DEGREE: ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
DIVISION: ALLIED HEALTH
The Funeral Service Education program prepares the student in all aspects of funeral service, including funeral service counseling and funeral home management. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Funeral Service Education at Delgado Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. 3432 Ashland Ave., Suite G, St. Joseph, Missouri 64560 Phone: (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org. This two-year program admits one class per year in the fall semester. Prospective students must contact the Allied Health Admissions Office to initiate the application procedure. The deadline for applications for admission is April 30. All students who qualify are admitted to the program. To qualify for admittance into the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
1. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Score on the ACT, SAT, or Delgado College Placement test sufficient to place the student in college-level courses.
3. If previous college courses have been taken, the student’s cumulative grade point average must be at least 2.5.
4. Be able to meet physical performance standards for the Funeral Service profession.
5. Science courses over 5 years old may require repetition; contact the Allied Health admissions advisor for additional information.
Goals and Objectives:
At the completion of the Funeral Service Education program, it is expected that graduates will:
1. Develop fully their capabilities and be assisted in setting realistic goals for themselves.
2. Work in an environment in which they may be able to achieve social, moral and vocational enrichment.
3. Understand the need for self-discipline, respect for others, and for individual and group cooperation.
4. Perceive that learning and self-improvement is a life long process.
Program specific goals:
1. Function as competent funeral directors/embalmers as defined by nationally accepted standards.
2. Explain how the treatment, handling, and disposition of the dead human body, the sociological, psychological, theological, physical, and legal needs of the family and community are fulfilled.
3. Have a complete and through knowledge of the state and federal laws regulating funeral service practice.
4. Demonstrate proficiency by successful completion of both national and state licensing examinations.
5. Be able to provide varieties of funeralization as seen in major religious and ethnic subcultures, fraternal, and military groups in the United States.
6. Be able to counsel families about funerals prior to a death, during the time of the funeral, and continue to assist as long as there is a need.
7. Be able to develop professional relationships within and outside of the funeral service community. They must take an active role in the communities in which they reside, not only to provide service, but also be present as a community resource individual.
8. Act in a professional manner and constantly be aware of their role as guardians of public health and those measures of safety which must be followed when dealing with human remains.
9. Recognize the high standards of ethical conduct which must be adhered to in order to promote the dignity of funeral service.
10. Take an active role in promoting and attending continuing education programs offered in the profession.
11. Recognize the importance of research in funeral service.
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