THE PIMS CURRICULUM
Your future starts here
SETTING YOU UP FOR SUCCESS
Our courses are designed to prepare our students to be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and skill necessary for a successful future within the funeral industry.
Not all courses listed below are required for every student. Course and program selection is based on the applicants college experience and state of licensure.
Public Health and Technical
14 minimum semester credit hours required per ABFSE Standard 5.4.1
Total Credits for Public Health and Technical:
· AST and Diploma=15 semester credit hours
· ASB=15 semester credit hours
This part of the curriculum provides the educational and technical components necessary for a student to practice as an embalmer/funeral service professional as well as an understanding of the disease process and how it relates to the embalmer/funeral service professional as a public health concern; such information also helps will help the students communicate professionally to families about causes and manners of death and related disease processes. The courses rely on pre-requisites in foundational sciences. Specifically, these courses include the following:
EMBALMING ORIENTATION (EMB 131)
2 credits; 2 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course is the first in a series of three and introduces the process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms to temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance. The subject includes the study of death of the human body, government regulations applicable to the embalming process, embalming analysis and reports, and instrumentation and various conditions encountered within human remains.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to EMB 131 is/are:
- 1.4: Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
- 1.5: Demonstrate technical skills in embalming restorative art that are necessary for the preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: None
EMBALMING I (EMB 132)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week and clinical embalming assignments.
This course is the second in a series of three that considers the process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms to temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance. The subject includes the study of death of the human body, government regulations applicable to the embalming process, embalming analysis and reports, and instrumentation and various conditions encountered within human remains. This course also considers basic principles of chemistry as they relate to funeral service. Emphasis is on the chemical principles and precautions involved in the preservation and disinfection of the dead human body.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to EMB 132 is/are:
- 1.4: Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
- 1.5: Demonstrate technical skills in embalming restorative art that are necessary for the preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: ANA 110, EMB 131
EMBALMING II (EMB 133)
2 credits; 2 hours lecture/discussion per week and clinical embalming assignments.
This course is the final class in a series of three that considers the process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms to temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance. The subject includes the study of death of the human body, government regulations applicable to the embalming process, embalming analysis and reports, and instrumentation and various conditions encountered within human remains. This course also considers basic principles of chemistry as they relate to funeral service. Emphasis is on the chemical principles and precautions involved in the preservation and disinfection of the dead human body.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to EMB 133 is/are:
- 1.4: Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
- 1.5: Demonstrate technical skills in embalming restorative art that are necessary for the preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: ANA 110, EMB 131, EMB 132
PATHOLOGY I (PAT 121)
2 credits; 2 hours lecture/discussion per week.
The study of disease processes and their impact on the human body, with emphasis on those conditions which relate to or affect the handling of human remains is considered in this first of a series of two courses.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to PAT 121 is/are:
- 1.4: Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: MIC 110
PATHOLOGY II (PAT 122)
2 credits; 2 hours lecture/discussion per week.
The study of disease processes and their impact on the human body, with emphasis on those conditions which relate to or affect the handling of human remains is considered in this second of a series of two courses.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to PAT 122 is/are:
- 2.1.4: Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: MIC 110, PAT 121
RESTORATIVE ART PRINCIPLES (RA 110)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
A survey of the basic principles of Restorative Art as they relate to Funeral Service is covered in this course. Stressed are the techniques of restoring and recreating an acceptable physical appearance of the deceased.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to RA 110 is/are:
- 1.5: Demonstrate technical skills in embalming restorative art that are necessary for the preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: ANA 110
RESTORATIVE ART LAB (RA 110L)
1 credit; 30 hours Weekend Residency with requisite virtual aids and videos presented in LMS.
