Funeral Service

Location(s): Saskatoon Distance Learning Option

Funeral Service is a certificate program. New to SIAST in 2005, the program is delivered in co-operation with the Funeral and Cremation Services Council of Saskatchewan.

You will study a core component of courses followed by a specialty of embalming or funeral directing, or both. If you are a compassionate person interested in helping people, this program can help you develop the skills you need to support individuals who are coping with death and provide essential services involved in the care of final arrangements for a loved one.

The program is delivered by home study and work experience/practicum placements. The home study, involving print correspondence and online courses, allows you to remain in your home community to do your course work; you are not required to move to take this program.

Work experience/practicum placements will take place at rural and urban centres. Your placement may be in a location outside of your home community; therefore, you may incur extra expenses.

All students in the Funeral Service program (full-time and part-time) must also register as students with the Funeral and Cremation Services Council of Saskatchewan (FCSCS). The FCSCS student application form and fee information can be printed from the FCSCS website.

Core Program

The core program provides a blend of general academic courses with funeral industry specific courses. You will develop skills and gain knowledge in areas such as:

anatomy and physiology

computer skills

communication skills

jurisprudence and ethics

acts, bylaws and regulations specific to the funeral industry

The significant healing function that the funeral service provides for the living will be emphasized. Behavioural science courses in psychology, sociology and the psychology of grief will help you develop skills in helping people in a compassionate and respectful manner. Courses such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology will assist you with science essentials.

In addition to the theoretical courses delivered by distance learning, you will participate in an orientation to funeral service workshop and practicum placements in co-operating funeral homes where you will receive hands-on experience integrating core concepts into practice and developing skills and knowledge essential in maintaining integrity in practice.

Upon successfully completing the core courses, you will have the opportunity to complete the Embalmer Specialty as part of the Funeral Service certificate or the Funeral Director Specialty. You may choose to complete both specialties and receive a Funeral Service certificate for each of the specialties. If you decide to complete both specialties, you will be scheduled to take the Embalmer Specialty before you are scheduled to take the Funeral Director Specialty.

Funeral Director Specialty

You will learn how to coordinate and arrange all aspects of funeral services. Your studies will focus on family systems and bookkeeping basics. This specialty ends with an eight-week practicum essential for integrating core concepts with practice.

Embalmer Specialty

Your studies will focus on pathophysiology, embalming and restorative arts. You will learn how to prepare human remains for funerals and burial. This specialty offers the course work together with the practical component in a 16 week practicum essential for integrating core concepts with practice.

Graduation from the program qualifies you to engage in an internship program. Upon successfully completing the internship program, you will write licensing examinations. This license will qualify you to practice in Saskatchewan as a funeral director and/or embalmer.

Length: Core - 26 weeks

Embalmer Specialty - 16 weeks
Funeral Director Specialty - 16 weeks

Career Opportunities

Funeral directors and embalmers are employed by funeral homes. Graduates are prepared for an internship position at a funeral home.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

embalmer
funeral director

Program Details

Start Date(s): September, March

Core Courses - September
Embalmer Specialty - March
Funeral Director Specialty - September and March

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Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 60% in English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Biology 30, Mathematics A30* and one of Social Studies 30, History 30 or Native Studies 30

English Language Requirement

Note

Accepted applicants may be required to provide evidence of a criminal records check prior to entering the practicum component of the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the criminal records check. The cost of the criminal records check is your responsibility.

Employers and/or supervisors of students on practicum may require a valid driver's license.

CPR 'A' and Standard First Aid may be required for practicum placements.

Current immunization according to the Canadian immunization guidelines is recommended.

*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirements
(Effective July 1, 2013)

Any level 30 mathematics
(replacing Math A30 above)

All other admission requirements remain unchanged

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.

The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER^© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER ^©

ACCUPLACER^© Cut Scores
for this program

75	Arithmetic
80	Reading
80	Sentence
4	WritePlacer

Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies plus Biology 30

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.

Classroom

Clinical/Practicum

Home Study

Online

Sask. Communications Network

You will need Internet access for one course and email access to learning resources for several courses.
Your studies may be supplemented by workshops at Kelsey Campus.
The program is also offered part-time via distance learning.

Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit and Future Study Options

SIAST may recognize formal learning from other educational institutions.

More about Transfer Credit

Core
expand/contract all

APHY 189 Anatomy and Physiology

The course introduces you to the study of the human body and how it functions efficiently. The content you will study is of critical importance for the promotion and maintenance of health.

3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 188 NURS 111

BCOM 120 Business Communications 1

You will develop fundamental employability skills by studying the principles of communication. The course content includes developing effective writing skills. You will apply the principles and skills by writing letters and memorandums for routine and negative purposes. You will develop teamwork employability skills and examine ways to apply communication skills to team and cross-cultural situations.

3.0 Credit Units
48.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Independent Study, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 134 COMM 141

COMM 291 Interpersonal Communications

You will develop employability skills by studying interpersonal communication theory and applications in the workplace. The course content includes the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and non-verbal messages, listening skills, creating positive communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 135 COMM 155 COMM 160 HUMR 182 JOBS 190 NEPS 114 NURS 114

COMP 170 Basic Computer Operation

You will be introduced to the basics of computer concepts. Topics you will study include computer components, hardware and software, working in a graphical user interface, file management, word processing and the Internet. The general skills you learn in this course will prepare you for further courses such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentation graphics.

