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Funeral Service Education Frequently Asked Questions

What is Funeral Service?

Funeral Service is the profession which works with the bereaved, providing sensitive, effective intervention. The funeral service employee provides support to the bereaved; arranges and directs funeral ceremonies; prepares the deceased according to the wishes of the survivors conforming to mortuary law and code of ethics; helps individuals adapt to changes in their lives following a death through counseling and assistance with practical matters.

What will you study?

The program courses typically include:

  • Embalming & Restorative Art
  • Funeral Directing & Counseling
  • Microbiology & Pathology
  • Funeral Law & Ethics
  • Business Management for Funeral Service

You’ll also do a hands-on practicum and later complete your Louisiana internship to meet licensing requirements.

Educational Requirements

  1. High School Diploma or GED
    • You must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

  2. Funderal Services Program Accredited by ABFSE
    • You must complete an Associate’s degree in Funeral Services from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
    • This program must include comprehensive coursework in embalming, funeral directing, restorative art, funeral law and ethics, grief counseling, and business practices.

  3. Internship (Apprenticeship) Requirements
    For the combined embalmer and funeral director license:
    • You must complete an internship of at least 9 months (39 weeks) and no more than 48 months (208 weeks)
    • During this internship, you must:
      • Assist in at least 30 embalming operations
      • Participate in at least 30 funerals
      • Complete a minimum of 1,560 contact hours.

    • The board allows up to two-thirds of the internship credit to be earned prior to graduation from the accredited school.

How do you apply for admission to the FSED Program?

Delgado Community College is an open admissions college; however acceptance into the FSED Program is by selection. The Admissions Committee for the FSED Program reviews and evaluates each application on an impartial basis. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. The FSED Program includes two years of integrated general education, required related courses and the professional FSED courses. The FSED component begins in August.
Persons accepted into the FSED Program will be required to meet the technical standards of the Funeral Service profession which are available for review in the Allied Health Admissions Office.

When should you apply for admission to the FSED Program?

Students wishing to apply for admission to the FSED Program must submit a completed FSED application to the Division of Allied Health no later than April 30 for the fall class. Students are eligible for admission to the FSED program who:
  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 with no remedial reading and possess a strong education background in Biology/Science. Any high school graduate who is under 25 years of age is required by state law to submit ACT scores to the Delgado Office Admissions in order to enroll in the college level courses.
  3. Possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 in all college courses.

How long does it take to complete the FSED Program?

The 72 credit-hour program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and prepares the student for entry-level employment. The duration of this program is 24 months.

Types of roles in funeral services

  • Funeral Director  Plans and manages funerals, coordinates with families, and ensures legal paperwork (death certificates, burial permits) is completed.
  • Embalmer: Prepares the body for viewing, preservation, or transport.
  • Funeral Attendant/Assistant: Helps set up services, transport remains, and support the funeral director.
  • Grief Counselor: Provides emotional support and resources for grieving families.
  • Cemetery/ Crematory Staff: Operates cremation equipment or manages burial services.

Day-to-day Work

  • Meeting with families to plan services (music, readings, rituals, burial/cremation).
  • Handling logistics: transporting the deceased, preparing the body, and arranging viewings or ceremonies.
  • Filing legal and health documents.
  • Coordinating with clergy, florists, musicians, and cemeteries.
  • Offering grief support and aftercare to families.

Skills Needed

  • Compassion & Empathy: Supporting people during one of the hardest moments of their lives.
  • Organization: Coordinating multiple details under time-sensitive conditions.
  • Communication: Guiding families through choices with clarity and sensitivity.
  • Technical Skills: For embalming, cremation, or restorative work.
  • Cultural Awareness: Respecting diverse traditions and religious customs.