Funeral Service

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

FSR128: Social Foundations of Funeral Service

This course introduces the history and evolution of the art and science of funeral service in North America. Students explore the relationship of social, religious, and spiritual beliefs, traditions, to funeral service practices and legal and ethical responsibilities of funeral service professionals.

FSR129: Funeral Directing I

This course focuses on the role of funeral service professionals including legal procedures and practices related to notification of death, transfer and disposition of bodies, arrangement conferences, procedures for fraternal, military and celebrity funerals, pre-planned funerals, and post-arrangement follow-up. Students apply basic knowledge of a cross-section of religious, spiritual, and ethnic heritage practices to planning funeral services.

FSR131: Embalming I

This course introduces the history and scientific principles involved in the proper care of a dead human body and embalming procedures. Standard precautions to prevent exposure to biohazardous and chemical substances, public health standards, and provide the foundation of embalming practice. Students study standard operating procedures for instrumentation and equipment, case analysis, embalming site selection, [Chemical] Safety Data Sheet (SDS) maintenance and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and implications for practitioner safety.

FSR135: Embalming Clinical

Students apply sanitary procedures, OSHA regulations, and Universal Precautions to the embalming process and maintenance of embalming preparation rooms. Students attend and document ten (10) embalming case reports at a funeral home approved by the instructor and program coordinator.

FSR137: Pathology for Funeral Service

This course introduces the history of pathology and the cellular and tissue changes which occur in disease. Emphasis is placed on the pathologies of the major body systems, using knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is place on recognizing various diseases as cause(s) of death and implications for practitioners throughout the embalming process.

FSR209: Funeral Service Merchandizing & Management

This course introduces the student to merchandising as it applies to the funeral profession. The curriculum is divided into two main sections. The first covers construction and features of caskets, outer burial containers, and other funeral related products. The second section examines specific areas of funeral service and management guidelines.

FSR232: Embalming II

Students in this advanced course use case studies to explore methods of injection, embalming chemicals, aspiration, and cavity treatment to embalm the so-called "usual" case. Preparation of autopsied cases and more unusual and difficult cases (advanced decomposition, gangrene, mutilation, edema) are explored using case studies. Students apply concepts of contagion, infection, and radiation to procedures for handling and preparation of human remains affected by these conditions.

FSR234: Chemistry of Preservation

Presents an introduction to general chemistry and biochemistry as applied to the embalming process. Essential characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are discussed. The biochemistry of decomposition and representative chemicals used by the embalmer and their characteristics and functions are discussed with special emphasis on the chemistry of preservation, disinfection and cosmetology.

FSR240: Funeral Directing II

This course, a continuation of FSR129, emphasizes student participation in the design and implementation of general practices in funeral directing with a focus on effective verbal and written communication skills, ethical practice, and compliance with the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule (the Rule). Students will explore unconventional options and use of technology in funeral design. Students must complete observations of Five (5) different arrangement conferences and funerals representing a variety of faith and spiritual traditions.

FSR249: Restorative Art

This course introduces the basic principles, terminology, and techniques of restorative art. Students develop beginning skills in the areas of facial reconstruction and the use of common mortuary cosmetics. The course prepares students for reconstruction of areas of the body that have been distorted by traumatic injury or disease. (3 lecture hours a week)

FSR249L: Restorative Art Lab

This course introduces the basic principles, terminology, and techniques of restorative art. Students develop beginning skills in the areas of facial reconstruction and the use of common mortuary cosmetics. The course prepares students for reconstruction of areas of the body that have been distorted by traumatic injury or disease. (30 laboratory hours spread over the 14 week semester)

FSR250: Medical Pathology & Infectious Microbiology

This course examines the pathology of cellular and tissue changes which accompany fatal diseases of the major anatomical systems as well as the microbial (physiology and immunology) environments relative to the practice of Funeral Service. Emphasis is placed on safety protocols, sanitation, disinfection, public health and embalming practice. The development and use of personal, professional and community hygiene and sanitation are examined.

FSR294: Regulatory Compliance for Funeral Service

This course explores principles and practices of United States juris prudence as applied to funeral service professional practice and business operations. Sources of law, legal status of the dead human body, duty of burial, right to control funeral arrangements, final disposition, liability for funeral expenses; torts involving the dead human body and the funeral director; wills, estate, and probate proceedings; cemeteries; state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to funeral service; and the legal duties of a licensed funeral director/embalmer are examined.

FSR298: Board Certification and Competencies Skills

This pass/fail course is a review of the specific arts and sciences courses that will be tested on the National Board Examination (NBE). This course is designed to be completed during the final semester prior to graduation in order to review and reinforce the information covered in the entire Funeral Service Program curriculum.