Professional Perinatal Doula Certificate
At a Glance
Gain Skills to Work in Maternal Health & Birth Support
Offered in partnership with The Well and Wise Co., Carroll’s Professional Perinatal Doula Certification program prepares students to provide expert emotional, physical, informational, and advocacy-based support to individuals and families during pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period.
Format
Hybrid in-person/online format
Upcoming Sessions
Start dates in January; in-person classes meet weekday evenings
Approx. Number of Hours/Months
4 months / 90 hours
Program Cost*
$2,020 plus textbooks and CPR certification
Certification Earned
Carroll Community College Workforce Training Certificate and completion certificate from The Well and Wise Co.
What You’ll Learn
Whether you’re starting a new career, expanding your healthcare experience, or looking to make a meaningful impact in your community, the Professional Perinatal Doula Certification program provides the training needed to build knowledge and skills to support individuals and families across the perinatal period, including learning how to:
- Provide non-medical emotional, physical, informational, and advocacy-based support
- Support individuals and families during pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum care
- Understand the doula’s role within maternal health, healthcare, and community-based settings
- Collaborate effectively with healthcare providers and community resources
- Explore pathways to work independently, with doula agencies, healthcare systems, or community organizations
Curriculum
Carroll’s Professional Perinatal Doula Certification curriculum aligns with national doula training standards and prepares graduates to meet the education and documentation requirements associated with Maryland Medicaid doula services.
View all current course offerings. Program starts in January.
Licensure/Certificate Earned
Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a Workforce Training Certificate from Carroll Community College.
Completers also receive a completion certificate from The Well and Wise Co. that satisfies the education requirement for Maryland Medicaid doula services. Graduates who meet all applicable state requirements may become eligible to bill Maryland Medicaid.
Why Choose Carroll’s Professional Perinatal Doula Certification Program?
- Meaningful work: Train for a rewarding career supporting growing families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
- Industry-aligned training: Build skills suitable for independent practice, doula agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
- Flexible learning: Balance work and life with a convenient hybrid format featuring online coursework and weekday in-person evening classes.
- Trusted partnership: Receive instruction developed in partnership with The Well and Wise Co., a leader in doula education.
- Maryland Medicaid alignment: Prepare to meet Maryland Medicaid education requirements associated with doula services.
Career Outlook
As healthcare organizations increasingly recognize the positive impact doulas have on maternal and infant outcomes, demand for trained professionals continues to expand in both clinical and community settings.
As Maryland Medicaid covers doula services for prenatal, labor, and postpartum services, new opportunities have been created for certified doulas to provide reimbursable care and expanding career pathways across the state.
Graduates of this program may pursue careers such as:
- Independent Perinatal Doula (private practice)
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Community-Based Doula
- Doula Agency Team Member
- Hospital or Health System Doula
- Maternal Health Program Coordinator
- Family Resource or Community Health Worker (with additional qualifications)
Professional perinatal doulas may find employment with:
- Hospitals & health systems
- Doula agencies
- OB/GYN & midwifery practices
- Birth centers
- Community health organizations
- Nonprofit maternal & child health programs
- Public health agencies
- Independent private practice
- What is a professional perinatal doula?
A professional perinatal doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, informational, and advocacy-based support to individuals and families during pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period. - How do I become a professional doula in Maryland?
To become a professional perinatal doula in Maryland, you’ll need to complete an approved training program, meet certification requirements, and satisfy any documentation requirements for the organizations or programs you plan to work with. Carroll’s Professional Perinatal Doula Certification Program prepares students to meet the education requirements associated with Maryland Medicaid doula services. - What certification will I earn?
Upon successful completion of the Professional Perinatal Doula Certification program, you’ll receive a Carroll Community College Workforce Training Certificate and a completion certificate from The Well and Wise Co., preparing you to pursue professional opportunities and bill Maryland Medicaid for eligible doula services. - Can I bill Maryland Medicaid for doula services after completing this program?
Yes. Graduates receive the training and completion certificate from The Well and Wise Co. needed to meet the education requirements for Maryland Medicaid doula services, allowing eligible providers to bill Medicaid after meeting all applicable state requirements. - What can I do with a Professional Perinatal Doula Certification?
Graduates may work as birth doulas, postpartum doulas, community-based doulas, or independent practitioners. Opportunities also exist with hospitals, birth centers, doula agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and community health programs. - How much does a professional perinatal doula make?
Earnings vary depending on whether you work independently, with a doula agency, or for a healthcare organization. Income may also vary based on experience, geographic location, and the number of clients served. - Is prior healthcare experience required to become a doula?
No. This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting growing families. No previous healthcare experience is required. - How long does it take to complete the Professional Perinatal Doula Certification program?
The program can typically be completed in approximately four months and includes 90 hours of instruction offered in a convenient hybrid format with weekday evening in-person classes. - What skills will I learn in the Professional Perinatal Doula Certification program?
You’ll learn how to provide emotional and physical comfort measures, effective communication, labor support techniques, postpartum support strategies, client advocacy, professional ethics, and evidence-based practices that prepare you to confidently support families throughout the perinatal journey. - Is the Professional Perinatal Doula Certification program offered online?
The program is offered in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person evening classes, providing flexibility while ensuring hands-on learning and interactive instruction.
Get Started Today
410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees, or prerequisite courses.