ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Explore the art of mortuary science
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Get ready to embark on a journey of learning the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to work in the funeral industry. PIMS is your key to success.
CURRICULUM
Our programs offers a unique opportunity to apply what you are learning while you are learning it. Applicable hands on experiences are paired with classroom theory. An exceptional campus with an outstanding embalming facility.
PROGRAMS
Our learning system provides a wealth of professional resources and it brings the campus to life for our students, both online and offline. PIMS offers you the space to master your passion. You’ll be amazed at what PIMS has to offer in each of our programs.
PROGRAMS
Our learning system provides a wealth of professional resources and it brings the campus to life for our students, both online and offline. PIMS offers you the space to master your passion. You’ll be amazed at what PIMS has to offer in each of our programs.
MISSION STATEMENT
Embracing such ideals as diversity, integrity, and kindness, Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) provides a robust, yet ethical learning environment in which all stakeholders are considered and students are inspired to practice service excellence. By valuing such virtues and emphasizing service, the family of faculty and administrative professionals at PIMS are empowered to provide an educational experience that epitomizes the need to respect the specific wishes of every bereaved family served, while honoring the decedents entrusted to their care. Whether it is on campus or online, the vision of the Pittsburgh Institute is to always provide an educational experience that helps to shape the future of the global death care community, while addressing the pragmatic business needs of individual funeral homes to continue compassionately serving their publics at large.
WHAT TO EXPECT
PRACTICAL REAL-WORLD TRAINING
CLINICIAL EMBALMING EXPERIENCE
ADVANCED RESTORATIVE ART TRAINING
DIVERSE TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
HAVE QUESTIONS?
What are the names of the programs?
Depending on the requirements of your state, you may be enrolled into the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences, the Associate in Specialized Business Degree, or the Diploma in Embalming and Funeral Directing Program.
How long are the programs?
The length of your program will depend upon your selection of online or campus delivery. Online programs are two years. If you decide to attend on campus, you will have the option to select the standard or the accelerated pace. If you select the standard pace, which considered more part-time, the campus program could be up to two years and eight months. If the accelerated program option is selected (campus only), the program could be as little as one calendar year.
What do I need to enroll?
Please visit our Admission Requirement page to view what is needed to enter our programs. Let our Admissions Office guide you through both the PIMS’ admission requirements and your state’s educational requirements.
How do I find out what my state’s educational requirements are?
The National Funeral Director Association provides access to all state board’s contact information. We highly suggest that you contact your state board to find out if there are preliminary requirements and if a student trainee registration is needed. Laws and regulations can change; check your state website frequently.
If I attend online, do I have to visit the campus?
Yes, there are campus visits required. A campus based Restorative Art Laboratory is required along with an PIMS Comprehensive Examination, and a Embalming Test Out process which is also done on campus. Additional, visits are optional such as: celebrant training, various third-party educational seminars, and job fairs.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost will be determined by the program that you are enrolled in and the number of credits required for that program. Please visit the Tuition and Fees section of this site to view more information.
What is your transfer of credit policy?
Due to the unique nature of the subject matter that we teach, it can be difficult to transfer credits: especially for those courses oriented towards Funeral Service. Our goal is to give you an unparalleled education that will lead to successfully passing the National Board Examination. We have test-out options for courses that are more general in nature. Our Bulletin has the full Transfer of Credit Policy.
How do I complete my clinical and practical experience if I decide to attend online?
PIMS has an extensive network of funeral homes that we work with, but we may not have contacts near you. It is highly recommended that you work to form a relationship with a funeral home located near you, prior to enrolling, in which to complete this clinical experience.
Will PIMS help me to find an internship/job when I graduate?
PIMS has a referral service in place which is available at no charge to graduate or employer. Job opportunities brought to the attention of PIMS are posted on the Alumni & Resources page.
Ready to start your next journey with us?