The laboratory articulates the theoretical concepts which are covered in the classroom regarding the basic principles of Restorative Art as they relate to Funeral Service. Stressed are techniques of restoring and recreating an acceptable physical appearance of the decedent in a state of pathological or physical trauma using the professional materials and instruments available. Hair restorations, bone reconstruction, recreating facial features, and cosmetic techniques are also implemented during the laboratory intensive.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to RA 110L is/are:
- 1.5: Demonstrate technical skills in embalming restorative art that are necessary for the preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: ANA 110, RA 110
Business Management and Professional
16 minimum semester credit hours required per ABFSE Standard 5.4.2
· AST and Diploma=18 semester credit hours
· ASB=30 semester credit hours
This part of the curriculum provides the educational requirements for a student to understand and consider the cultural, ethnical, and religious differences of the families to assist funeral service professionals help them select the type of funeral service/arrangements that best fits their needs. Such subject matter will also prepare the student to conduct/officiate services arranged. The practitioner’s obligations to provide the details in arranging a funeral service, related paperwork, merchandise decisions, and the planning process in general. As a potential business owner or manager, the student must also be prepared with a basic understanding of accounting principles, as well as general business management and practices related to the funeral service professional. Specifically, these courses include:
AST & Diploma Curriculum Courses:
CREMATION PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES (CR 110)
3 credits: 3 hours lecture/discussion per week
The Cremation Curriculum is intended to give the student an overview of cremation topics including proper procedures, legal considerations, services, merchandise, trends, and the history of cremation. The curriculum is not crematory operator training. (Note: pursuant to a unique agreement with the Cremation Association of North America, students enrolled in CR110 are also given the opportunity to earn their CANA Certified Crematory Operator’s Certification at a minimal cost in addition to the tuition.)
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to CRM 110 is/are:
- 1.6: Demonstrate skills for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- 1.7: Describe the requirements and procedures for burials, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: None
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (ACC 110)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
An introduction to the basic principles of accounting theory. This course provides students with: an understanding of the fundamental accounting equation and inventory management procedures; description and analysis of and financial statements; an understanding of cash flow and the payroll process; definitions for the terms of depreciation. Applications to small business management, particularly funeral home operations, are made throughout the course.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to ACC 110 is/are:
-
1.9: Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
Pre-requisite courses: None
FUNERAL MANAGEMENT I (FM 121)
2 credits; 2 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course is the first of two courses that considers Funeral Directing, Funeral Merchandising, and Funeral Service Management. This course specifically focuses on the basic duties, responsibilities, and expectations of those practicing funeral service. This includes notification of death, transfer of remains, conduct of the arrangement conference, prefunded/preplanned funerals, religious practices, fraternal funerals and military honors, shipment of remains, cremation, aftercare and regulatory and legislative compliance.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to FM 121 is/are:
- 1.6: Demonstrate the need for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- 1.7: Describe the requirements and procedures for burials, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
- 1.9: Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
FUNERAL MANAGEMENT II (FM 122)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course is the second of two courses that considers Funeral Directing, Funeral Merchandising, and Funeral Service Management. This course is designed to introduce the funeral service student to the basics of merchandising as they apply to the funeral profession. Funeral providers as defined by the FTC in 1984 offer both service and merchandise. This outline considers both service and merchandise as the products provided by funeral service practitioners. The curriculum is divided into two main sections. The first covers construction and features of caskets, outer burial containers, and other funeral and cemetery products. The second section of the curriculum guideline examines methods of purchasing, pricing, display, and sale of funeral and cemetery merchandise as well as funeral and cemetery services. Additionally, this course will focus on the basic principles of Funeral Service Management. General management theory is applied to funeral service practice with a focus on concepts, functions, and areas of management. In addition, trends in funeral service and disaster preparedness are explored.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to FM 122 is/are:
- 1.6: Demonstrate the need for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- 1.7: Describe the requirements and procedures for burials, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
- 1.9: Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
Pre-requisite courses: FM 121
PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR SERIES (PSS 110)
1 credit; 3 hours per week.
