Public Service Technology: FUNERAL SERVICES

Associate of Applied Science Degree:

• Funeral Services

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Funeral Services provides an extensive program designed to prepare students for careers in the field of mortuary science. A diversified curriculum addresses the changing needs and demands of contemporary funeral directing, embalming, and business management.

Entrance requirements for this program include: graduation from high school or completion of the GED; placement into ENG 111; Placement into MTH 3; successful completion (grades of C or better) of ACC 211, CHM 110, and FNS 121; and a personal interview with the program director. Students are also expected to have begun the Hepatitis-B series of shots upon entering FNS 111 and 112.

Transcripts from other colleges attended must be sent to Tidewater Community College, Central Records Office/Office of the College Registrar, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, Virginia, 23509. These transcripts must be evaluated before any transfer credit is granted prior to the application deadline. Credit will not be granted for courses taken five years or more prior to the date of enrollment.

Following acceptance into the program, students must maintain a C or better in all FNS courses and in (SOC 201 or SOC 246) and PSY 116. Students will be required to have completed twenty-four credit hours in order to enroll in FNS 111, 112, 113, 114, 211, 212, 231, and 232. In order to take the second part of sequenced courses, a grade of C or better must be earned in the initial course.

Individuals in the Funeral Services program are required to complete the National Board Examination (NBE) prior to graduation from the A.A.S.

The Funeral Services program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 3414 Ashland Avenue, Suite G, St. Joseph, MO 64506, (816) 233-3747, www.abfse.org.

In order to receive a Funeral Service license in the Commonwealth of Virginia, an individual must: (1) complete an accredited program of mortuary science; (2) pass the National Board Examination; (3) complete a 3,000 hour apprenticeship; and (4) pass the State examination. Completion of the National Board Examination (NBE) is a requirement for graduation from TCC Funeral Services program. The cost of the exam is $400. The annual passage rate for first-time takers on the National Board Examination and all American Board of Funeral Service Education accredited schools is posted on the ABFSE website www.abfse.org.

Aims and Objectives

• To maintain a high level of post-secondary education designed to prepare
  students for successful careers as funeral service professionals.
• To provide an extensive curriculum designed to address all aspects
  of funeral service, thereby helping students develop a level of skill and
  proficiency necessary to compete in this ever-changing field.
• To instill in students the desire and knowledge to serve the public with
  the highest ethical standards.
• To encourage and provide a forum where students and industry
  professionals may conduct research related to funeral service.
• To promote a positive image of the profession and its practitioners.
• To serve the funeral service community by providing continuing education
  and life-long learning.
• To make students ever mindful of their responsibilities to the profession
  and the clients they serve.
• To encourage students to contribute to the community in which they serve
  by providing outstanding service, while cognizant of all regulatory issues
  pertinent to the health, public safety, and “care of the deceased”.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to: (1) demonstrate proper embalming and restoration techniques with minimum supervision; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the effects of disease and the importance of sanitation in the handling of human remains; (3) apply ethical and management principles to all aspects of making funeral arrangements with minimum supervision; (4) demonstrate an understanding of how to write pre-need and at-need contracts; (5) direct a funeral with minimum supervision; (6) and set up and maintain an OSHA
approved preparation room.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: Funeral Services (155)

1      Eligible courses are listed on page 28 in the 2011-2012 catalog.  See your academic

        advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s).

2      Additional fees associated with this course: $400 - National Board Exam;

       $90 - Practice National Board Exam (NBE); and $180 - Computerized Testing Program.