The associate of applied science program in funeral service education at Delgado Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education 3414 Ashland Ave., Suite G, St. Joseph, Missouri 64506 (816) 233-3747.  Web:   www.abfse.org

Funeral directors use counseling to assist families in coping with grief, adjusting to new situations and making appropriate funeral arrangements.  Embalmers prepare the remains for visitation and funeral rites.  Graduates of the City Park program may be employed as funeral directors and/or embalmers.

Students must:

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.

About the Program

City Park’s Funeral Service Education is the only program in Southeastern Louisiana to meet the needs of Louisiana and surrounding states.  The 72 credit-hour program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and prepares the student for entry-level employment.  Students gain practical experience in the various techniques of embalming through the use of modern facilities at local funeral homes, in addition to classroom work.

It is required that each applicant perform a minimum of 40 HOURS community service or observation in a funeral service setting prior to submitting the application.

Prior to enrolling in the college, each applicant must meet the pre-matriculation requirement of the state board in which the student intends to practice.

Helpful Suggestions

In most states, graduates are required to work as interns under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or embalmer for a specified period of time.

Persons interested in funeral service should possess emotional stability, the desire to serve others, and be in good physical health to withstand the irregular working hours and obvious stresses of the job.  Good grooming habits are important too.

For More Information

David Coughran, Program Director:

(504) 671-6244  dcough@dcc.edu

Funeral Service Education department:

http://www.dcc.edu/campus/cp/ahealth/funeral

To find out if courses you have taken will transfer to Delgado, call 504-671-6201 and set up an appointment with an Allied Health Advisor to have your transcripts evaluated.  Upon completion of prerequisite courses, the student should request the current complete information and application packet from the Allied Health Admissions Office.  Persons accepted into the FSED Program will be required to meet the technical standards of the Funeral Service profession. These are available for review in the Allied Health Admissions Office.  NOTE: You are strongly advised to meet with the Allied Health Admissions Advisor to review your transcripts at least one semester prior to applying to the program.

Program Goals and Objectives

At the completion of City Park’s Funeral Service Education program, it is expected that graduates will:

1.  Develop fully their capabilities and assist 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

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 the community are fulfilled.

3.     Demonstrate a basic understanding of 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 the need is there.

7.     Be able to develop professional relationships both within and outside 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.

Delgado is renowned as Louisiana’s oldest and largest community college, serving men and women of all ages who reflect the diversity of the New Orleans metropolitan area.  Delgado is a comprehensive, multi-campus community college and a major institution of higher education in the State of Louisiana.  Its seven locations form a center for professional and advanced technology career education, academic pre-baccalaureate education, and traditional occupational training.

 Delgado Community College assures equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or veteran’s status in the admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities of the college.

Delgado Community College has designated a 504/ADA Coordinator who can be reached at (504) 483-4323 Room 300 in Building 4 on the City Park Campus.  Delgado Community College provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to qualified students.  Delgado Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age or qualified disability. Any student with concerns or complaints about services offered should contact the College’s 504/ADA Coordinator.