of a chronic illness through to end-of-life.
Upon completing this end of life care certificate program, you will be prepared to:
- Deliver comprehensive palliative and end of life care to patients of all ages in diverse healthcare settings.
- Apply the established standards of professional practice in palliative, hospice, and end of life care.
- Analyze the obstacles and opportunities in providing effective palliative and end of life care, and develop successful implementation strategies across various settings and patient populations.
This end of life care certificate program consists of 12 graduate-level credit hours, delivered entirely online and asynchronously, allowing you to complete it within one calendar year. Upon successful graduation, you will receive an academic certificate from The Ohio State University, a recognized leader in healthcare education. Admissions are offered every semester, providing flexible entry points throughout the year.
To discover more about this invaluable end of life care certificate program and to receive updates on information sessions and application details, please reach out to [email protected].
Online program availability may vary by state. For detailed information regarding state authorization requirements, disclosures related to online programs, and state licensing board contact information, please visit the State Authorization website.