This course provides the opportunity for students to interact directly with other professionals in the death care industry who bring expertise and programs to the students. A significant portion of the course material and grading is devoted to a professional review of course content and material covered to prepare the student for the profession at large as well as standardized assessments at the end of their training such as the PIMS Comprehensive Examination and the National Board Examination.
No ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes are specifically mapped to PSS 110 as it serves to review all expected outcomes for the student.
There are no pre-requisite courses, but this serves as a capstone course
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE (MGT 121)
3 credits; 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
This multi-faceted course is designed to familiarize the student with the Federal Trade Commission and the Trade Regulation Rule on Funeral Industry Practices. The Funeral Rule requires that funeral providers disclose detailed information about prices and legal requirements to persons arranging funerals. The Rule also requires disclosure of specific itemized price information and prohibits specific unfair practices and misrepresentation. This course is designed to meet the various regulatory challenges facing the small business owner today also considering other regulations applicable to funeral service, including, but not limited to: employment, cremation, embalming and decedent care.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to MGT 121 is/are:
- 1.3: Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
- 1.4: Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: None
SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (MGT 122)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course is an exploration of small business management, its benefits, and risks. Emphasis is given to business formation, development, management, and marketing. Human resources, accounting, trends, and the use of technology are also analyzed. In ACC 110, a survey specifically of accounting principles and practice to help the funeral service professional are considered with regard to business management.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to SBM 122 is/are:
-
1.9: Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
Pre-requisite courses: None
ASB Curriculum Courses:
CONTEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL ISSUES (CPI 210)
This course, included in the ASB program, considers relevant issues in the business environment while particularly emphasizing funeral service. The student will be expected to participate in researching the diverse environmental, scientific, social, political, economic, legal and ethical forces affecting the professional practitioner today. Trends are discussed and the interrelationships of these issues are explored to assist the student in assuming professional responsibility. New content on “planning the event” has been integrated into the course as consumer demand has called for customization of the funeral service.
Pre-requisite courses: None
FUNERAL SERVICE MARKETING (MKT 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, considers the aspects of effective communications strategy for advertising and selling funeral merchandise and services are reviewed. The course focuses, however, on the many marketing problems, challenges, and opportunities which face the funeral director today. Topics include consumers and their behavior, pricing and product/service strategies, pre- need sales, services marketing in the private sector, and marketing alternatives to the traditional funeral.
Pre-requisite courses: None
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HRM 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, considers the aspects of effective communications strategy for advertising and selling funeral merchandise and services are reviewed. The course focuses, however, on the many marketing problems, challenges, and opportunities which face the funeral director today. Topics include consumers and their behavior, pricing and product/service strategies, pre- need sales, services marketing in the private sector, and marketing alternatives to the traditional funeral.
Pre-requisite courses: None
RISK MANAGEMENT (RM 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, addresses the general principles of risk management and insurance. Because the use of insurance is the principal method of handling risk, the student is introduced to risk assessment techniques, insurance checklists, policy language and contracts as well as the basic types of insurance which a business owner should consider, such as property, liability, multi-peril, life, medical, disability and key-person insurance.
