Become a Certified Doula

A comprehensive DHCS-aligned certification program preparing you to empower families, navigate Medi-Cal billing, and establish a thriving doula practice.

Enroll in the Certification Program
Program Overview

What You Will Get

Our doula training program goes beyond basic education. We provide you with the tools, community, and business framework you need to succeed as a Medi-Cal enrolled provider.

  • 24 Comprehensive Modules: Fully aligned with the 5 California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Core Competencies.
  • 12 Full Months Free DoulaLogic.com Access: Automated electronic claims billing software ($588 value included) for 1-click Medi-Cal reimbursement.
  • Medi-Cal Doula Billing Mastery: Specialized training on navigating PAVE enrollment, NPI Type 1 setup, and Managed Care Plan contracting.
  • Certificate of Completion: Official state-recognized credentialing to satisfy California Medi-Cal provider enrollment criteria.
  • Practicum Audit Log & Supervision: Guided real-world case tracking and direct review with Master Certified Doula Victoria Cortez.
  • Guided By Grace Collective Eligibility: Immediate opportunity to join our agency network to receive direct Medi-Cal client matches across California.
Certified doula providing continuous hands-on labor and birth support
Your Path to Practice

How to Become a Certified Doula

We've streamlined the journey from student to certified Medi-Cal provider into a clear, actionable process.

1

Enroll in the Guided By Grace Program

Begin your journey by registering for our comprehensive 24-module curriculum. You will gain immediate access to our online learning platform, workbook materials, and the student community.

2

Complete Your DHCS-Aligned Coursework

Work through the modules at your own pace. The curriculum covers the 5 core competencies required by California DHCS, including childbirth education, physical/emotional support, postpartum assistance, breastfeeding education, and health/social service referrals.

3

Complete Your Practicum & Assessments

Participate in act-out role-play scenarios, complete workbook tasks, and log your practicum hours. Your coursework will be personally reviewed by our Master Certified Doula to ensure you are fully prepared.

4

Gather PAVE Prerequisites

Alongside your training, you will need to acquire specific prerequisite certifications required for Medi-Cal PAVE enrollment, such as HIPAA compliance training and a CPR Provider certificate.

5

Receive Your Certificate of Completion

Upon graduation, you will be awarded your official Certificate of Completion, which serves as proof of your training for DHCS billing purposes.

6

Enroll as a Medi-Cal Provider via PAVE

Using the knowledge from our Medi-Cal Billing Course module, you will navigate the PAVE portal, submit your credentials, and establish yourself as an active California doula provider ready to bill for services.

Before You Bill

PAVE Portal Prerequisites

To complete your enrollment as a Medi-Cal provider in the DHCS PAVE portal, you will need to hold the following active credentials in addition to your Guided By Grace Certificate of Completion.

HIPAA Certification

Proof of completion of a HIPAA compliance training course to ensure patient data security and privacy.

CPR Provider Certificate

An active Adult and Infant CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from a recognized organization (e.g., AHA, Red Cross).

NPI Number

A National Provider Identifier (NPI), which is free to apply for and required for all healthcare providers in the US.

What You Will Learn

Course Topics Overview

Our robust curriculum covers both the clinical realities of birth support and the business acumen needed to run a sustainable practice.

Pregnancy & Prenatal Support

Anatomy of pregnancy, childbirth education, prenatal advocacy, and the B.R.A.I.N. tool for informed consent.

Labor & Birth Physiology

Stages of labor, the oxytocin bubble, pain management (pharma vs. natural), and comfort measures.

Medical Interventions & High-Risk

Navigating the cascade of interventions, cesarean birth support, and special circumstances.

Postpartum & Newborn Care

The first 72 hours, lactation/feeding assistance, newborn soothing, and establishing household routines.

Emotional Support & Mental Health

Perinatal mental health deep dive, grief and bereavement support, birth debriefing, and storytelling.

The Business of Grace

Medi-Cal 101, PAVE enrollment, ethics, documentation (837P claims), and managed care navigation.

View Full Module List
Victoria Cortez, MCD
Meet Your Instructor

Victoria Cortez, MCD

Master Certified Doula & Founder of Guided By Grace

Victoria Cortez is a dedicated Master Certified Doula with extensive experience navigating the California healthcare system. Recognizing the need for a training program that bridged the gap between holistic birth work and clinical Medi-Cal compliance, she founded Guided By Grace.

Her curriculum is built on real-world practice, designed to equip doulas with not only the emotional and physical tools to support families, but the structural knowledge to advocate effectively in clinical settings and build sustainable, thriving businesses.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program approved for Medi-Cal certification?

Yes. Our curriculum is fully aligned with the 5 core competencies required by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Upon completion, your certificate will satisfy the training requirement for Medi-Cal doula enrollment.

How long does the certification take?

The course is self-paced. While some students complete the coursework and practicum in 8-12 weeks, you have lifetime access to the materials and can move at a speed that fits your schedule.

Are there any recurring fees?

No. Your enrollment is a one-time investment. There are no monthly subscriptions or annual recertification fees required by our organization to maintain your Guided By Grace certification.

Do you provide CPR and HIPAA training?

Our curriculum guides you step-by-step through obtaining your CPR and HIPAA credentials with our trusted partners, and we provide a full post-completion roadmap for state PAVE enrollment and practicum logging. Explore our Graduate Next Steps Guide →

Do you accept transfer students?

Yes! If you have previously completed doula training elsewhere but need DHCS-aligned certification, you can apply for our Transfer Track. To ensure competency and maintain DHCS alignment, transfer students must complete our module assessments and practicum. However, as the course is self-paced, you can progress as quickly as you'd like. Approved transfer students receive a discounted enrollment rate of $147. Click here to fill out the Transfer Application.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Join the next generation of certified Medi-Cal doulas in California. Empower families, navigate clinical advocacy with confidence, and build a thriving practice with 12 months free billing software included.

Enroll in Certification for $247 Apply for BIPOC Scholarship

Questions about enrollment or payment plans? Call or text our direct line at (510) 956-7311.