Funeral Service Technology

(Perkinston Campus)

Fall & Spring Entry

This two-year program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the Funeral Services Industry upon graduation and licensure. The curriculum is designed to provide students the following: ethical and professional knowledge in funeral service education, exposure to career options available within the funeral service field, and experiences in the application of ethical and professional skills while emphasizing aspects of public health.

This curriculum leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree and is preparatory for employment upon graduation from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. As a requirement for completion of the program, a student must take the National Board exam which is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, Inc. prior to graduation. Where transfer to a senior college or university is desired, a conference should be scheduled with a community college guidance counselor for advisement.

The Funeral Service Technology program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 3414 Ashland Ave., Suite G, St. Joseph, Missouri 64506, (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org

The annual passage rate of first-time takers on the National Board Examination (NBE) for the most recent three-year period for this institution and all AFBSE accredited funeral service education programs is posted on the ABFSE web site (www.afbse.org)

Program Goals

The Funeral Service Technology program aims and objectives are:

1. To provide an education program that will prepare the students to pass the National Board Examination or their respective state board examination.
2. To prepare the students with skills for successful employment as funeral directors and embalmers.
3. To teach the importance of maintaining public health measures and safety procedures necessary to public health in the care and disposition of dead human remains.
4. To teach the importance of ethics, law and a professional image in all aspects of Funeral Service including: pre-need, at-need, and after-care services.
5. To teach the skills needed in caring for individuals who are dying and in bereavement.
6. To teach skills necessary for mortuary management, financial accounting, and business law to enable a graduate to make financial and business decisions based on sound business principles and practices.
7. To teach students to be aware of the cultural heritage in the communities being served and changes taking place in society as well as changes in the funeral service profession. It is essential for students to stay abreast of current funeral service education and periodicals, public health suggestions and requirements, changes in local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations.
8. To assist students with the application process for the NBE prior to graduation and transition into entry level positions in the funeral service industry.
9. To encourage and provide a forum where students, faculty, and industry professionals may conduct research in the field of Funeral Service.

The aims and objectives of the Funeral Service Technology program will be achieved through persistent teaching, drill and practice sessions, computer technology, research projects, active participation in funeral service and embalming clinicals, and observation of preceptors in funeral homes.

Admission Procedure

1. Make application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Application can be completed online.
2. Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be reviewed by the Office of Admission for determination of course credits.
3. Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
4. After successful completion of all academic and entry requirements, the student may submit an Allied Health Application for Program Admission beginning April 15^th of each year for Fall entry students; and beginning August 15^th of each year for Spring entry students. Please meet with a counselor on the Perkinston Campus to submit and complete your Funeral Service Technology Program Application Packet.

Application deadline for Fall Entry programs is July ^1st. (deadline for Spring Entry programs is November 1st) All test scores, transcripts and required documentation must be received by this date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Late applications may be considered depending upon the availability of program openings.

Academic and Entry Requirements

• Achieve a minimum ACT Reading sub-score of 16 (or COMPASS equivalent = 74 Reading)
• Achieve a minimum ACT Mathematics sub-score of 16 (or COMPASS equivalent = 34 Pre-Algebra or 22 Algebra)

OR

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited Institution of Higher Learning

Selection Process

In the event the number of applicants exceeds the number of enrollment seats, program openings will be filled based on Selective Admission. Applicants are ranked based on their individual achievement test scores and prior college course work. Student ranking for entry into the FST program is based on a point system. Students are awarded points for their required ACT sub-scores (or COMPASS equivalent) or given a max score for holding a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited Institution of Higher Learning. The applicant will receive points for successful completion of BIO 2514 and BIO 2524 based on their achieved grades. Bonus points will also be awarded for those who already hold a Funeral Director’s License through a state licensing agency. Program enrollment is a floating number which can fluctuate each year based on availability of clinical rotation slots. Students who are selected are also held to the following program policies.

FST Program Policies

• A student must be deemed physically and emotionally able to meet the requirements for the FST program. Students will be required to show proof of Hepatitis B vaccination (or proof of the initiation of the immunization series) before entering the program. Immunization records are required prior to the first meeting of the program.
• Students enrolled in the Funeral Service Technology program must complete all FST courses with a grade of “C” or better in order to be eligible to register for subsequent courses and must complete all academic required core courses in the current FST curriculum with a grade of “C” or better in order to graduate.
• Adherence to additional clinical affiliation requirements may be necessary depending on clinical rotation placement. (i.e. clinical affiliate orientation, HIPPA training, CPR certification)