Current Size: 100%
Funeral Service Education |
School of Health Sciences |
Program Availability |
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Type:
Diploma
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Campus:
North
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Program Code:
07321 |
Length:
Four semesters, beginning in September
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CONTACT INFORMATION: Anthony Natolino, professor | 416.675.6622 ext. 5769 | anthony.natolino@humber.ca
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Students worldwide come to Humber to attend our Funeral Service Education program, which covers all aspects of funeral home operation, as well as the practical and theoretical sides of funeral service. You will build upon your excellent communications skills through behavioural science courses. A business management course helps students understand the challenges of operating a business. Students accumulate the necessary practical experience through a combination of lab work at Humber facilities and one-year internships with co-operating funeral homes in Ontario.
Humber is a leading-edge facility in every respect. Teachers are licensed funeral directors with specializations in different capacities. They periodically work in the field and regularly attend professional association meetings ensuring material is current, relevant and covers all angles.
You will spend the entire second year interning at an actual funeral home. All course work is completed via correspondence during this internship. It’s a unique and integral offering of this program and will provide you with the real life skills necessary for success in funeral services.
In class, you will work together in small groups allowing for solid friendships to form, as these future relationships are necessary for success in the funeral industry - establishing bonds and quickly is key to providing support for a grieving family.
Once licensed, graduates are eligible to work in any of Ontario's 564 funeral homes and find easy transfer toward licensing in other provinces.
Industry partners make this program a success. Our partnership with the BoFS allows students to complete of their education while performing an internship. As a result, many of Ontario's funeral homes are also partners in ensuring students receive relevant practical experience as part of their education.
They also assist in the selection process of students for this program. One of the admissions requirements is previous observation or work in a funeral home. Funeral directors who supervise this experience provide evaluation of a candidate's suitability.
Be part of the culturally diverse student population of Humber. The average age of students at Humber is 26 years old, but students range from recent high school graduates to students with children of high school age. There will always be students just like you with similar experiences and goals.
For more information visit Fees and Financial Assistance.
Approximately $1,200 for textbooks and lab fees in year one.
Why did you choose Humber?
There is a good reputation to the program, and FSE is only offered in English at Humber.
What are your career aspirations?
I am looking forward to working in funeral services for a number of years, but it is comforting and encouraging to know that the skills I have developed in this program are applicable to any avenue I choose to take.
How have the faculty helped you on your road to reaching your goals?
The faculty are not only highly skilled in their field; they care very much about the success of the students and are invested in us. I have always been met with an open door and an encouraging smile. They are exceptional.
What would you say has been the single best learning experience in the program you are in?
Having the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the industry in a controlled setting has allowed me not just to make mistakes, but to learn from them. I am more confident in my abilities because of it.
What elements of the program are best preparing you for your career?
The program is so uniquely structured that every day is a learning experience. The hands on practice, the theory and the personal interaction are all shaping me to be the best I possibly can.
Would you recommend this program to others, and why?
Absolutely. The program not only prepares you for a career in funeral services, but it has helped to make me a more rounded person.
Why did you choose Humber?
There is a good reputation to the program, and FSE is only offered in English at Humber.
What are your career aspirations?
I am looking forward to working in funeral services for a number of years, but it is comforting and encouraging to know that the skills I have developed in this program are applicable to any avenue I choose to take.
How have the faculty helped you on your road to reaching your goals?
The faculty are not only highly skilled in their field; they care very much about the success of the students and are invested in us. I have always been met with an open door and an encouraging smile. They are exceptional.
What would you say has been the single best learning experience in the program you are in?
Having the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the industry in a controlled setting has allowed me not just to make mistakes, but to learn from them. I am more confident in my abilities because of it.
What elements of the program are best preparing you for your career?
The program is so uniquely structured that every day is a learning experience. The hands on practice, the theory and the personal interaction are all shaping me to be the best I possibly can.
Would you recommend this program to others, and why?
Absolutely. The program not only prepares you for a career in funeral services, but it has helped to make me a more rounded person.
Semester 1 | ||
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
| BIOS 101 | Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology 1Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology 1Course Code: BIOS 101 Credits: 4 This course is required for students in the Funeral Services Education, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant, Paramedic, Practical Nursing, and programs in the School of Health Sciences. It is designed for those with limited background in human biology. With a focus on anatomy, structure and function of the human body will be discussed to provide a background, which will enable the student to understand the basic concepts of health and of disease. | 4 |
| BIOS 102 | Basic MicrobiologyBasic MicrobiologyCourse Code: BIOS 102 Credits: 1 In order to prevent the spread of infection to themselves, their colleagues, and to others, it is necessary for health care and funeral service workers to understand certain fundamental concepts of microbiology. This course will introduce the student to the common micro-organisms, their unique characteristics, and their relationship to the human population. Also discussed will be the modes of transmission of a select group of pathogenic micro-organisms, the prevention and control of infection, and the body's defence mechanisms. | 1 |
| FSER 101 | Embalming Lab 1Embalming Lab 1Course Code: FSER 101 Credits: 3 This course will introduce the student to a variety of techniques that may be utilized in embalming. Students will work in small groups for embalming practice, then from the small group practice students will prepare lab reports and present their cases in class to fellow students. Hypothetical cases will also be used. | 3 |
| FSER 102 | Embalming Theory 1Embalming Theory 1Course Code: FSER 102 Credits: 4 This course will cover the responsibilities of funeral service personnel related to the technical aspects of embalming, as well as historical development and theoretical principles of embalming. | 4 |
| FSER 103 | Orientation to Funeral Service 1Orientation to Funeral Service 1Course Code: FSER 103 Credits: 4 This course is an introduction to funeral service as it is practiced currently in North America. The history and evolution of the profession are examined. Customs are compared with those of other countries. Past, present and future roles of the funeral director are discussed. The students are introduced to funeral service procedures, practices and equipment that are common to most funeral home operations in Canada. Pertinent provincial legislation is discussed. Students develop some specific skills regarding effective and appropriate communication in funeral service. | 4 |
| FSER 104 | Ethical Issues in Funeral ServicesEthical Issues in Funeral ServicesCourse Code: FSER 104 Credits: 2 In this course students will be introduced to a number of ethical issues in funeral service. They will examine two fundamental questions from several perspectives: "How do we best care for the dead?" and, "How do we best care for the living?" We will focus on “How do we run an ethical funeral service?” Students will be exposed to reading materials published in various funeral service trade magazines. They will be challenged to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and through discussion to explore those held by others. | 2 |
| HUMA 024 | Humanities: An Introduction to Arts and ScienceHumanities: An Introduction to Arts and ScienceCourse Code: HUMA 024 Credits: 3 The Humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts.
