Program Information

Palliative care aims to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for those who are living with and/or dying from a progressive life-limiting illness. The Concepts of Palliative Care, Board of Governors Certificate is a flexible delivery, part-time, online program designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes required to be involved with caring for a person with a life-limiting illness and their families. Curriculum is delivered online from caring, experienced Palliative Care faculty. Students can expect to begin their learning in important topics such as an overview of palliative care coping with death, dying and grief and the available resources, both in home and through institutional care. Subsequent courses will delve into the quality of remaining life, empathetic and sensitive care, effective communication techniques, ethical, legal and spiritual concerns, psychological and social implications for patients and families, as well as comfort measures. The program is intended for individuals who volunteer or are employed in occupations that may require them to work with families and patients who are living with and/or dying from a progressive life-limiting illnesses as it provides graduates with a strong foundational knowledge in Palliative Care concepts. Prospective students may already be employed in areas of Policing and Law Enforcement, Paramedics, Developmental Disabilities Workers, Pastoral Serves, Social Services, Bereavement Counsellors, or Visiting Volunteers. This program is also suited for anyone who would like to explore key areas of Palliative Care. The Concepts of Palliative Care, Board of Governors Certificate is a complimentary program to the Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) and the Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education (CAPCE).