Palliative and End of Life Care Graduate Certificate
November 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Advance Your Career with the Palliative and End of Life Care Certificate
Expand your caregiving skills and make a greater impact with Ohio State’s online Palliative and End-of-Life Care Certificate. This fully online program is designed to prepare healthcare professionals to deliver confident, competent, and compassionate care to patients with chronic, life-limiting, or life-threatening illnesses across the lifespan.
Developed and taught by expert faculty from multiple disciplines at The Ohio State University, the curriculum offers evidence-based palliative care training that is applicable across healthcare settings. Whether you’re a nurse, physician, pharmacist, physical therapist, social worker, or chaplain, this program equips you with the tools to provide high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the care continuum.
Why choose Ohio State’s online palliative care program?
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100% online and flexible to fit your schedule
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Interdisciplinary approach to real-world palliative care challenges
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Designed for licensed professionals across healthcare fields
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Prepares you for continued certification and specialization in palliative care
Upon completion of this palliative care certificate program, graduates are well-positioned to pursue advanced certifications and roles as leaders in palliative and end-of-life care.
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"I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me."
Tomitha Zimmerman Ohio State Online Grad -
"While going into the program, I was concerned that by Ohio State being one of the largest institutions, I would feel like one in 1,000 students. Instead, I felt a sense of close-knit, connected support from both classmates and faculty."
Stephanie Moore Ohio State Online Grad -
"Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program."
Derek Danek Ohio State Online Grad -
"I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized."
Demi MacLennan Ohio State Online Grad -
"Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others."
Cara North Ohio State Online Grad -
"As an online student, there's so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless."
Audra Hanners Ohio State Online Grad
Frequently Asked Questions
This program can be completed 100% online with no campus visits required.
Online courses at Ohio State are different from on-campus courses. We have designed online courses to take advantage of the benefits of the virtual experience, including connecting to outside people and ideas, presenting information, and engaging in discussions with your classmates and faculty.
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Academic Calendar
For the convenience of students, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the Palliative and End of Life Care Graduate Certificate program.
Academic Calendar
For the convenience of students, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the Palliative and End of Life Care Graduate Certificate program.
Get started
Speak with a representative from the College of Nursing who can help answer your questions.
Admission Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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- Completed a bachelor’s degree
- The degree must be from an accredited bachelor’s program. Students may apply to the program while their bachelor’s degree is still in progress, but must complete their bachelor’s degree prior to beginning enrollment in the program.
- Completed a bachelor’s degree
- A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned that is relevant to the program of study
- GPAs are reviewed by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions Office. Applicants whose GPAs fall below 3.0 may still apply and be considered for admission.
- Reside in an authorized state
- To participate in the Palliative and End of Life Care certificate, you must reside in an authorized state.
- Include their Resume
- You are required to submit a CV or resume of no more than two pages as a part of the online application.
How to Apply
To apply for the Palliative and End of Life Care Graduate Certificate, you must complete the following prior to the application deadline:
You can complete an application online on Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions website. A non-refundable $60 application fee is required at the time of submission.
You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you previously attended at either the undergraduate or graduate levels. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or of coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from Ohio State do not need to be submitted. All transcripts must be received by the application deadline.
If you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a degree granting graduate program at Ohio State for any length of time, you would be considered a Graduate Intra-University Transfer Student. Be sure to choose the appropriate application for “current or former” Ohio State students after following this application link. In addition to that online application, you must complete a Supplemental Application.
Failure to complete all required steps of this application process by 11:59 pm ET on the day of the posted deadline will result in your application not being considered for admission, with no exceptions.
