At PIMS, students have the option to receive transfer credit for some courses in the core mortuary science program via a test out process. A student that has a similar course must provide a transcript from an accredited institution which shows they earned a C or better AND the credit amount earned at least equals the PIMS course credit amount. In addition, a grade of 85% or higher must be earned on the test out exam.

Related-core courses are eliminated through earning Area I and Area II course credits.

These requirements are in place to ensure that the student maintains the required knowledge to pass both the PIMS Comprehensive Examination and the National Board Examination.

PIMS has been offering this alternative means of obtaining a professional education leading to either a diploma or associate degree since 2001. The courses offered via PIMS’ online campus are the same courses that are offered in-residence. The only difference is the method of delivery. While the course content is the same, there are differences in the term lengths. The campus-based programs are offered over a 15 week trimester. The courses offered via PIMS online are 8 week terms.

Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) and the Embalming and Funeral Directing Diploma Program, the Specialized Technology Associate Degree Program, the Specialized Business Associate Degree Program offered by PIMS are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org

Every state has specific requirements for licensure in Funeral Directoring and or Embalming.  Some states require a diploma, some require an associates degree, and some even require a bachelors degree.  When a student applies to the program, they will indicate the state in which they want to be licensed.  We will then advise the student on the course of study to meet the credentials required by that state.  Upon graduation and after the student has successfully completed the National Board Exam, (and for certain states, additional college credits may be required) all of the credentials will have been met to be licensed at the state level as a funeral director and/or embalmer.

The online offering of courses is designed for the student who through either personal or professional responsibilities cannot relocate to a campus-based program of instruction. Typically, students come from all walks of life and have a desire to enter funeral service. However, because of family commitments or ongoing job responsibilities they cannot attend classes at a designated time and place.

The online courses will be available on a 24×7 basis for registered students during the term of the course offering. Students will have the opportunity to study at a time more convenient to their own lifestyle. However, assignments will be made with due dates, as with campus instruction. Students will be expected to complete assignments and meet all other course requirements when due.

The student has the flexibility to study and meet course assignments around other family and personal responsibilities. Students are expected log on daily to participate in a text-based discussion on the course material which, in most cases, will be able to be done at a time convenient to the student.

The advantages of the online modality for educational delivery at PIMS are obvious:

• The student need not leave home in order to obtain the education necessary for career objectives.
• Current jobs and family obligations need not be terminated or interrupted as the student pursues educational goals.
• The student is able to save considerable expenses related to relocation to an on-campus setting.

The disadvantages of online may not be so obvious:

• While it may sound “convenient” to stay at home to pursue one’s educational objectives, online alternatives are not suited for everyone.
• Socialization and direct face-to-face interaction with other students and faculty will be noticeably absent.
• The student that pursues a distance education alternative will note that the courses are offered in an accelerated time-line. There are 8 week terms, as opposed to typical 15 week terms on-campus. Accelerated terms will require a dedicated commitment.
• There are technology requirements for all students taking any courses but especially applies to those that primarily use technology.
• A relationship with a funeral home for clinical and practical experience will be necessary.

It is necessary for the student to fill out the PIMS online application that can be found here on our website.  Accompanying this application, there is a checklist of items that are required to be submitted after the application for evaluation.  Once all of these items are collected, the application will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee.         

Students must submit the application for admission as required of its campus-based students. One of the most important considerations regarding admission is that each state determines the educational requirements for its funeral directors and embalmers. The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science will be happy to assist students with questions regarding any particular state’s requirements for licensure.

Students must meet the requirements of the various regulatory agencies for funeral service in the state of intended licensure. Advisory services are available at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science to assist the student in this regard.

The restorative art laboratory and clinical embalming laboratories are a necessary and integral part of funeral service education. The restorative art laboratory will require the student to be on campus at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science for a period generally not to exceed 3 class days. The out-of-pocket expenses associated with the visit are the responsibility of the student.

The clinical embalming laboratory is administered in conjunction with PIMS preceptor partnerships at a funeral home convenient to the student. It will be the responsibility of the student to identify possible preceptors acceptable to Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Inc. with which the Institute will partner. Participation agreements will be engaged and responsibilities and requirements of both the student and preceptor will be identified and delineated.

PIMS has a referral service in place which is available at no charge to either graduate or employer.  Job opportunities brought to the attention of PIMS are referred to interested students and graduates, and are posted on campus and on the Alumni & Resources page.

Courses are offered in a particular sequence. During enrollment you are provided your course list in the order in most cases they need to be taken.

• Your courses are auto scheduled for you by the Registrar during your course breaks
• You do not need to register for courses, we take care of it for you
• You can follow provided course schedule for the entirety of your program

Any other request for course registration which requires a departure from the normal sequence will be determined solely on a case-by-case basis and will require administrative approval.

The AST Degree requires the student have earned at least 30 semester credits within 2 distribution areas prior to application to Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. The Diploma does not require any prior college experience but it is accepted in only a limited amount of states.

In order to qualify for graduation, the student must meet the following requirements:

• Satisfactory completion of the prescribed program (Diploma, AST Degree or ASB Degree) with a Grade Point Average of not less than that equivalent to a “C,” with no final grade of “F” in any
• Practical requirements, including clinical embalming, funeral service practicum, and restorative art must be completed and approved by the
• Earn a passing grade on the PIMS Comprehensive
• Complete freedom from all indebtedness to the
• Satisfactory compliance with regard to financial aid requisites (if applicable)

Book lists are provided to the student body ahead of each term. At the top of the PIMS website there is a link to PIMSBooks. Books can be purchased from this virtual bookstore or students may purchase books from any vendor of their choice. It is advisable that the student obtain books far enough in advance of the term start date to allow for sufficient delivery time.

The supplies used for both the Restorative Are Laboratory and the Embalming Laboratory will be provided to students when they visit the Institute for these lab experiences.

Yes. Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science was a pioneer in online education for funeral service and with the popularity of online learning we receive more applicantions than we can accept per start period.  New cohorts are limited to less than 30 seats to ensure a quality experience and more time with instructors. A waitlist will be applied when needed.