Pre-requisite courses: None
Social Sciences | Humanities
6 minimum semester credit hours required per ABFSE Standard 5.4.3
Total Credits for Social Sciences | Humanities:
· AST and Diploma=7 semester credit hours
· ASB=23 semester credit hours
The scope of a funeral director’s responsibilities as a counselor to bereaved families requires a thorough understanding of their feelings at the time of death and a sensitivity to their emotional needs. The subjects included in this area are designed to give the funeral director a greater awareness and a better understanding of the psychological challenges of the bereaved and to enhance and improve skills as a counselor in helping to resolve them. Being a helping profession, these courses also introduce a “human” component to assist the funeral service professional in their work as a caregiving professional. Specifically, these courses include:
AST & Diploma Curriculum Courses:
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 121)
2 credits; 2 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course focuses on introducing the basic principles of psychology; it is a pre-requisite for PSY 122, in which the principles of counseling as they relate to funeral service are introduced, including topics especially stressed such as the psychological concepts in the areas of grief, bereavement, mourning, aftercare, and crisis intervention with emphasis on the role of the funeral practitioner.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to PSY 121 is/are:
- 1.6:Demonstrate skills for conducting arrangements conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- 1.8: Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
Pre-requisite courses: None
PSYCHOLOGY OF GRIEF AND COUNSELING (PSY 122)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course expands on the basic principles of psychology presented in PSY 121 and counseling as they relate to funeral service. Especially stressed are the psychological concepts in the areas of grief, bereavement, mourning, aftercare, and crisis intervention with emphasis on the role of the funeral practitioner.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to PSY 122 is/are:
- 1.6:Demonstrate skills for conducting arrangements conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- 1.8: Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
Pre-requisite courses: PSY 121
THANATOLOGY: A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE (SOC 110)
2 credits; 2 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course offers a survey of the history of funeral service with emphasis on the individuals, events, and forces that have influenced contemporary funeral principles and practices as well as the progression of associations and education within funeral service. Also considered in this course are the basic principles of sociology as they relate to Funeral Service. Emphasis is placed on family structures, social structures, and the factors of change that relate to funeral practices.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to SOC 110 is/are:
- 1.1: Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
Pre-requisite courses: None
ASB Curriculum Courses:
DEATH AND CHILDREN (DC 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, considers that death is a natural event and it is normal for children to question it, and have fears about it. The need by parents and some professionals to protect children have contributed to many misconceptions and increased anxieties. This course will examine childhood concepts and fears of death, how to interact with a dying child/his or her parents/surviving siblings, children whose parents die, death and the adolescent, suicides by children/adolescents, and a child’s religious orientations.
Pre-requisite courses: None
GERONTOLOGY (GER 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, considers the multiple problems of the older person are examined in order to develop the sensitivity to the special needs of the aged in our society. Implications of aging on physiological, cognitive, emotional, social and economic status are addressed as well as historic, ethnic and futuristic aspects of aging.
Pre-requisite courses: None
PSYCHOLOGY OF DEATH (PSY 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, introduces basic psychological techniques as applied to an individual’s emotional and intellectual understanding of death as it impacts his/her personal life. The course will augment the studies in a number of other courses such as Thanatology and the other psychology courses offered. The importance of “coming to terms” with one’s death (whatever form this may take) is believed by many psychologists to be a central task in human development, and this course explores the manner in which one’s orientation to death impacts the course of an individual’s life. The course will examine several of the most prominent historical and contemporary individual approaches to the “meaning of death”. Implications of an individual’s orientation to his/her mortality will be considered. The student’s own understandings will be incorporated into the course material.
Pre-requisite courses: None
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (SOC 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, asks questions like: Why do people act the way they do? What makes someone more likely to be helpful or aggressive in certain situations? How does like grow into love? This course will assist in answering these questions as well as acquaint the student with the study of human behavior from the perspective of social psychology. The course is chronologically arranged so as to include not only the rich history of social psychology but also the constantly evolving future. Social psychology focuses on social perception: thinking about ourselves and others, social interaction: relating to others and social influence: changing attributes and behaviors.
Pre-requisite courses: None
WORLD RELIGIONS IN AMERICA (REL 210)
4 credits; 4 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, will survey the various religions which impact the lives of people in a most profound manner. The course examines the historical development of the religions as well as presenting a picture of the most common religions as they are today. There is also an analysis of how religion began and developed. Consideration is given to how the concepts are related to one another within a religion as well as the relationships between various religious orientations. Various views will be considered with a special focus on issues that are important in most studies of the world’s religions as practiced in America.
