ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
Everything you need to know about the application process and the PIMS requirements
Follow Your Servant’s Heart into Funeral Service
Have you ever felt a genuine pull toward supporting individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging moments? Funeral service is a profession rooted in compassion, resilience, and purpose. It takes someone special to guide others through loss with professionalism and care. If you feel called to make a meaningful difference when others need it most, you may have found your calling.
Are you a helper?
ABFSE Reaccredited for 7 Years – Established in 1939 – Campus & Online Programs – Extensive Hands-On Clinical Training
BEFORE YOU APPLY
What You Should Know
Take Time to Job Shadow
Funeral service professionals do much more than most people realize. We care for the deceased and the people who loved them. Before committing to this educational path, we strongly encourage prospective students to spend time observing professionals in the field. Job shadowing can provide valuable insight into the realities and rewards of funeral service.
Is this your calling?
The Admissions process is Competitive
PIMS seeks students who demonstrate the potential to meet licensing requirements and uphold the responsibilities of the funeral service profession. Admission decisions consider academic preparation, application completeness, timeliness, and other factors relevant to student success.
Submitting an application does not guarantee admission.
State Licensing Requirements Matter
Each state establishes its own funeral service licensing requirements. While PIMS is committed to helping students understand their state’s expectations, licensing requirements can change over time. Ultimately, students are responsible for understanding the requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
What will you learn?
Funeral service education combines science, art, psychology, business management, communication, and religious and cultural understanding. At PIMS, students receive training in funeral directing, embalming, and cremation. We do not teach forensic science or autopsy procedures.
We do not teach autopsies or forensic investigations
Professional Expectations
Funeral service is a profession built on trust, integrity, and professionalism. Students should understand that state licensing boards may require criminal background checks, and personal conduct, both in person and online, may be considered throughout the admissions process and future employment opportunities.
Applicants are encouraged to present themselves in a manner consistent with the expectations of the profession.
Choose Your Path
Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the immersive experience of campus life, PIMS offers options designed to help you reach your goals in funeral service.
CAMPUS
Experience funeral service education in person through hands-on instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, and meaningful connections with classmates and faculty. Choose from traditional or accelerated pathways while developing the skills needed for professional practice.
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Hands-on learning experiences
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Standard and Accelerated Pacing
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Access to campus facilities and resources
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Build relationships with classmates and faculty
ONLINE
Designed for working adults and students who need flexibility, our online programs allow you to complete coursework from home while preparing for a rewarding career in funeral service. Clinical experiences are completed within your local community.
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Flexible asynchronous coursework
- Continue working while attending school
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Clinical experiences in your community
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Learn from experienced PIMS faculty
Enrollment Cycle at PIMS
PIMS offers multiple opportunities throughout the year to begin your journey into funeral service. Both our Campus and Online programs offer several start dates, allowing you to choose the enrollment cycle that best fits your personal and professional goals.
Because admission to PIMS is selective and class sizes are limited, submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Class sizes are limited, students are encouraged to apply several months before their desired start date
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Campus Start Dates:
January 20, 2026 – May 11, 2026 – September 8, 2026
Online Start Dates:
January 12, 2026 – June 1, 2026 – October 19, 2026
The steps when applying to PIMS:
Step 1 - Complete the Application
Complete and submit your APPLICATION
– A non-refundable $50 application fee is required at the time of submission
Step 2 - Submit Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from your high school and/or post-secondary institution directly to PIMS through the issuing institution or an approved electronic transcript service.
Transcripts sent by the applicant they are not considered official.
Step 3 - Complete the Health Screening Form
Review the CHECKLIST & HEALTH SCREENING FORM
Download and complete the Health Screening Form using the instructions provided. To ensure consistency, all required health information must be submitted on this form.
Step 4 - Submit a Headshot
Professional photography is not required. Choose a clear, recent photo that reflects the professionalism expected within funeral service.
Refrain from using heavy filters or overly cropping.
Step 5 - Provide Proof of Health Insurance
Submit proof of active health insurance coverage. All students enrolled at PIMS must have health insurance during the enitre duration of their program.
Step 6 - Submit your supporting documents
Materials may be submitted by…
Email: admissions@pims.edu
Mail: 5808 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Fax: 412-362-1684
*** Step 7 - Additional Requirements for Consortium Students ***
If you are in a capstone or consortium program, there are a few extra steps to take.
Please Visit the Consortium page for more information and then complete the Consortium Application
Admissions Review Considerations
Once all required materials have been received, the Admissions Team will review your application and contact you regarding your admission status or request additional materials.
Legal History & Licensing Requirements
Funeral service is a licensed profession, and many states require criminal background checks as part of the licensing process. Requirements regarding legal history vary by state, and certain offenses may affect an individual’s ability to obtain a funeral service license. Prospective students are encouraged to review the requirements of the state in which they intend to practice and contact their state licensing board with any questions.
Educational History
Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential (GED) and demonstrate academic readiness for funeral service education.
Applicants who graduated high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher meet the academic requirement for admission consideration.
Applicants whose high school GPA falls below 2.3 may still be eligible for admission after successfully completing at least 12 college credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3.
Professional Conduct & Employability
Funeral service is a profession built on trust, integrity, and professionalism. Employers, licensing boards, and members of the public place significant trust in funeral service professionals during some of life’s most difficult moments.
As part of the admissions review process, applicants should understand that their public online presence and professional conduct may be considered. Students admitted to PIMS are expected to uphold standards of behavior consistent with the expectations of the funeral service profession, both during their education and throughout their careers.
The Institute reserves the right to consider conduct that may negatively impact a student’s ability to successfully complete the program, obtain professional licensure, or secure employment within the profession.
NEXT STEPS
What happens after you apply?
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Once your application and supporting materials are submitted, your application is sent to the Admission Committee for review
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A decision from the Admission Committee will be emailed to the address provided on your application
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If accepted, you will work with our Enrollment Office to complete the required paperwork and you will participate in a specialized orientation
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If you push your start date back, the next start date is not guaranteed and applications are kept for one calendar year
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If denied, an applicant can reapply in one year or obtain additional college credits with 2.3 or greater and reapply at that time
Veteran Benefit questions can be directed to Ms. Kelchis, VA Certifying Official at kradziewicz@pims.edu.
Students with disabilities can view the schools policy for assistance here.
QUICK LINKS TO WHAT YOU NEED:
Come visit us sometime
Join one of our GROUP TOURS, click here and locate the dates in blue to RSVP. Details are within the link.
PIMS is located in East Liberty, a trendy neighborhood just a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh. While we do not have student housing, the PIMS Housing Help Sheet can assist in getting you started with your search.
Please contact our Admission Office at admissions@pims.edu or at 412-362-8500 if you have any questions!