Application & Training Process
Application & Training Process
Applications for the Fall 2026 training are closed, but interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Nijah Toshumba , to inquire about vacancies.
Hospital On-Boarding Process
At the time that applicants are notified of their acceptance, they will be asked to submit several forms via email to Volunteer Services in addition to a background check and proof of vaccinations.
We ask that this be completed by the end of May so that there is ample time for Human Resources to process your paperwork and clear you to volunteer by the time you return to school for the 2026-2027 academic year. Once you have been assigned a volunteer number, you will create an appointment with Volunteer Services for the start of the Fall semester to complete the onboarding process and have your blood drawn for the tuberculosis test.
Training
Doula training will occur during an in-person weekend training session. These sessions combine traditional interactive didactic techniques with hands-on practice to ensure that you learn the skills necessary to serve as a doula. It is paramount to attend ALL Deacon Doulas training sessions.
Due to the hands-on nature of our training, all trainees must attend weekend sessions. If your schedule conflicts with the training schedule, we invite you to apply for our next application cycle.
On – Call Requirements
After training, volunteers commit to two on-call shifts per month. Volunteers sign up for their 12-hour shifts (7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.) prior to each month based on their own availability and on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteer shifts begin onsite at the Birth Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:
– Be at least 18 years old.
– Undergraduate students must have completed at least their first year of college by the time of
training and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
– Be willing to complete all hospital onboarding requirements, including: background check,
Tuberculosis (TB) screening, proof of required vaccinations (including COVID-19 and annual
influenza vaccines), commit to serving as a Deacon Doula volunteer for at least one academic year.
I’m a first year student. Can I apply?
Yes! So long as you have completed your first year of college by the time you will be trained (in Fall 2024), you are eligible to apply.
I’m planning on going abroad, can I still be a Deacon Doula?
Due to the investment of time and resources that goes into training doulas, we ask that our volunteers commit to serving the program for at least one academic year, or two semesters.
If you are trained in the Fall, you may take a one semester-break to go abroad in the Spring and complete your commitment by serving the Fall semester when you return from abroad. Please note, however, that you are required to stay up-to-date on the requirements to volunteer at the medical center (e.g. getting your flu vaccine each year).
Will I be certified as a Doula after training?
No. Certification is not a legal requirement and can be a costly process. We are confident that the Deacon Doula training (a combination of lectures and hands-on practice led by licensed medical providers at AHWFB and medical students at WFUSM) prepares our volunteers to provide excellent doula care.
Can men be a Deacon Doula?
Yes, we welcome applications from people of all gender identities! In fact, several of our volunteers identify as men.
Do I have to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be a Deacon Doula?
Yes. All volunteers at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Who can I contact with Questions?
Prospective Deacon Doulas can reach out to Nijah Toshumba at .
We receive a high volume of emails from prospective doulas so please read the entirety of the webpage before reaching out. If you still have questions about the program or just want to chat about being a doula, we would love to talk with you!