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Thanatology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Providence Service

Music Thanatologist - Chaplaincy

Portland, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provides education about music-thanatology to staff and community. Providence caregivers are not simply valued - they're invaluable. Join our team at Providence St Vincent Medical Center and thrive ...

Empath Health

RN Case Manager PRN

FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

Empath Health

RN Hospice Field Visits

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

Empath Health

RN Hospice Case Manager

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$70K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

Empath Health

RN Hospice Field Visits Nights

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

Empath Health

Hospice Inpatient RN Nights

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

Empath Health

RN Hospice Field Visits

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

Empath Health

Hospice Inpatient RN - Nights

Delray Beach, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

Empath Health

RN Hospice Field Visits Nights

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understanding of and ability to apply characteristics of Hospice Nursing: case management, crisis intervention, communication skills, teaching skills, thanatology skills and needs * Basic computer ...

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Thanatology information

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How much do thanatology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for thanatology in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is thanatology?

Thanatology is the scientific study of death, dying, and the practices associated with them, including the psychological and social aspects. Thanatologists often work to support individuals and families facing terminal illness, grief, or bereavement, and may also be involved in research or education about death and end-of-life care. The field draws from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, medicine, and ethics to better understand how people cope with mortality and loss. Thanatologists can work in settings like hospices, hospitals, counseling centers, and academic institutions.

What are different kinds of thanatology jobs?

Those who want to work in thanatology often already work in a relevant industry, like nursing, bereavement counseling, or psychology, and want to pursue thanatologist qualifications to understand more about death and how it affects others. However, obtaining a degree or certification in thanatology can also help you make a career switch to jobs with duties related to death, such as a grief counselor, music, or art therapy instructor, funeral director, a hospice supervisor, or a medical examiner. Pastors also sometimes choose to study thanatology to assist members of the church who are terminally ill or their family members with the grieving process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thanatologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Thanatologist, you need a solid background in psychology, counseling, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training in grief and bereavement. Familiarity with assessment tools, grief therapy techniques, and sometimes certifications like Certified Thanatologist (CT) are commonly required. Compassion, strong listening skills, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for supporting individuals coping with death and loss. These skills and qualifications are vital to provide effective emotional support, guidance, and education to clients and families during difficult times.

What are some common challenges faced by thanatologists when supporting grieving individuals or families?

Thanatologists frequently encounter emotionally charged situations as they help individuals and families process grief and loss. A common challenge is managing their own emotional well-being while providing empathetic support to others. Additionally, they often work with people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, requiring sensitivity and adaptability to different mourning practices. Another challenge is collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams, such as healthcare professionals, counselors, and social workers, to ensure holistic care for clients.

What is the difference between Thanatology vs Grief Counselor?

AspectThanatologyGrief Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in thanatology, psychology, or social work; certifications varyRequires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; licensure often needed
Work EnvironmentHospitals, hospices, research institutions, educational settingsPrivate practice, hospitals, community centers, support groups
Industry UsageAcademic, research, end-of-life care, educationPersonal counseling, emotional support, mental health services

While both roles focus on end-of-life and emotional support, thanatology is a broader academic and research field studying death and dying, whereas a grief counselor provides direct emotional support to individuals coping with loss.

Is a thanatology degree worth it?

A thanatology degree prepares individuals for careers in grief counseling, hospice care, and end-of-life support, often requiring strong communication and emotional skills. While it can lead to meaningful work in healthcare or counseling settings, job opportunities may be limited and often require additional certifications or experience.

What careers involve thanatology?

Careers involving thanatology include roles such as grief counselor, hospice social worker, funeral director, and thanatologist. These professionals provide emotional support, counseling, and end-of-life care, often requiring specialized training or certification in grief and death education.
More about Thanatology jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Thanatology jobs?