You may review the status of your application anytime at appstatus.osu.edu.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
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Career Outlook
Regardless of what role you play in a care team, the Palliative and End of Life Care Graduate Certificate will provide you with evidence-based practices necessary to assist patients from diagnosis with a chronic illness until death. Palliative care is a transdisciplinary practice that can prepare clinicians to serve in a variety of medical professions, including:
- Nurses and nursing assistants
- Medical students, doctors, and physician assistants
- Pharmacists
- Physical therapists and occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Chaplains
- Other allied health professionals
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Work Activities
Maintain complete and detailed records of patients' health care plans and prognoses. Develop treatment plans, based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines. Provide patients with information needed to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $97,960
- Mid Level: $129,210
- Senior Level: $169,950
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
Work Activities
Provide specialized direct and indirect care to inpatients and outpatients within a designated specialty, such as obstetrics, neurology, oncology, or neonatal care. Collaborate with other health care professionals and service providers to ensure optimal patient care. Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in nursing.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $66,030
- Mid Level: $93,600
- Senior Level: $135,320
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Critical Care Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Psychology
- Biology
What They Do
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Work Activities
Discuss illnesses and treatments with patients and family members. Diagnose acute or chronic conditions that could result in rapid physiological deterioration or life-threatening instability. Perform emergency medical procedures, such as basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and other condition-stabilizing interventions.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $66,030
- Mid Level: $93,600
- Senior Level: $135,320
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Paramedics
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Psychology
What They Do
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Work Activities
Record patients' medical information and vital signs. Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects. Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $66,030
- Mid Level: $93,600
- Senior Level: $135,320
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Acute Care Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Work Activities
Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action. Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration. Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,960
- Mid Level: $62,340
- Senior Level: $80,510
Job Outlook
Average
Related Careers
- Acute Care Nurses
- Critical Care Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Paramedics
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Administration and Management
What They Do
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
Work Activities
Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises. Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions. Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $45,030
- Mid Level: $68,090
- Senior Level: $100,870
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.
Work Activities
Coordinate communication between patients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies. Interview patients or their representatives to identify problems relating to care. Refer patients to appropriate health care services or resources.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $37,290
- Mid Level: $48,790
- Senior Level: $81,290
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Community Health Workers
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- Medical Records Specialists
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Administrative
- Psychology
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
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Curriculum
Experience top-tier curriculum in our online certificate in palliative care. Upon completion of this nursing certificate program, students will be prepared to provide confident, competent and compassionate care for patients along the end of life care continuum.
Provides an overview of palliative and end-of-life care issues and simulation skills practice for education of patients and families regarding primary palliative care.
Develops students’ knowledge and skills to address the needs of individuals providing care for a chronically ill or disabled family member or friend.
Engages students in the essential ethics issues involved in end-of-life care, exploring clinical cases and medical knowledge.
Discusses multidisciplinary symptom management strategies for patients receiving palliative or end of life care.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
Palliative and End of Life Care Graduate Certificate students will experience unparalleled learning from our world-class faculty within the Ohio State University College of Nursing.
Ryan Nash, MD, MA
Director, The Ohio State University Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities
Dr. Ryan R Nash, MD, MA is the Director of The Ohio State University Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine and holds the Hagop Mekhjian, MD, Chair in Medical Ethics and Professionalism at the College of Medicine. In addition to practicing Palliative Medicine, Dr. Nash is a Clinical Bioethics consultant and Healthcare Ethics Advisor for the OSU Medical Center. He is an active educator and administrator. He is the editor of The Ohio State University Press book series on Bioethics and Medical Humanities. He serves on editorial boards of the journals HealthCare Ethics Committee Forum (Springer) and Christian Bioethics (Oxford University Press). In addition, he serves on the editorial advisory board for the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (Elsevier) and the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy (Oxford University Press). He has published one book, three book chapters, and several essays related to bioethics and has presented numerous scientific papers and invited lectures at national and international meetings. In addition, Dr. Nash currently serves on the Ethics Committee for the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Dr. Nash came to the OSU from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine (UAB), where he served as the Director of Ethics Education, Chair of Clinical Ethics, and Director of the Palliative Care Leadership Center (a partnership between the Center to Advance Palliative Care and the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care). While in Alabama, Dr. Nash also served as Chief of Staff of the Jefferson County Health System and Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. He is also currently an adjunct Professor of Bioethics at Trinity Graduate School, Trinity International University in Illinois.
Dr. Nash received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and his master’s degree in Bioethics from Trinity International University. He completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Medical School, a fellowship in palliative medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and was a fellow and visiting scholar at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Nash has been recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care, and Fellow in the Academy of Fellows of the Center of Bioethics and Human Dignity. He has repeatedly been named to the “America’s Best Doctors” and “World’s Best Doctors” lists.
Mary Alice Momeyer
Assistant Clinical Professor
Justin Kullgren, PharmD, CPE
Palliative Medicine Clinical Pharmacist Specialist
Christine Fortney, PhD, RN, FPCN
Associate Professor
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Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Actual costs may vary. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student (or 8 credit hours for a graduate program), or 12 credit hours (for undergraduate programs) each semester as a full-time undergraduate student. Please note that the summer semester instructional and general fees are 75% of the cost of autumn and spring fees, and this will decrease your total cost for the program.
| Tuition Fees | Fee per credit hour (unless otherwise noted) | Part-Time – (per semester, based on approx. 6 credit hours/semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $829.75 | $4,978.50 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 (per semester) |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 (per semester) |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 (per semester) |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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