1.0 Credit Units
15.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): COAP 342 COMP 182

COMP 172 Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel

Your studies will introduce you to the purpose and uses of a word processor and electronic spreadsheet. You will develop the basic skills of creating, editing and formatting documents and spreadsheets.

1.0 Credit Units
15.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): COAP 120 COAP 172 COAP 381 COMP 120

ETHC 184 Jurisprudence and Ethics

You will gain an understanding of the acts, bylaws and regulations that govern funerals. The course content includes information about the professional and ethical practices that are important in this profession.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
ORTN 199 Minimum Grade of 60

MICR 185 Microbiology for Funeral Services

The course provides you with an introduction to the concepts of microbiology in relation to health and the process of disease in humans. You will explore the fundamentals of microorganisms in relation to the interaction with host, impact on environment, human disease and funeral service practice.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 212

Prerequisites:
APHY 189 Minimum Grade of 60

MTER 180 Medical Terminology

You will learn to use the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms from which medical terms are derived. You will also learn to use medical abbreviations.

1.0 Credit Units
10.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

Equivalent Course(s): MED 161

ORTN 199 Orientation to Funeral Service

You will receive an orientation to the funeral services profession. The course content includes the history, varying traditions and religious practices that influence arrangements. You will also gain an understanding of the nature of employment within the funeral services profession.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

PRAC 176 Core Practicum

You will spend two weeks in an approved funeral home and participate in assigned duties (such as the transfer of body/remains, case analysis of body/remains, nonembalming preparations and other duties) under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer and/or funeral director. You will be expected to demonstrate professionalism at all times.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

Prerequisites:
BCOM 120 Minimum Grade of 60 and COMM 291 Minimum Grade of 60 and COMP 170 Minimum Grade of 60 and COMP 172 Minimum Grade of 60 and ETHC 184 Minimum Grade of 60 and MICR 185 Minimum Grade of 60 and MTER 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and PSYC 280 Minimum Grade of 60 and SOCI 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and WORK 192 Minimum Grade of CO

PSYC 160 Psychology 1

The course provides an introduction to the study of psychology as a science. You will explore the study of human behaviour by examining concepts. These include perception, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, personality, health and stress.

2.0 Credit Units
34.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time

PSYC 280 Psychology of Grief

You will discuss the emotional and psychological needs of the bereaved and appropriate communication skills and attitudes.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
PSYC 160 Minimum Grade of 60

SOCI 160 Sociology 1

In this course you will learn about the process of socialization, and discuss how culture affects the totality of our lives. You will examine social deviance and social control and look at the social dynamics of racial, ethnic, and minority groups in our society. The processes and effects of social stratification will be discussed.

3.0 Credit Units
39.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 184

WORK 192 Core Work Experience

You will spend one week in an approved funeral home in your community observing practices in providing care of body/remains, funeral arrangements and services. You will participate in related duties as assigned by your supervisor and will be expected to demonstrate professionalism at all times.

0.0 Credit Units
30.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group

Funeral Director Specialty

BKPG 140 Bookkeeping for Small Business

The course provides an introduction to bookkeeping. You will learn how to set up a bookkeeping system, record transactions, post to ledgers, prepare adjusting and closing entries, and prepare financial statements. The course content includes payroll, government remittances and bank reconciliations. You will gain hands-on experience by actually working through a set of books.

3.0 Credit Units
51.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

FNRL 181 Arrange Funerals

You will gain an understanding of the processes involved in funeral services arrangements. You will also study memorialization options, processes for transportation and prearranging services.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

FNRL 281 Direct Funerals

You will examine the organization and direction of funeral services and visitations. You will also explore the various support services available.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
FNRL 181 Minimum Grade of 60

PRAC 278 Funeral Director Practicum

You will spend eight weeks in an approved funeral home and participate in funeral arrangements and directing funeral services under the direct supervision of a licensed funeral director. You will model professional attitudes and practices in all aspects of your assigned duties.

16.0 Credit Units
240.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

Prerequisites:
BKPG 140 Minimum Grade of 60 and FNRL 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 282 Minimum Grade of 60

YCW_ 282 Family Systems

You will examine patterns of marriage and family in Canadian society. You will explore the issues and challenges facing families and develop strategies to improve family function.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time

Embalmer Specialty

FNRL 180 Restorative Art

You will study restorative art processes using appropriate cosmetics, instruments and appliances. You will also examine processes for the difficult and autopsied cases.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

FNRL 280 Embalming

You will gain an understanding of the various types of embalming processes for the normal case. You will also examine procedures used in difficult and autopsied cases.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
PATH 186 Minimum Grade of 60

PATH 186 Pathophysiology

The course content provides you with an introduction to the study of various disease processes that can affect body structure and function. You will also examine disease processes as they affect specific body systems.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

PRAC 277 Embalming Practicum

You will spend eight weeks in an approved funeral home and participate in all aspects of the embalming process under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer. You will also participate in restorative art procedures. You will be expected to submit case studies of all embalming and restorative art procedures to your supervisor. You will model professional attitudes and practices in all aspects of your assigned duties.

16.0 Credit Units
240.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

Prerequisites:
FNRL 180 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and FNRL 280 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PATH 186 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

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