Pre-requisite courses: None
Legal, Ethical, Regulatory and Other
3 minimum semester credit hours required per ABFSE Standard 5.4.3
· AST and Diploma=4 semester credit hours
· ASB=4 semester credit hours
The nature of funeral service has changed dramatically in recent years and the responsibilities of the funeral service professional have expanded to include many new dimensions. Some of the most profound changes involve legal regulations governing the funeral industry and many emerging professional and ethical concerns. The following courses serve to provide the factual data necessary to address these increasingly prominent issues as well as acquainting the students with the more general legal considerations necessary for the operation of a business. Relevant issues in estate planning are also covered. A professional attitude and ethical practices are also stressed in this aspect of the curriculum. Specifically, these course include:
ETHICS (ETH 110)
1 credit; 1 hour lecture/discussion per week.
This course is a survey of professional ethics and their relation to funeral service. Proper training in ethics increases awareness of the need to build trust and rapport. This knowledge will help funeral practitioners do what is proper and in the best interest of those they serve while maintaining the public trust.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to ETH 110 is/are:
- 1.2: Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
Pre-requisite courses: None
FUNERAL SERVICE LAW (FSL 110)
3 credits; 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
The subject areas covered in Funeral Service Law are designed to introduce the student to rights, duties, and responsibilities of the funeral service practitioner and funeral establishment; including but not limited to: state and federal laws, regulations and administrative agency law pertaining to funeral service including preneed; torts involving the dead human body and the funeral service practitioner; wills, estates, probate and related matters; cemeteries, crematories and issues related to final disposition; sources of law; the legal status of the dead human body; the right to control funeral arrangements and final disposition and liability for funeral expenses; and the legal aspects of being licensed to practice in funeral service(funeral director, embalmer, etc.).
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to FSL 110 is/are:
- 1.2: Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
- 1.3: Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
- 1.7: Describe the requirements and procedures for burials, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: BL 110
GENERAL EDUCATION
Note: In accordance with American Board of Funeral Service Education Standard 5.4.5:
Each associate degree student must earn a minimum of 60 (90 quarter) credits; each bachelor degree student must earn a minimum of 120 (180 quarter) credits of which at least 25% of the total credits required by the program for earning a degree must be in general education, non-technical, courses. In addition, each student must complete sufficient general education credits to meet graduation requirements for the Associate Degree (or its equivalent) or Baccalaureate Degree as described by each state or province/territory and institution if the student is enrolled in a degree program.
· AST and Diploma=16 semester credit hours=27% of curriculum
· ASB=25 semester credit hours=26% of curriculum
ABFSE Standard 5.4 states: “The manner of inclusion of ABFSE stipulated content is left to the individual program to decide, provided the minimum content as stipulated in the following is included. Some of the current ABFSE content areas may be counted toward the general education component, as long as they are not counted toward any other portion of the ABFSE requirements.”
For all of the PIMS programs (AST, ASB, Diploma), 25% of the courses satisfy the general education requirements, however, consistent with the Standard, some ABFSE content areas are used for satisfying the gen ed components because such courses are a) not counted towards any other portion of the ABFSE requirements and b) such courses are considered to be foundation courses or pre-requisites for more specific funeral service related courses. Such courses are listed below:
AST & Diploma Curriculum Courses:
HUMAN ANATOMY (ANA 110)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
The study of the human body with particular emphasis on those systems providing the foundation for embalming, pathology, public health, and restorative art.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to ANA 110 is/are:
- 1.5: Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: None
BUSINESS LAW (BL 110)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course is a survey of the basic principles of business law as they relate to funeral service. This outline is a survey of the basic principles of business law as they relate to funeral service. Included are the bodies of law and the judicial system found in the United States of America, contracts, sales, consumer protection, bailments, employment, agency, business organizations, and insurance.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to BL 110 is/are:
- 1.2: Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
- 1.3: Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
Pre-requisite courses: None
BUSINESS MATHEMATICS / COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (BMC 110)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course examines basic mathematic principles, which will provide students with a basis for math skills needed in future educational endeavors, but they will also be imperative to manage their careers in funeral service. This course also explores the fundamentals of Microsoft Office tools with real-life applications of these tools in the funeral service.
No specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s is mapped to BMC 110.