The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The Humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.
ESL students should consider taking the ESL Humanities course. Students may transfer into
ESL Humanities (HESL 024) either at the Registrar?s Office or the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Office (K201) on a first-come, first-served basis before the Last Day to Add. | 3 |
| LANG 102 | Writing Skills for Funeral Service Education and Practical NursingWriting Skills for Funeral Service Education and Practical NursingCourse Code: LANG 102 Credits: 3 Writing Skills for Funeral Service Education and Practical Nursing students requires students to become familiar with the fundamentals of analytical reading and writing, both in academia and in the workplace. Students will learn to communicate clearly, accurately, and objectively about relevant vocational subjects and support the application of these skills in all program areas. | 3 |
Semester 2 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| BIOS 201 | PathologyPathologyCourse Code: BIOS 201 Credits: 3 This course is an overview of common diseases affecting the human organism. It provides Funeral Service Education students with the terminology, and causes and manifestations of common diseases they will need to communicate with medical personnel and the public. | 3 |
| FSER 201 | Embalming Lab 2Embalming Lab 2Course Code: FSER 201 Credits: 3 This course is a continuation of the practice and approach used in Embalming Lab 1. During this course, students are required to incorporate the material from all related courses completed or in process. | 3 |
| FSER 202 | Embalming Theory 2Embalming Theory 2Course Code: FSER 202 Credits: 4 Embalming Theory 2 will expand on the Embalming Theory 1. Disease processes and their influence on embalming procedures will be examined in order for the student, after consideration of the theory, to select the most appropriate procedure to follow. | 4 |
| FSER 203 | Orientation to Funeral Service 2Orientation to Funeral Service 2Course Code: FSER 203 Credits: 4 This course is a continuation of FSER 103 Orientation to Funeral Service 1. The students will continue to be introduced to funeral service procedures and practices, as well as religious and fraternal rites and rituals. Current and future roles of the funeral director will be discussed in relationship to these practices. Students will be exposed to the theory of interviewing and will develop some basic skills regarding arrangement counselling. Students develop some specific skills regarding equipment use. | 4 |
| FSER 205 | Restorative ArtRestorative ArtCourse Code: FSER 205 Credits: 3 The general topic of restorative art will be covered in each of its classifications as follows: reduction of swelling; treatment of emaciation; treatment of trauma; treatment of erosion; the application of cosmetics, professional and commercial. This course will include theory, demonstration and practice in simulated conditions. Students will develop some specific skills in each of the previously mentioned areas. | 3 |
| FSER 206 | Issues in Grief and Bereavement for Funeral ServiceIssues in Grief and Bereavement for Funeral ServiceCourse Code: FSER 206 Credits: 4 This course will involve an in-depth examination of psychological concepts in the areas of grief, bereavement and mourning, with particular emphasis on the roles of the funeral director in relation to these concepts. It will also investigate the role of the funeral director as a facilitator of the funeral service, crisis intervener and after care counsellor. | 4 |
| MKTG 930 | Funeral Services - Small Business ManagementFuneral Services - Small Business ManagementCourse Code: MKTG 930 Credits: 4 This course is an introductory business course examining the roles of marketing, accounting, finance, operations and human resource management in an organization, to determine how each function supports the overall objectives of the organization. The emphasis will be on the legal, social, business, pragmatic and contemporary needs of the funeral service professional. | 4 |
Semester 3 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| FSER 301 | Theoretical Applications 1 Theoretical Applications 1Course Code: FSER 301 Credits: 4 This course offered through correspondence during the fall semester of the in-service year, consists of four assignments designed to help the student relate theory to practice in various aspects of the profession. | 4 |
Semester 4 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| FSER 401 | Theoretical Applications 2Theoretical Applications 2Course Code: FSER 401 Credits: 4 As in FSER 301Theoretical Applications 1, this course consists of correspondence assignments designed to help the student relate theory to practice in additional aspects of the profession. | 4 |
Spring Session | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| FSER 501 | Theoretical Applications 3 (On-Campus)Theoretical Applications 3 (On-Campus)Course Code: FSER 501 Credits: 3 This is the final course in the Funeral Service Education program. It is delivered on campus during the spring semester and provides for total program review, discussion of current professional issues and preparation for licensing examinations. | 3 |
Humber offers pathways from Ontario college diplomas to Humber degrees. Find out where your diploma can take you.
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