Do You Need College to Be a Doula? Education Myths Explained

One of the most common questions we hear is this:

Do you need college to be a doula?

Short answer. No. (Yaaa, that is good news for so many people drawn to this work!)

Longer answer. You do super need education, mentorship, and real world preparation. Just not in the way most people assume.

If you are trying to figure out how long does it take to become a doula, whether doula certification is required, or if online doula training is legitimate, this post is here to clear the noise and give you actual answers.

(we bet you are getting really confused out in the interwebs reading all the conflicting and confusing information!)

Myth one. You need a college degree to be a doula

You do not need a college or university degree to become a doula. Though, lots of folks in our online doula training do have degrees and post grads… but don’t shy away if that is not you!

Doula work is not a regulated medical profession in most places, including Canada and the United States. That means there is no government mandated degree path like nursing or midwifery. There are some pros to that, but that is for another blog post.

Doula education exists outside of traditional academic systems for a reason. This work is relational, embodied, and community based. It is learned through education, reflection, practice, and mentorship rather than exams and lectures alone. Also, it means that the control put on women and queer folks bodies is not in our space of education and connection… it is when we step into the system we are protecting them within.

That said, not all doula education is created equal. The lack of a college requirement does not mean anything goes.

Myth two. Doula certification is instant or can be done in a weekend

This is one of the most harmful myths in the industry. This is one that makes steam come out of our ears. Seriously, we wrote an open letter about this and you can read that here. 

If you are asking how long does it take to become a doula, the honest answer is it depends on the program and on how deeply you want to be prepared. What to know why a weekend training is not enough for you to be supported, here is that answer.

Some programs promise certification in a weekend (not possible to get you ready). Others stretch education over months, like we do in our full spectrum online doula training.

Educational research consistently shows that spaced learning leads to better integration, stronger judgment, and long term confidence. Doula work requires emotional regulation, trauma informed care, and adaptability. Those skills take time to learn about, practice, hone, and master.

If a training rushes your education, that is not a bonus. That is a red flag. Ready that again, y’all. 

We talk more about what questions to ask before enrolling in any program in this blog
https://bebomia.com/doulacoursequestions/

So what is the actual doula certification time

Let’s answer this directly, because you deserve clarity before you enter into an online doula training and new career.

Doula certification time can range from a few weeks to several months depending on:

The length of the educational component
Whether there is a practicum or client requirement
How much mentorship and support is included
Whether learning is synchronous, asynchronous, or blended

At bebo mia, our full spectrum online doula training runs over 17 weeks. That timeline is intentional and we knew when we founded this training in 2010, women and queer folks needed more time to learn and process. It gives students time to absorb information, practice skills, ask questions, and build confidence without burning themselves into the ground or heading unprepared into the medical field.

Many students begin supporting clients during training with supervision and guidance. Others take longer and that is also valid.

Becoming a doula is not a race. We support you taking your time and making sure you feel ready before you sign up a client.

Myth three. Online doula training is less legitimate

Online doula training is one of the reasons this work has become more accessible to parents, caregivers, and people in rural or underserved areas.

Online does not mean low quality.

What matters is how the training is structured.

Strong online doula training includes:

• Live or interactive components
• Trauma informed frameworks
• Opportunities for practice and reflection
• Ongoing community support
• Clear boundaries and scope of practice education

If a program is just videos and worksheets with no human connection, that is worth questioning. Like, please talk to the organization and ask them clear questions.

If you are currently a doula in training or considering becoming one, this blog can help you think through what kind of education actually supports long term sustainability
https://bebomia.com/5-things-consider-doula/

Myth four. Certification is optional so education does not matter

While it is true that doula certification is not legally required in most places, education absolutely matters.

Your clients trust you with some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. You need more than good intentions.

You need to understand consent, boundaries, power dynamics, systemic bias, and how to support people without inserting your own agenda.

This is especially important if you plan to work in hospital settings or with marginalized communities who already experience harm in medical systems.

Training is not about a piece of paper. It is about preparedness.

That said, you should have insurance for when you are practicing and most insurance providers require you to show proof of certification to get your policy. Some hospitals also need you to show your certification to work there with your clients.

What about doula certification in Ontario

Doula certification Ontario questions come up often, especially for people worried there is a provincial requirement. We think this is an FAQ for us because we started bebo mia in Toronto, Ontario – but now we are global and have students in more than 50 countries!

There is currently no government regulated doula certification in Ontario. However, many hospitals, community organizations, and clients look for doulas who have completed a recognized training program.

Choosing a reputable training helps with credibility, confidence, and referrals, even when certification is not legally mandated.

If you are navigating this decision, it can help to start with reflection rather than enrollment. We created a free quiz to help people decide if this work fits their life and capacity right now
https://bebomia.com/doula-or-not/

How long does it really take to feel confident as a doula

This part rarely gets talked about.

Education is the beginning. Confidence grows through experience, mentorship, and community. This times time!

Many doulas report that it takes six to twelve months of learning and practice to feel grounded in their role. It varies from doula to doula. It also makes a difference depending on what career you had before doula work (or alongside it). For example, if you are a massage therapist or a chiropractor or nurse or day care provider, you will probably feel confident within a few months. If you are coming from a field like graphic design, photography, bartending, sales or copy writing, you may take a bit longer.

ProTip: there are some really cool angles you can take as a graphic designer doula (like helping doulas and midwives with their logos or marketing materials)! Just sayin’.

The goal of good training is not to make you feel done. It is to make you feel supported while you grow. Your online doula training is just the beginning. That is the cool part…

The bottom line

You do not need college to be a doula but you do need thoughtful education, time to integrate what you learn, and people to lean on. Community is soooo important when you are doing doula work. 

If you are looking for shortcuts, this work will eventually ask more of you than you expected.

If you are looking for meaningful, flexible, values aligned work and you are willing to learn deeply, doula work can be incredibly rewarding.

Before you decide, read the fine print. Ask better questions. Choose education that respects your time, your nervous system, and the people you will one day support.

And remember we are here for you! Let us know if you have any questions or if you want to jump on a call with us! [email protected] – we read all your messages!