Schools for Hospice Care

Hospice care coursework can be found in some health care degree programs and through hospice organizations. Learn about related degrees, areas of study and professional certification. Schools offering Health Care Administration degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice derives from hospes, a Latin word which means to host a stranger or guest. Today, it refers to the care that a team of clinical professionals and volunteers can offer to patients who are facing the end of their lives. The philosophy of hospice care is to provide medical, emotional and spiritual support to the patient and the patient's family. A large part consists of palliative care, which is a medical specialty dealing in the relief of pain and the stress and discomfort surrounding it.

Where Can I Get a Degree?

Though they are rare, some schools offer programs that lead to an associate's or bachelor's degree or undergraduate certificate in hospice and palliative studies. If you have a major in a related area, schools may give you the opportunity to pursue individual courses in hospice and palliative studies as a minor or specialization. Some of the training may be available online. In addition to hospice-related courses, the degree programs also carry general education requirements.

If you hold a current license as a registered nurse and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you may qualify for a program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in palliative care. In addition, there are 1- and 2-year fellowships for medical school graduates that lead to a certificate or master's degree in palliative care.

What Other Training Is Available?

If you're not a medical professional but would like to volunteer to participate in hospice and palliative care, you can receive training from a number of professional hospice organizations. Some examples include the National Hospice Foundation, the American Hospice Foundation and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. You can also find local hospice organizations that offer volunteer training. In some cases, hospice organizations conduct their training programs through community colleges. Organizations often present courses by way of online delivery.

A volunteer training program doesn't include medical or clinical instruction. It typically lasts a number of weeks and includes topics such as pain and symptom management, spiritual and emotional issues, grief and bereavement, concepts of death and dying, communication skills, and overall hospice philosophy.

What About Certification?

As a graduate of a volunteer training program, you'll receive no industry-accepted designation. However, the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses administers certification examinations for health care professionals in the field. If you're a qualified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, nurse practitioner or administrator, and you fulfill the work experience requirement, you may be eligible to sit for a certification examination.


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