2009-2010

Funeral Service 
 Associate in Applied Science Degree — West Allis Campus

Program Code: 10-528-1

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2009 semester.

Overview — Funeral Service is an associate degree program that prepares you for a career as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. A one-year apprenticeship must be served before or after the Funeral Service program. The program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE, 3432 Ashland Avenue, St. Joseph, MO, 64506, 816-233-3747. Web: www.ABFSE.org) and is recognized by the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Examining Board. This program offers the advantages of on-campus laboratories fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The curriculum provides instruction through lab and role-playing experiences to develop skills in arrangement interviewing, merchandising and conducting of funerals. The Funeral Service Internship (FUNERL-105) is a required component of the program.

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

Career Outlook — There continues to be high demand for licensed funeral directors and embalmers. For additional career information, visit www.wfda.org,  www.nfda.org or www.ABFSE.org

Program Learning Outcomes — Employers expect a new licensee to:

• Prepare the dead human body for viewing, including case analysis, embalming, cosmetizing and restorations
• Comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards
• Demonstrate the abilities to coordinate people and activities
• Anticipate and meet the needs of mourners in a tactful, discreet and compassionate manner
• Apply counseling skills to the arrangement of funerals
• Be familiar with the burial rituals of various religious faiths and fraternal organizations

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A minimum of 57 college semester credits from an accredited college (including MATC) or university, with a grade of C or better, is required before entering the Funeral Service Associate Degree program.
• As part of the 57 credits mentioned above, the General Studies and Elective Courses must be completed as prerequisites to the Funeral Service Technical Studies Courses. These courses may be taken at any accredited college or university.
• Upon completion of the General Studies and Elective Courses taken at another college or university, the MATC Funeral Service Program counselor must be notified to determine eligibility for acceptance into Funeral Service Technical Studies Courses.
• The Technical Studies Courses must be taken at MATC West Allis Campus.
• Documentation that the Essential Job Functions for a funeral director/embalmer have been reviewed.
• Proper immunizations (HBV) are required.
  

Licensing Examinations— Students are required to take the National Board Examination of the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards during their internship (FUNERL-105) as a prerequisite to graduation. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the State of Wisconsin Funeral Directors Examination.


 This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Related Programs:

Human Service Associate
Liberal Arts and Sciences

For more information, call 414-456-5310.

Curriculum effective 2009-2010.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

For course descriptions, times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.