Thanatology (Death and Dying) | Continuing Education

About the program

This program aims to promote awareness and understanding of death and how it affects individuals. Courses in the program focus on grief and bereavement issues, communication strategies and religious philosophies of dying and death from the perspective of both the dying and the bereaved. Graduates of this unique program will have the skills and experience to better understand, support and care for those facing or coping with death.

The program is ideal for individuals who work with the terminally ill or their families and for those who provide support or assistance to those affected by death including police officers, teachers, paramedics, social workers and employees in hospitals, hospices and long term care facilities. These courses would also help family, friends and caregivers of the dying or deceased cope with and manage death.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 3 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older

Note re: admission requirements

Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in the English language

Admission procedures

Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
Submit proof of admission requirements.
Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

Reflect on personal views, beliefs and experiences of death
Describe the role of thanatology and death education in society
Discuss contemporary issues and topics related to death and thanatology
Explore death and the grief response from a variety of perspectives
Identify coping strategies for individuals experiencing grief and loss
Identify the benefits of emerging bereavement techniques

Program related resources

Student Program Handbook

Graduation requirements

Students are requiried to successfully complete all courses specified in the Program Design.

Program contact

OntarioLearn Team Member
OntarioLearn@conestogac.on.ca

Continuing Education

Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.