Pre-requisite courses: None
COMMUNICATION SKILLS (COM 110)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course is a survey of the basic principles of effective communication skills as they relate to funeral service. Topics include: the communication process, language, nonverbal communication, listening, self-concept, public speaking; interpersonal, group, business communication with an emphasis on soft skills; and the use of technology in communication. . (Note: pursuant to a unique agreement with the Insight Institute, students enrolled in COM 110 are also given the opportunity to earn their designation as a Certified Celebrant at a minimal cost in addition to the tuition.)
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to COM 110 is/are:
- 1.1: Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
- 1.6: Demonstrate skills for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- 1.8: Describe methods to address the grief related needs of the bereaved.
- 1.10: Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service.
Pre-requisite courses: None
MICROBIOLOGY (MIC 110)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course is a survey of the basic principles of microbiology. It relates these principles to Funeral Service Education especially as they pertain to sanitation, disinfection, public health, and embalming practice. The development and use of personal, professional and community hygiene and sanitation are discussed.
The specific ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes/s mapped to MIC 110 is/are:
- 1.4: Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
Pre-requisite courses: None
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS (COM 100)
1 credit; 1 hour lecture/discussion per week.
This multi-faceted course is designed to assist and enhance success as a PIMS student. The course is clustered into learning modules enabling students to understand their strengths and weaknesses endemic to their particular learning style. The topics included in the learning modules are: introducing students to the funeral service profession, academic integrity, time management skills, considerations for how students learn, reading and comprehension, basic writing and researching skills including the introduction of PIMS library and resource materials available to students, math skills related to funeral service training, assessment processes, and considerations for working “in the field” as a funeral service practitioner (E.g., licensure requirements, standardized exams, need to file paperwork for trainee licenses). Additionally, this course helps students launch their Funeral Service Skills Practicum.
No ABFSE Program Learning Outcomes are specifically mapped to COM 100 as it serves to introduce all expected outcomes for the student
Pre-requisite courses: None
ASB Curriculum Courses:
ELEMENTS OF ECONOMICS (ECO 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, is an introduction to the elements of economics analysis. The student is exposed to the mechanics of the market system and a survey of modern macroeconomic theory as applied to fiscal and monetary policy affairs. An introduction to basic microeconomic theory, supply and demand analysis and application to consumer markets as well as resource markets is also covered.
Pre-requisite courses: None
ENGLISH COMPOSITION (ENG 210)
3 credits; 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, is designed to introduce the process of writing; to review the mechanics of writing: grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and sentence and paragraph organization; to challenge the student to think logically and to apply these skills in constructing clear, concise compositions.
Pre-requisite courses: None
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (BIO 210)
3 credits; 3 hours lecture/discussion per week.
This course, included in the ASB program, studies the effects of the human population on the environment and vice versa. Concepts of ecology supporting man’s life will be discussed as well as crises developing as a result of man’s exploitation of the environment. Discussions will include air and water pollution, problems of solid waste disposal, toxic hazards, energy conservation, food protection, insects and rodents.
Pre-requisite courses: None
Setting You Up for Success
Our classrooms have intimate settings, allowing for more dedicated attention to your education. The professors and staff here make it a point to be as available as possible to ensure you are getting what you need for a fulfilling and successful career in the funeral industry. We look forward to getting to know you.
KEEP EXPLORING THE PROGRAMS:
FUNERAL PRACTICUM
At PIMS, like all American Board of Funeral Service Education accredited schools, students fulfill a Funeral Service Practicum. The goal is to give the students “real-world” experience while learning the challenges facing the modern funeral director.
CLINICAL EMBALMING
PIMS offers one of the most thorough and comprehensive clinical laboratory experiences in the country.
ONLINE PROGRAMS & REQUIREMENTS
With a wealth of professional resources and facilities at your disposal PIMS offers you the space to master your passion. You’ll be amazed at what PIMS has to offer in our online degree programs.
