Concentrations of Thanatologists
A wide variety of professionals incorporate thanatology into their work.
How they do so depends on what they need to know about the dying process.
However, there are a number of colleges and universities that offer programs and certifications in thanatology.
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In some universities, thanatology is an adjunct to other areas of study, such as theology or psychology.
For example, theAssociation for Death Education and Counselingand theAmerican Institute of Health Care Professionalsoffer certification programs in thanatology.
TheAmerican Academy of Grief Counselingoffers a full program for certification in pastoral thanatology.
Prerequisites for a certificate program usually include a high school diploma or equivalent.
They typically fulfill 12 to 18 credits, and many are tailored to working professionals.
Advanced certificate programs generally require students to be licensed or certified healthcare workers with professional experience.
Admission to a masters degree program in thanatology will require a bachelors degree.
Some professionals incorporate thanatology in their work to better understand death.
Others focus only on thanatology, including psychological thanatologists, music thanatologists, pastoral thanatologists, and death doulas.
For help in dealing with end-of-life issues, check with your hospital, grief counselors, or religious organization.
They can help connect you with a thanatologist to support your spiritual and emotional needs.
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