There are few programs offering certification with a high school diploma. One such program is offered at John Tyler Community College, located in Virginia. The program is a total of 21 credit hours and can be completed in two semesters. The program requires students undergo a background check and tuberculosis screening if working in a health care setting. Maria College, located in Albany, New York, offers a bereavement studies certificate. The program is 15 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one semester. Maria college offers various human services degrees, such as nursing, and the certificate is intended to be complimentary to these programs.
Brooklyn College, in New York City, offers an advanced certificate in grief counseling. The program requires a bachelors degree and you must complete at least 18 hours in counseling, psychology, or sociology courses. The program is an 18 credit hour program. Brooklyn College also offers a master's degree in community health. You may apply the credits you earn in the certificate program to the master's degree.
George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers a grief and bereavement program for those who already hold a masters degree. The program entails completion of four courses which students may choose from a list of five available choices. The program is completed in one year and includes an internship a summer institute.
Distance learning offers the convenience of not having to attend courses at a campus. The Association for Death Education and Counseling offers CD self-paced programs and online seminars for training in bereavement counseling. These programs count towards credit for certification in bereavement counseling through the organization.