Certified Hospice Relations Specialist Program

Hospice care is now involved in more than half of all deaths in most communities. Yet many funeral homes are unsure how hospice organizations work—or how deeply hospice arrangements influence where deaths occur, how families are cared for, and which funeral providers are ultimately chosen.

The Certified Hospice Relations Specialist (CHRS) is a one-day, interactive certification created to help funeral and cremation professionals understand how hospice care functions, with an eye toward building strong, respectful relationships with hospice teams. This first-ever CHRS training day premieres in Minneapolis with an in-person learning experience designed to be practical, engaging, and immediately useful.

Why become a Hospice Relations Specialist?

Hospice organizations actively communicate their value to physicians, hospitals, care facilities, and families every day. Funeral homes that understand hospice—and know how to collaborate effectively—are better positioned to support families, strengthen community trust, and remain essential partners in end-of-life care.

CHRS shifts the focus from simply wanting better hospice relationships to following a clear, workable plan that helps funeral professionals become trusted partners instead of passive participants.

What You’ll Learn

Participants receive a practical toolbox of ideas, language, and strategies they can begin using right away. Through guided instruction and real-world examples, attendees will learn how hospice teams operate and how to engage them effectively—while honoring the funeral home’s essential role.

The Five‑Step Hospice Partnership Framework

1. Understand – Learn hospice history, structure, philosophy, and the values that drive hospice professionals.
2. Identify – Analyze hospice organizations strategically using data and market insight to build a prioritized outreach list.
   
3. Connect – Develop authentic messaging, define your WHY, and learn to speak the language of hospice.
4. Collaborate – Create meaningful initiatives that provide genuine value to hospice teams and the families they serve.
5. Elevate – Measure success, address challenges, and continuously improve long‑term partnerships while stepping into community leadership.

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How to become a Hospice Relations Specialist

Registration is closed for 2026. To be notified about courses in 2027, Contact Us.

Led by Lacy Robinson, this workshop is interactive, practical, and easy to follow. Through group discussion, visual examples, and step by step guidance, participants will build confidence in communicating with hospice teams and creating outreach plans that feel natural and sustainable.
By the end of the day, attendees leave with:

• A clear hospice outreach plan
• Practical tools and messaging examples
• A deeper understanding of shared goals between hospice and funeral care

Fees

$595 for CANA Members
$695 for nonmembers
Students currently enrolled in an accredited funeral service or mortuary science program: contact us for a special discount.

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What's Included

• The complete CANA Hospice Relations Certification Program.
• Hospice Relations Manual, provided at check-in for participants.
  
• Digital Hospice Relations Certificate and Badge, emailed after successful completion of all course requirements.

Bonus: Licensees can earn up to six (6) hours of continuing education hours from the Academy of Professional Service Practice and most states. Check with your regulatory agency for exact number of approved hours available.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the next program start?

The next Certified Hospice Relations Specialist training will be scheduled for 2027, but dates and locations have not been announced. To be notified when they are, Contact Us.

Is membership a requirement to join this program?

No, but CANA members save $100 off this registration as well as training on crematory operations, cremation specialist, the CANA Convention, and more! See all the benefits of membership here. How do you know if you’re a member? Ask your employer or check our member directory.

What prerequisites are needed to take this certification?

There are no prerequisites to attend, but the program is designed for those currently employed in funeral service. Without prior knowledge of the funeral industry, participants may struggle.

I work in a cemetery. Am I eligible to earn this credential?

Of course! All funeral professionals at any stage of their professional career are welcome to become a CANA-Certified Hospice Relations Specialist. However, the current version of this certification was designed with funeral directors and arrangers in mind and examples rarely feature cemetery practices and issues. While the program is designed for funeral home professionals assisting with services, cemeterians can benefit from community outreach programs, too.

I don't work in the US. Am I eligible to earn this credential?

Yes! While the program is developed for the US model of hospice, outreach to community programs is beneficial everywhere.

What does it mean to have a hospice relations specialist certification?

Strictly speaking, earning a certification is proof of someone's skill or standard in a particular activity. Their ability is tested in an exam or application process, usually by a third-party.

​In the funeral profession, there are various certifications offered by many different organizations. Often, they are certificates of completion  rather than certificates of mastery that include third-party testing of skill. The CHRS does include traits of a certification program:

• It requires time and effort: Certification demonstrates a higher level of accomplishment than a certificate. It takes several months to earn and consists of a series of courses.
• It results in a credential: you get a designation you can use after your name.
• It is specialized: designed for a specific group to develop or to strengthen specific career skills.
• It is real continuing education: it builds on your knowledge of a particular career or industry.
• It prioritizes practicality and job-ready skills.

Will this certification get me a job or a raise?

There are many factors that contribute to your success in the funeral profession. Employers should evaluate your performance regularly and set clear expectations for success and promotion based on their business practices. It is your responsibility to talk to prospective or current employers to determine if you should take this certification.

How long does the certification last?

Certificates are valid forever, but Hospice Relations Specialists are encouraged to continue to grow their knowledge and expertise by seeking out hospice-focused continuing education programs.

CANA Certified Hospice Relations Specialists can reprint their certificate at any time and make any necessary updates or changes at no extra charge. Certificates are emailed upon graduation. If you need your certificate link resent, contact us.

Will I be able to work in hospice after taking this class?

No. This program is designed to help funeral home owners and managers, licensed funeral directors, preneed specialists, community outreach and family care staff, and funeral and cremation professionals connect with hospice, not hospice professionals.

How does this course support families—not just business growth?

Through this certification, participants will learn the language of hospice care, understand how hospice teams work, and develop strategies that fit their own funeral home and community. Attendees will receive a practical toolbox of ideas designed to improve coordination of care and strengthen support for families.

Is there a group discount?

Groups of 5 or more can get a group discount on course. Contact us to register!

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Get CANA Certified

CANA is the expert in All Things Cremation, so the association offers a range of outstanding certification programs that help you learn best practices, stay current with your continuing education credits and expand your professional skills.