Funeral Services 4094

Funeral Service Education

FUNERAL SERVICE EDUCATION

PROGRAM MISSION

The Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service Education at West Georgia Technical College prepares students to serve their communities with professionalism, compassion, and technical expertise. Grounded in the College’s mission to support student success and economic development through relevant education and training, this program equips future funeral service professionals with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to meet industry standards and community needs.

Students will be trained in key areas such as mortuary science, restorative art, funeral home operations, bereavement care, legal compliance, and ethical service delivery. Emphasis is placed on business management, regulatory practices, and the interpersonal skills necessary to support families with dignity during times of loss.

This program is designed to foster excellence and innovation in the funeral service profession and to cultivate graduates who are career-ready and committed to upholding the highest standards of care. Successful completion of the National Board Examination is required for graduation, reinforcing our commitment to producing a highly skilled, licensed workforce that contributes meaningfully to Georgia’s economy and well-being.

Funeral Service Education Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of an accredited program, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
  2. Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
  3. Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
  4. Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
  5. Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
  6. Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
  7. Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
  8. Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
  9. Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
  10. Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice.

Important Accreditation Statement: 

CAUTION: This program is pursuing accreditation but is NOT accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Until accreditation is achieved, students graduating from this program are NOT eligible to take any licensing examination that requires graduation from an ABFSE accredited program.