The most popular types of Thanatology jobs are:

What states have the most Thanatology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Thanatology jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Thanatology jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Thanatology jobs are:

Thanatology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thanatology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,995 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor - Thanatology

Edgewood College

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description of Job
Edgewood University is seeking part-time lecturers with appropriate expertise, credentials, and experience who wish to teach in an online Master of Science in Thanatology program. Must have an earned doctorate as well as solid and evidence of broad-based knowledge, experience, and credentials in the discipline of thanatology: Certification in Thanatology through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (Certified Thanatologist: CT®, Fellow in Thanatology: FT®); peer-reviewed publications; research; clinical care; speaking experience at relevant conferences; or other evidence of expertise. Preferred candidates will have relevant ongoing scholarship and/or research in the discipline of Thanatology. Must have demonstrable experience in and knowledge of effective, interactive, evidence-based, and asynchronous online teaching, including expertise in building a high level of student engagement and interaction. Candidates must have the ability to build their own courses in Blackboard or other compatible LMS, or a willingness to learn how to do so. Training in Quality Matters is a plus.
Must reside or be willing to relocate to one of the following states: Wisconsin, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, or Virginia.
Responsibilities
  • Plan and teach courses and facilitate student learning in assigned classes.
  • Write, revise, and distribute a course syllabus in alignment with the course description, including course requirements, grading criteria, and grading rubrics, and using the Edgewood University template.
  • Maintain student attendance and grading records according to University policies.
  • Collaborate with other thanatology faculty to provide consistent, effective learning and support for students.
  • Monitor, assess, support student performance, and advise students on academic issues as needed.
  • Keep current in research and practice related to program content.
  • Ability to seek out and use timely and current textbooks and peer-reviewed articles as course materials.
  • Maintain confidentiality relating to student matters (understand FERPA).
  • Maintain federal and Higher Learning Commission guidelines/requirements based on the Carnegie Unit of 135 hours (minimum total for a 3-credit course) through designing a clear plan of instruction and expected time-on-task per credit per week.
  • Comply with university policies and guidelines.
  • Willingness to participate in bi-monthly meetings with the program director and other faculty.

Job Qualifications
Necessary Education or Work Experience
  • Relevant earned doctoral degree required from a regionally accredited university or college, or its equivalent: PhD, DMin, DSW, DNP, PsyD, EdD, etc.
  • Demonstrated advanced and broad-based knowledge of Thanatology as a discipline (ADEC CT® or FT® certification; active research agenda; peer-reviewed publications; higher education teaching experience in thanatology; clinical experience/expertise; and/or conference presentations conducted within the past five years; etc.).
  • Preferred: Association for Death Education and Counseling credentials in Thanatology (Certified Thanatologist CT® or Fellow in Thanatology FT®.
  • Successful teaching experience in graduate level higher education is preferred.
  • Successful teaching experience in asynchronous and highly interactive online education is required.
  • Ability to build online courses in Blackboard or similar LMS.

Required Knowledge and Skills
  • Ability to build online courses in Blackboard or similar LMS.
  • Ability to incorporate global and multicultural perspectives in Thanatology courses.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to critique student writing and address shortcomings such as APA formatting, syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to do so in a supportive and educational manner.
  • Ability to articulate own philosophy of education.
  • Willingness to spend the time to forge relationships with students.
  • Ability to work with students from all levels of experiences and backgrounds, and to support/educate students whose mechanics skills are weak, to help them become better students.

Other Qualifications
Edgewood University, a Catholic university sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. Candidates must demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply. The selected candidate must actively support the mission of the University by working with faculty, staff and students to share in our core values - truth, compassion, justice, partnership, and community.
Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States without Employer Sponsorship
How to Apply
Send one PDF document which includes cover letter, Curriculum Vita; and names and contact information for at least three references who will vouch for your expertise not only in teaching but in the discipline of thanatology with a subject line that includes the position code THAN:
Edgewood University
Human Resources - THAN
1000 Edgewood College Drive
Madison, WI 53711
E-mail: humanresources@edgewood.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer

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